"God's voice," says Gowarikar with a chuckle. "I consider him to be part of the film's cast. His narration mattered a lot in Lagaan and it will be seen as something crucial in this film too."

Gowarikar chuckles some more when we mention stories in some Indian publications that Amitabh agreed to do the narration because his daughter-in-law was playing the lead.

"He decided to be in the film only after looking at his lines," he says. "He knew his narration is very important to this film as it connects the events spread over many years."

Amitabh's narration in the film does more than connecting the dots, he says. "It rouses the curiosity," he explains. "It helps the audience to look for the next development."

Did he have another actor in mind had Amitabh had declined the offer, for whatever reason? "I would have had to search very hard," he says, adding quickly, "I don't think I would have taken a 'no' from him. I would have convinced him somehow."

Also see: Making sweet music

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