Working with megastar Amitabh Bachchan is something most filmmakers dream of. But for Imtiaz Ali, it’s a bit different. He doesn’t see himself doing it because he’s simply in awe of the actor’s charm and humble nature. As Amitji turns 82, we take a look at the time when during an episode of Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Imtiaz talked about his admiration for the superstar and shared a memory of sending him a letter to praise ‘Rockstar’.
Amitabh Bachchan Birthday 2024: Imtiaz Ali gushes about Big B
Imtiaz shared, “Even when I knew that some of my movies have worked and now maybe if I go to Amitabh Bachchan, he`ll agree. I was always very scared of going to him because, what if he agrees? Like I can`t be working with Amitabh Bachchan. That`s what I used to think. Amitabh Bachchan is too big. Shah Rukh Khan can`t be that big for me because he`s younger also. Even Bachchan Saab doesn`t know what he is.”
“I am a North Indian boy coming from a small town. I`ve seen that when Amitabh Bachchan, like slide used to come of Geraftaar (1985), they used to break seats out of excitement and frenzy. I still feel that frenzy. So Bachchan, I thought yaar, isko door se pranam karunga. But he is such a person, genuinely down to earth,” he added.
Imtiaz Ali also revealed that he got a letter from Big B appreciating ‘Rockstar’ (2011) starring Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri. “The best thing was the timing. 1:42 AM or 2:42 AM. Dear Imtiaz, I`ve just finished watching, your ‘Rockstar’,” he said, mimicking Bachchan’s baritone.
`Rockstar` revolves around Janardhan Jakhar, played by Ranbir, a young man from Delhi who dreams of becoming a rockstar like his idol, Jim Morrison. He transforms and adopts the persona of Jordan when he meets Heer Kaul, played by Nargis Fakhri, a free-spirited girl with whom he falls in love. The movie portrays Janardhan`s journey as he navigates through love, heartbreak, and fame in pursuit of his musical ambitions. It explores themes of passion, self-discovery, and the sacrifices one makes for their art.
`Rockstar` is renowned for its soulful music composed by A R Rahman, which includes chart-topping songs like `Sadda Haq` and `Nadaan Parindey. `The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and music, earning several awards and nominations.
