Amitabh Bachchan: Audiences don't like the films they're being made to see

'I do not see any reason to pen an autobiography as it would be a most futile experiment in self-aggrandisement'

'Deepika is a wonderful costar. There is a certain warmth about her which flows not just on set, but off it too'

As Shoojit Sircar's Piku gets ready to hit screens May 8, Amitabh Bachchan, who plays one of the central characters in the film, discusses films and family with Subhash K Jha.

Piku, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan has been creating a lot of buzz with its breezy trailer.

Exploring the relationship between a quirky father-daughter duo, the film also stars Irrfan Khan in an unusual role as Deepika's love interest.

However, its the Big B's erratic Bengali father in the film that has grabbed the most attention.

You play a cranky father who is obsessed with his bowel movements in Piku. How did you approach this character?

I had no known reference and neither was I given one. This is the writer’s and the director’s view of what the character should be.

As an actor employed by the production, I follow what is professionally desired of me.

Deepika plays your beleaguered daughter again after Aarakshan. 

I am not so sure that she is beleaguered. She is my daughter, though, in Piku, and as coartists we develop, or aim to develop, the kind of relationship the script demands.

In that sense there is, and I would imagine, should be, a so called ‘bonding’ between us.

Is there a special bonding between the two of you?

Deepika is a wonderful costar. There is a certain warmth about her which flows not just on set, but off it too.

I love such qualities in people.

With our age difference and the character impersonation in our film, she comes across just perfectly.

Your wife (Jaya Bachchan) is Bengali. How Bengali did Piku make you feel?

Having Shoojit, a Bengali, as director helped immensely. Nuanced behaviour, language, appearance and look, all were meticulously worked on.

Of course, there have been some compromises because we are making a Hindi film after all, and had to make those few adjustments for its universal context.

But the essence will be quite visible we hope. Regional colours have always enhanced our creative palette, and they have been accepted and enjoyed by audiences.

What was the experience of working in Kolkata like?

Enchanting!

Did you draw from your own experiences with your daughter to play this character?

No, I did not. I did not find any reason to.

The script spoke well enough, and the brilliant writing by Juhiji (Juhi Chaturvedi), never required any outside inspiration.

Piku gave you the chance to reunite with one of your early costars, Moushumi Chatterjee (they did Manzil and Benaam together). What was that experience like?

Moushumi has not changed at all. She was Moushumi then, she is Moushumi now!

The year 2015 has been pretty dismal for Hindi cinema.  Why are films not doing well?

Audiences don't like what they are being made to see, simple.

What other films have you signed?

After Piku there is Wazir, jointly produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Raju Hirani and directed by Bejoy Nambiar.

It releases on October 2, 2015.

There are two or three other projects on the anvil. It would not be prudent or ethical to announce them just yet.

You recently paid a very successful visit to Egypt. You are seen as India's most effective cultural ambassador. Do you enjoy that role?

I was in Egypt for the opening of the India by the Nile festival. 

Egypt has been a most warm and affectionate country not just to Indian films but to India as well. 

These very consummate epithets that you structure around my name are unacceptable and not desired by me, but if my presence can bring glory and commendation to my country, I would gladly be involved in any such enterprise.

You have played an amazing range of characters. Is there any character you still wish to play?

I hope so. But I cannot say what it is. That would be for the directors to decide.

Your daughter Shweta is a fine writer. Do you read her column?

Yes, I do. I get to read it before it goes to press!

Do you see Shweta as a worthy descendant of your illustrious father?

All descendents are considered to be worthy in my thinking, whether they follow the antecedents or not.

Genes do have the habit of bringing in a biological connect. If you feel Shweta has it, I am happy.

You are a formidable writer yourself and your blog is testimony to that.  Don’t you want to write an autobiography?

I am neither formidable nor a writer. My blog is no testimony of it. In fact, I find it quite ordinary.

I do not see any reason to pen an autobiography. That would be a most futile experiment in self-aggrandisement.

Kaun Banega Crorepati, which you hosted, is a benchmark for non-fiction shows on television. Even your other show Yudh pales in comparison.

I have been with the show now for almost 14 years. Over 600 episodes of anchoring, and approximately 1020 contestants in the Hot Seat in front of me. 

This is in itself a staggering experience. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity.

Your son Abhishek's film Happy New Year was a blockbuster.

Yes, it was, and I am happy with its success and the attention it got for Abhishek.

What do you think of Abhishek’s new role as sports ambassador for kabaddi and football?

Passion should be garnered. Abhishek has that passion for the sport and he is following it to the best of his ability.