Big B follows Salman Khan’s steps

Amitabh Bachchan is all geard up to promote his upcoming release Teen Patti. And if sources are to be believed, he will be doing so on the reality show ‘Dance India Dance’. Salman Khan too was recently invited on the show whose shooting is going to be wrapped up by Jan 12.

“Bachchan has been invited on the show so that 18 finalists left can seek his blessings and go ahead with the competition. Amitabh will talk about Teen Patti and thus, will introduce his film to every household watching television.”

Khabroo goes on, “The shooting process the episode is not yet done but will telecast on 29th of this month. It will be great fun when Big B with his different style will give some dancing tips to the contestants.

“Big B is likely to put on his dancing shoes and shake legs with Mithun Chakrobarthy,” source adds

Shweta and Aishwarya cannot

It is always a pleasure to talk to a man like Amitabh Bachchan because his baritone is like music to the ears; his impeccable manners make you wonder whatever happened to the young men out there and the laugh – the one you’ve heard so many times on screen – makes you want to laugh back, loud
and clear.

The only problem is getting that interview! No, we are not talking about starry tantrums. Big is the last one to throw one. But with twenty people going crazy with flashbulbs in front of you, it’s hard to talk to him about more personal things like his relationship with his bahu, beti and family. But still we asked anyway. And he answered...

You say Aishwarya is like a daughter to you. How is she similar to Shweta?

[Laughs] Of course, there can never be physical similarities between two different people. So there is no comparison there, but the similarities come in when you are talking about warmth and affection. Both of them are very family oriented and loving.

With all of you leading such busy lives in your family, when do you meet?

We try to have one meal together and that is usually our dinner. We catch up at the dinner table and talk about our day. This is one of the nicest times of our day.

What is a day like in the life of Amitabh Bachchan?

It starts as early as 5am when I go to the gym. Then I am off to the studio. Since I am now working in the television show Bigg Boss, I have to go to their studio which is a bit far from my home and takes me around two hours to reach. So I have to be off really early in order to reach on time. My day usually revolves around my work schedule.

How is the Bigg Boss experience different from KBC?

It is very interesting to get into the minds of people who are locked up in a house for months. It is a very interesting psychological study and I am enjoying it thoroughly.

Did you do your own psychological study for Paa?

Yes I did. It was very important to do so to get into the skin of Auro, how he talks, how he thinks and how he reacts to situations.

You won the Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF. How many lifetime achievement awards have you won till date?

I can’t tell you off-hand, I will have to get in touch with my Mumbai office to give you the exact number of awards I have got. [WOW!]

Big B Wants to see his forefathers Territory in Pakistan

Well Amitabh Bachchon Accepts that his forefathers Belonged to Pakistan.His Mother was borned in Lyallpur(Faisalabad)and she was studied in Lahore.

His Grand Father was Practicing in Karachi.These all happened when he gave an interview to Geo news in Dubai film festival.He also said that he loves Pakistan and wants to go Pakistan to meet his fans.

Also i Want to see my forefathers birth places.Ithink I would be warm welcome in Pakistan.Geo news said a large number of people waiting for him. They want to see her hero in real. Amitabh said I will Visit Pakistan soon.

Big B dozes off at a felicitation ceremony

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan's workaholism is well known. Little wonder that he dozed off at a felicitation ceremony in Chennai.

Amitabh was at Satyam cinema where he was honoured by the film federations of Chennai. Extreme exhaustion caught up with the 67-year-old veteran when he fell asleep before the ceremony Saturday and woke up thoroughly disoriented, not knowing where he was.

Director Balki who was with the Big B, says: "He was fine. He finally had some sleep. You've to understand that this is no ordinary human being. Amitji is a miracle. He can continue working non-stop without sleep."

It the end of the evening, the Big B had 24 shawls to bring back - though he had gone with only a day's baggage. When asked what he would do with the massive haul of 24 shawls, theBig B replied: "I'll give them away to the needy."

But the shawls were the least of his burdens in Chennai.

Says Balki, "Last week, he was running around getting the Paa premiere in place. Then on Friday morning, he left to shoot for 'Bigg Boss' without any sleep after the premiere. After shooting the entire day in Lonavala, he attended the Bombay Times party and then on Saturday early morning he left for Chennai. At an age when a lot of us will be in a rocking chair he is still rocking."

But those close to Amitabh feel he is again overdoing his work schedule and needs to slow down.

Says a person close to him, "Even after two major health scares recently, Amitji has refused to slacken his pace. Except for the break he took to be with Amar Singh in Singapore earlier this year, he has been working round the clock."

Lawsuit filed against 'Paa' for violating disabilities act

A lawsuit has been filed in a court charging Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan with violating the disabilities act through his latest film Paa in which he plays a 13-year-old boy suffering from progeria, a rare disease that accelerates the ageing process.

Big B has been accused of poking fun at people with disabilities.

The case has been filed by Patna High Court lawyer Shruti Singh in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate under The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. It has also been filed against Paa director R Balki. The court will hear the case next week.

"I filed a case in the court demanding a probe into whether Paa violated the act or not," Singh said on Saturday. "My stand is simple: If it violated the disability act, the authorities should act against the producer and actors of the film for making a joke of disabled people," she added.

According to Singh, the act is guided by the philosophy of empowering people with disabilities and their associates. The act endeavours to introduce an instrument for promoting equality and participation of people with disabilities on the one hand, and eliminating discrimination of all kinds on the other.

I Wanted to Play Gabbar Singh in SHOLAY: Big B

One of India's most famous actors, Amitabh Bachchan, speaks exclusively to the BBC Asian Network next week as part of a special series of programmes to mark the actor's 40-year Bollywood career.

On Monday, comedian and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar investigates the British-Asian community's love affair with India's top film star in an Asian Network Reports special. Bhaskar traces his own love affair with Bachchan (also known as Big B) - from his early memories of watching his hero on the big screen to meeting his idol for the first time. He also hears from Oscar-winning actor and friend Sir Ben Kingsley.

Bachchan reveals how his phenomenal journey began when he gave up a career in engineering to become an actor. From sleeping rough to getting his first break, he talks about arriving in Mumbai in 1969 and how he got noticed by directors.

After starring in what is thought to be one of Bollywood's most successful films of all time, SHOLAY, Amitabh explains how he thought he almost missed out on a bigger opportunity: "What disturbed me at that time was the fact that I couldn't play Gabbar Singh, because I felt that was the most important and really interesting character...but we never knew what we were doing was going to turn out to be so successful".

Bachchan goes on to talk about his most memorable moments from his 40-years in Bollywood - including his infamous near death accident on the set of COOLIE (1983); how he set up his ABCL business; and how he nearly went bankrupt. He says: "All the creditors were from my own industry, and I was going to remain here as an actor...I would not be able to face them if I knew that I owed them money. So...I worked hard and I paid back every single penny."

From 1984 he took a four year sabbatical away from the industry but looking back at his decision, Bachchan questions whether he was right: "I was without a job, without money, with a huge amount of creditors. I went to Yash Chopra and said I need work. He gave me MOHABBATEIN [2000]), and slowly those character roles started coming my way."

The entire Bachchan family is recognized as an acting dynasty. Bachchan's wife is actress Jaya Bachchan; his son, Abhishek Bachchan and his daughter- in-law Aishwariya Rai Bachchan. Aishwariya went from winning the Miss World title to becoming the highest paid and most popular actress in Indian cinema. Talking about the 'Bachchan brand' he says: "I'm not able to understand the word brand, we're all actors... and we are also family. We leave the home in the same car, we go to the studio and we share the same make up van and so on. But when the camera starts, we are all individuals and we play our role."

This intimate interview is packed with famous songs from Bachchan's movies including: ZAANJER, DEEWAR, KABHIE KHABI, COOLIE; SARKAR; BUNTY AUR BABLI; and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM.

Husain Husaini, Head of Programmes, BBC Asian Network, says: "Amitabh's forty years in Bollywood have made him loved by Asian Network listeners of all ages. So to be able to celebrate his work with our special programmes and by getting his own perspective on his unprecedented career is a special highlight for us. The week of programmes are a must-listen for film fans and will give them a real insight into a Global superstar."

Amitabh Bachchan 'snubbed by Indian film festival'

Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly been snubbed by one of the organisers of the International Film Festival of India.

The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) apparently wanted to invite the actor to the event but the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) objected.

"We always feel that he should come but what can we do? It is only up to the DFF," the ESG's Rajendra Talak told Express India.

However, the DFF has denied ever having a conversation with the ESG about inviting Bachchan.

"We have not received any proposal either formal or informal from ESG on inviting Amitabh Bachchan to the festival. I am in regular touch with ESG officials and there has been no such request from them," said S M Khan, DFF director.

The International Film Festival of India will be held in Goa from November 23 to December 3 in Panaji and Margao.

Has Amitabh Bachchan finally gone overboard?

The awards: The last time Big B took home a raft of awards was for Black, where he played the mentor to Rani Mukherji’s severely challenged character. He knows the critics love a sob story, especially when it involves a child. This is his way of elbowing aside all competition.

The money: Amitabh’s hoping to resurrect his company, the once-bankrupt ABCL. He’s hoping this story will strike a chord with the masses and everyone will queue up to watch him, just as they did for Black!

The flops: His recent films – Aladin and God Tussi Great Ho – have not done his 40-year-old career any favours. He needs to prove he can storm the box office again. What better way of doing it than playing a 13-year-old boy who’s growing old at a supersonic speed?

The ego: Amitabh’s used to being the Big B, the man who always leads the way in acting. Suddenly, son and bahu seem to be having more hits than Pa. And, (gasp!) they’ve appeared on Oprah as well. Here’s Amitabh’s chance to prove he IS the best. Will Ash and Abhi ever dare to try something like this?

Big B all praises for Sachin Tendulkar

Like all of us, Sachin Tendulkar is also a fan of Big B. But little did we know that Big B also adores the LittleMaster. Infact Big B derives such pleasure in watching Sachin bat that he has delayed his shoot or postponed appointment innumerable times.

Big says, “It is a marvel that a sportsman can have such an extended, achievement-filled life. His recent performance (referring to Sachin’s 175 in Hyderabad) was better than all those much younger than him. He is a true genius!

On learning that Sachin is a fan of Big B, the icon said, “I am so, so humbled by this fact. It is Sachin’s greatness that he should consider me to be capable of his affection and love.”

Sachin completing his 20 years in International cricket has one more reason to smile after receiving all praises from none other than Big B himself.

Big B-Abhi dad son son dad

Abhishekh Bachchan, who plays a father to Amitabh Bachchan in R Balakrishnan's Paa, says he tried imitating Big B's mannerisms.

"I have given my best for the film to play father to my real-life dad. I definitely tried imitating his mannerisms," Abhishek said at a promotional event of the film which also stars Vidya Balan.

Abhishek and Vidya play parents to the Big B, suffering from progeria, an extremely rare, severe, genetic condition wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age.

Approximately one in four million people are diagnosed with this condition.

Paa, a sensitive story about the relationship between a politician-father and ageing and ailing son would be released on December 4.

The movie's first look was unveiled here today showing Amitabh as an ageing and balding son, Auro, playing in a garden with his mother.

Explaining the labour Amitabh had to undergo for the Paa-look, Abhishek said dad required at least five to six hours daily to put up the make-up.

"While father required five to six hours daily to put up the make-up, he required another good two hours to remove it," he said.

"While father required five to six hours daily to put up the make-up, he required another good two hours to remove it," he said.

"The look, given by a make up artist from abroad is excellent," the 33-year-old star said.

Abhishek plays a politician who follows footsteps of his father played by Paresh Rawal.

While Balakrishnan said watching the chemistry between the father-son duo was very interesting, Vidya said it was a dream come true for her to work with Big B.

REVEALED: Big B as AURO in Paa

Take a look at the first teaser of Paa where Big B plays the kid Auro and his son Abhishek plays his father.

Barabanki land row over now for Amitabh

The land case had started when Daulatpur gram sabha’s gram pradhan, Rajkumari Singh’s son had filed a case of fraud against Big B.

Big B had apparently donated plots khasra number 711 and 793 among other plots to Nishtha foundation.

Rajkumari Singh’s son had alleged that the two aforementioned plots were promised by Big B to Daulatpur gram sabha. Therefore, when this did not happen he filed the case.

Now, that Nishtha foundation has returned the two plots and Big B planning to give the same to the gram sabha the case is closed.

Big B turns Peace Broker

The real character of Sherlyn Chopra come out of the box, when she started talking to Big B Amitabh Bachchan on "Aakhri Salam" of Bigg Boss 3. Sherlyn, who was evicted from Bigg Boss house yesterday, became emotional and even cried on the set. She revealed everything about her plan, family and dreams.

She admitted that she was not good during the early days, but changed a lot, as the show progressed. "I tried to make two groups inside the Bigg Boss house - guys and girls and I wanted to stay with the guys. But Poonam Dhillon ji said what I was thinking was not proper and we all were one group. I repent for those first two weeks. I changed myself a lot, but perhaps it was too late", said Sherlyn.

Sherlyn said she was surprised by the public voting. She was pretty sure that Vindoo will be evicted from the house and she would stay on. But that did not happen. "I may sound outrageous and provocative on reel life, but i am a normal person in real life" she said.

The biggest moment in Sherlyn's life came, when Amitabh Bachchan brokered peace between her and her mom. Sherlyn had earlier admitted that she was not at good terms with her mom and sister. "My sister used to tell that she was being subjected to taunts by her friends because of me. There were several differences between me and my sister", revealed Sherlyn.

Sherlyn also said that she has been living alone since the age of 16. "I was not even called to my brother's wedding. When my father died, I was the only family member to attend his funeral. None from my family came to pay their last respect to my father", she said.

Sherlyn finally held herself responsible for the rift within the family and wanted to talk to her mom. Amitabh Bachchan immediately called her mother and both mother-daughter talked for a while. It was an emotional moment, as her mother said she wants Sherlyn back. Sherlyn too said that she wants to forget everything and start a new life.

Sherlyn may be out of Bigg Boss 3, but she gained a lot. Although the housemates nominated her for four times in a row, they felt upset and sad for her, when she left. Most of them were of the view that Sherlyn was made a scapegoat and she deserved a second chance. But it's too late. Life in Bigg Boss 3 will move on without Kamal Khan and Sherlyn Chopra. The next two targets will be Vindu Dara Singh and Rohit Verma.

Big B to launch diabetes bus

With India emerging as the 'diabetes capital' of the world, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is to launch a mobile testing unit for diabetes in Goa on Oct 25, the British patrons of the initiative said today (Oct 22).

The bus, known as a Mobile Diabetes Assessment Unit, can test for diabetes within minutes and has been donated by the British-based Silver Star charity, with whom Bachchan works as its international patron.

The fourth edition of the World Diabetes Atlas, released in Montreal this week, estimated that by 2010 about 50.8 million Indians in the 20-79 age group will have diabetes, rising to 87 million by 2030 - the highest in the world.

However, most Indians do not have easy access to diagnostic centres - a gap that mobile units can help plug.

The bus, which comes with testing equipment, a bed and washing facilities, will travel across Goa providing free diabetes testing.

Silver Star founder and British MP Keith Vaz said: "It is predicted that by 2025 India will be the diabetes capital of the world. Work needs to begin now to prevent this from happening."

"I am so delighted that Amitabh Bachchan will be in Goa to launch the bus. Lending his name to such a good cause will actually save lives."

Amitabh Bachchan asks a young girl out for dinner

Many young girls still wish their dream guys to be tall, dark and handsome just like Amitabh Bachchan. So, if you have a magical lamp which has Amitabh as a genie, what would you do?

Thus, during a press conference for the publicity of Bollywood version of classic fairytale Aladin in the capital, little did a young journo know what was coming her way? In her usual zeal she expressed her desire to Ritesh Deshmukh that if she had a magical lamp with Big B as the genie, she would rub the lamp every few seconds just to see him.

And the very next moment, Amitabh, who was in a jolly mood, asked her for a dinner date. As reported, Bachchan took the mike before Ritesh could reply and asked the journo, “Young lady what are you doing tonight? If you are free I would love to take you out for dinner.”

Left aghast with the sudden proposal, the girl started blushing with embarrassment while the press had a field day. Ritesh came to her rescue and said, “Actually, I agree with you, I felt the same urge. Who would not?”

True, but the only problem is getting one’s hands on a magic lamp!

I sees late friend Rajiv’s image in Rahul Gandhi: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan rarely gets this candid about his personal life. In an exclusive chat, Amitabh said his short dabbling with politics might have been an impulsive decision. The Bachchan family had close ties with the Gandhi family in times of Rajiv Gandhi. Despite visible cooling off of feelings between the two major families of India, Amitabh has talked about his appreciation for the current Gandhi – Rahul.

Son of ex Prime Minister of India and the contemporary leader of the ruling party, Rahul Gandhi is being touted as the next big thing in Indian political scene.I am a pessimist by nature, says Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh said, “Rahul was born before me, and he is an appreciable lad. He is talented, educated, and has a heart in the right place.”

Further, when enquired about close ally Amar Singh, Amitabh denied he talks politics with the politician. He said, “I don’t talk politics with Amar Singh, and he never asks me why I did that particular role. And I don’t consider him just a friend – he is family!”

Very particular about not referring to Indian film industry as Bollywood, he said that films are just a profession for a set of people, and it is a form of art, almost a magical thing. He said, “Film is like magic. Does ever music play when you love someone or talk to someone in real life?” Amitabh inquired rhetorically.

Big B praises better half in his blog

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan has blogged about everything from political turbulences to film promotions. But for the first time, Big B is talking about the lady of his life in his latest blog.

The man is all praise for wife Jaya Bachchan. Their 36 years of togetherness and the love is still undying. This is the love story of the two biggest stars of Bollywood - Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan.

Once the most popular actress of the Indian film industry, Jaya Bhaduri (before marriage) put a halt to her rising career graph for her family. She did everything it takes to make a relationship work. No wonder, Amitabh just couldn't stop admiring her on personal as well as professional fronts.

"She's very instinctive. She does little things which make add so much," Big B says.

From an instinctive actor on-screen to a warm caring wife, Jaya has all the qualities a man would admire. No wonder Amitabh could not stop himself from writing about her on his blog.

This superstar's wife got a first mention as his better half on the blog just after Diwali.

Praising all the arrangements Jaya had made for the Diwali party, Big B wrote: "We overlook, we take for granted that all will be done and ready, never paying attention to the fact that there is always one important person in charge, that has laboured hard to set the evening up, that has worked quietly and without complaint."

And that person is the lady of the house - the wife!

Probably the party was quite successful and this Shehenshah was just too happy so the proud husband paid tribute to all the wives who work selflessly to make their family happier.

"This is a glorious moment of tribute to the better half, for they are the ones that make our life and also our design. When they are not there, homes have crumbled, and the inmates gone astray," he wrote.

Amitabh Bachchan at war with a tabloid

Amitabh Bachchan has taken to his blog again to settle the score against a tabloid for what he sees as dubious journalism. The Bollywood icon has slated the paper for not doing justice to an interview it conducted with him shortly after his recent 67th birthday.

According to the actor, the Executive Editor of the Bombay tabloid Mid-Day, Abhijit Majumder had requested an interview with the actor to mark his birthday, his 40 years in Bollywood, and the launch of reality TV show, Bigg Boss 3.

Bachchan, says he initially agreed to do an interview via email yet was persuaded to give a face-to-face interview. The interview was published and according to Bachchan “it did not do justice to the responses I had given”.

What further angered the actor was that a video clip of the interview appeared on the tabloid’s website, he wrote:

“I had never expected either the paper or any one else to have posted something which I would be unaware of. [And] now realize why Mr. Majumder wanted a personal meeting. He had placed a small “sting” camera on the table in front of me, without informing me that the interview was being video taped as well. He never told me that they had a video net facility in operation and that the recorded interview would find a place there.”

Bachchan believes the editor was dishonest and believes that the reason he had sought a one-on-one interview was with the “malafide intent of recording the interview to be used as a live input on a video electronic facility medium that your paper runs.”

Mid day is not taking this lying down, Majumder has retaliated by printing a photograph of the actor looking relaxed whilst seated in front of the “sting” camera. The editor also accuses the actor of introducing a new concept into journalism: a “sting of one’s own legitimate interview“.

Majumder firmly states that he, in the presence of the paper’s photographer and two others, had told Bachchan that the interview would be recorded on audio and video and that he had asked the actor’s secretary if he could bring along a photographer and somebody to video-record the interview.

“Either you are lying or I am. I would like to believe it is neither; it’s just your memory playing tricks at twilight,” Majumder said.

Majumder tweeted "He is entitled to his rants, but he can't casually defame people on his blog, rubbish somebody's hard-earned credibility"

Who do you think is ‘mis-remembering’ the situation?

Big B helps women stranded in Mumbai rain

Imagine being stranded in heavy rain and then getting a lift from Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan. That's what happened to a few women here recently.

Big B did his bit by giving lifts to a few women in his car to help them escape the Mumbai rains that have jammed life in India's financial capital for the last three days.

The road outside Amitabh's house Prateeksha is waist deep in water, which has entered his reception area too. When the actor decided to take a ride in his SUV to his second home Jalsa in Juhu, he found the women wading through the waterlogged street.

'I muster up courage and help and pull out the SUV...that's the only one that shall go through in all this mess, and float out into the streets now jammed with people wading through and the cars blocking any movement.

'I open the door, well just about, to assist a few young ladies in distress who were beginning to lose their composure, and give them a ride towards Jalsa. Everywhere there is just chaos,' Amitabh posted in a recent entry on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com .

At his Jalsa home, water leaked through into the bedrooms causing more distress to the actor.

'At Jalsa, the water in the bedrooms has leaked through despite the tarpaulin protection monsoon covers. I tell them (workers) to put towels, swabs, water resistant solutions, anything,' he wrote.

The situation became so chaotic that the actor had to ask son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, who are in Singapore along with politician Amar Singh, to stay there for a while.

'I quickly inform them of the deluge warning them not to come in today as scheduled. I put all the mobiles on charge and the walkie talkies. Fill up water in buckets from the rain outside and store it just in case the power goes and the pumps get disconnected. And wait, and wait and wait...,' he said.

For many others living here, the situation has been just as grave ever since rain started causing waterlogging in many areas, traffic snarls and even affecting rail service -- paralysing life in Mumbai.

Amitabh Bachchan with four babes

Amitabh bachchan in an exclusive photoshoot with four hot babes, Diya mirza, Lara dutta, Priyanka chopra, and Celina jaitley. I wonder what Jaya ji had to say about this