We are not any less than Hollywood: Amitabh Bachchan

Published June 5, 2015
Amitabh Bachchan in Piku. — Courtesy photo
Amitabh Bachchan in Piku. — Courtesy photo

Amitabh Bachchan never hesitates to speak his mind. Lauded for his role as the grumpy father in Piku, the actor maintained that Hollywood wasn't the only industry where aged actors continued to play groundbreaking roles, reported IANS.

"I do not think that we need to be influenced by the trends of an alien film industry. We are the Indian film industry and we have our own standing. Whereas we appreciate the creativity and standing of Hollywood in the world of cinema, I do not think we are any less," Bachchan said in an interview.

He also listed names of different actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar who have played leading roles in Indian films. The actor however stressed that the work mustn't be seen via statistical figures:

"Creativity is not an FMCG product where quantity and numbers are taken into account. If there are stories that justify the presence of the elder, we shall continue to make those films."

Although actors like Om Puri, Amresh Puri and Naseerudin Shah have played roles in Hollywood films, Bachchan accepted the role of Meyer Wolfsheim in The Great Gatsby much later in his career. Now, however, he doesn't look forward to more parts in Tinsel town.

Amitabh Bachchan as Meyer Wolsheim in 'The Great Gatsby'— Photo courtesy: ibnlive
Amitabh Bachchan as Meyer Wolsheim in 'The Great Gatsby'— Photo courtesy: ibnlive

But there's no stopping him in B-town as the actor will be soon seen again in Wazir, where he plays the part of a paralysed man, who has also happens to be great at chess.

The actor also shared how he chooses the parts he wants to play:

"I am not picking roles, the roles are picking me. As I said, I am very fortunate that the [movie] makers still consider me for these roles and I feel blessed to be getting an opportunity to be working in them," he said.

Mr Bachchan's upcoming film Wazir is scheduled to hit screens on September 11, this year.

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