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At 67, the ever-energetic Amitabh Bachchan continues to remain one of the busiest actors in India and perhaps in the world.
Credited as the man who changed the Hindi film landscape in a career spanning over four decades, Bachchan is also one of the first Indian actors who made their presence felt internationally with a fan base that stretches across continents.
And now, the actor is being honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the 6th Muscat Film Festival to be held from March 13 to 20.
This is Bachchan’s first visit to Oman, he said in an exclusive interview with TheWeek, and he is eagerly looking forward to it.
Apparently, it didn’t take much convincing for him to accept the invitation. “I was aware of the festival and they wished to reward me, which I humbly accepted.”
He has collected ‘quite a few’ of these lifetime achievement awards, the first of which he received in 1989. Two decades later, he is still one of the most sought-after actors in India and continues to enthral audiences with his performances with no plans for retirement just yet.
“Eventually we all will retire but I am thankful that I am still working; that people still want to work with me is an honour for me.”
Asked about the significance of such awards, he said, “An international recognition for my contribution is a recognition of the film industry of my country. I am proud of the fact that my country gets recognition.
Personal significance comes after that.” Bachchan’s list of honours includes the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tehran and Dubai Film Festivals, and 8th Asian Film Cultural Award for his contribution to cinema, besides topping numerous polls like the most popular actor in the world, Asia’s sexiest vegetarian, etc.
At the time of the interview, Bachchan was not aware of the films being screened at the Muscat film festival. “But once I get in and if there is an opportunity to see some, I most certainly will.”
In recent months the grapevine has been abuzz with news of Bachchan doing a film with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who incidentally was also expected at this film festival. Kandahar is a plane hijack drama in Malayalam.
“I am considering the film and will be in a position to talk about it later. The idea is good and both the director and Mohanlal, who I admire a lot, have met me and narrated the subject.”
He only recently worked with Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley in a Hindi film, titled Teen Patti, which opened to rave reviews a few weeks ago.
Life for Bachchan hasn’t been limited to films. He is one of the first film actors in India who dared to work for television, hosting the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati – the Indian edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? – besides serving a brief period as a Member of Parliament.
Keeping pace with the changing times, Bachchan was the first Indian superstar to start blogging letting his fans (whom he calls his extended family) know every little detail about his day-to-day life.
Not much later, blogging became a trend among Indian celebs. Bachchan in currently caught up with another innovation, a voice blog called ‘Bachchan Bol’ through which callers can listen to his pre-recorded voice.
“Vlogging is a new facility to communicate with my fans. I record everyday and it could be moral sayings or something from my day-to-day activities or something of interest in my work – past, present and future.”
Asked if fans can hear him recite his father Harivanshrai Bachchan’s poems on his vlog, as he often does on stage, the actor said, “Not just yet, but it is under consideration.” Once the facility becomes available, he will also respond to messages from his fans in his own voice.
Moving back to the Muscat festival, the film industry in Oman is in its infancy, having produced one full length feature film to date and Bachchan can offer only one way forward for the Omani film industry: “Make a lot more films.”
The opening ceremony of the Muscat International Film Festival will be held at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace Hotel on March 13. A ceremony to felicitate the visiting celebrities will also be held at the Majan Ballroom of the hotel in the presence of several dignitaries on March 14.
The short films selected for the festival will be screened at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the Higher College of Technology, Al Khuwayr, and the Cultural Club, Qurm.
There will also be a special screening of the short films held for delegates and special invitees at Radisson Blu Hotel and Safeer Suites in Al Khuwayr. The event will last for a week, and will showcase a panorama of the world’s classic films to a distinguished jury, as well as to film lovers in Oman.
The festival is also aimed at encouraging young filmmakers and art connoisseurs to express their ideas, art and messages through the medium of cinema. The chief attraction at the festival will be Amitabh Bachchan, who will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hollywood director Antonino Sucamelli, Academy Awardwinning sound designer Resul Pookutty and honorary guests Dr Jabbar Patel and Magda el Sabbahy will also attend the festival. The closing ceremony will be held on March 20.
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Reader Comments
Posted by
Vijayalakshmi Shetty,
Oman,
on
March 12, 2010
Welcome to Oman Sir.
It's a great country and I am sure you will enjoy your stay here.
Any way how we can get ourselves invited tomorrow at least to see the great legend.
Thanks
mail- vrshetty@hotmail.com
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