Bachchan: Have small scene with Leonardo DiCaprio

Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is Amitabh Bachchan's first Hollywood film, as well as his first 3D film. "Yes, the film is in 3D and is perhaps a first for many reasons, primarily because it's the first time that a mainstream drama from Hollywood is being done in 3D as opposed to the usual fantasy films like Avatar," Amitabh said.

Though Amitabh cannot talk about the project yet because of contractual obligations, he does divulge that Luhrmann and he hit it off from the start. "Last year, Baz Luhrmann came to India on a private visit, and dropped by at my office to meet me. He presented some wonderful paintings to me, done by an artist he was accompanied with."

Then, last month, Luhrmann called Amitabh and wondered if he would do a role in The Great Gatsby.

"He asked me if I would do a small part in his film. It's just a small scene with Leonardo DiCaprio and Toby Macguire. (Amitabh's character) Meyer Wolfsheim is an iconic character of the time patterned on Arnold Rothstein, a very impressive and well known person of the New York underworld mafia," Amitabh said.

"I have agreed to do this as a friendly appearance and went across to Sydney late last month for rehearsals and hair make-up and costume tests," he added. "The reading workshop requires for the entire cast to assemble and get familiar with the script and do a read through."