Not many may believe Bollywood reflects contemporary Indian society, but Big B does.
On the eve of his new release, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon, Amitabh Bachchan said when Ravi Chopra's Baghban was offered to him, he thought the concept would not work.
"I thought the issue was foreign to our culture," he said. "But it was felt that Baghban's story appealed to many Indians. The relationship between parents and children reflected in our Indian society and so many were attracted to the film. The issue is relevant in many metros. I think that's why the film did well."
He said Ab Tumhare... "spreads a message of peace between India and Pakistan."
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The recent gestures of peace between India and Pakistan were a good sign for the people of the subcontinent, the veteran star said. "We have the same culture. We are the same people. Enmity between the two countries must not prevail. This film also says there are certain outside elements that try to disturb peace between the two countries." Directed by Anil Sharma, Ab Tumhare... also stars Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Kapil Sharma and Divya Khosla.
Amitabh was all praise for Akshay. "He is one of the most successful actors in the present lot. We enjoy each other's company. I am very comfortable with him on the sets. I hope, like my other hits with him, Ab Tumhare... also succeeds."
Amitabh, one of the busiest actors in the industry, last featured in a guest appearance in Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara. Amitabh played a Punjabi and spoke the language fluently though he is from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. "My mother is a Sikh. My mamas and mausis are Sardars. I also studied in Delhi for 15 years. So I know Punjabi and it was not difficult for me to speak the language," he said.
Actor-director Tinu Anand recently called the Big B 'Superman.' Bachchan responded with a smile. "I think you must ask him why he calls me Superman. I believe in doing my job and I will work till my body allows me to work."
When asked why he was increasingly being seen in family oriented films, Amitabh said, "I only get roles of that genre. When I was young, I would play a son's role. But now I am old, so people only offer me fathers' roles! I think 90 percent of my roles are family oriented roles unless an exception like Kaante comes up."
Amitabh was also effusive in praising Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose film Black, starring Amitabh and Rani Mukerji, is scheduled to release next year. "He [Bhansali] is a genius. When I worked with him, I realised he is a very sensitive director. He brings an aesthetic sense to his films. It was a great experience working with him. When Black releases, people will realise Sanjay has given a new high to Indian Cinema. He is taking Indian cinema to its glory."
The Bollywood big gun said said he was not too keen on Hollywood. "What will I do in Hollywood," he asked. "Why will they take me in their films? Do we take them in our films?
"If they ever give me a role, it will be that of a cab driver or someone selling newspapers. I think they will give us good roles only when Indians start playing an important role in their country. The day that happens you will see more Indian actors going to Hollywood.
"Indian cinema is the only cinema, besides Hollywood, that is flourishing. See German, Japanese or British Cinema. They have been decimated by Hollywood. We should be proud of ourselves. Our cinema is dignified and respectable. The number of people watching Indian cinema is much higher than those watching Hollywood."