Working with Shoojit as a Sikh, Amitabh feels a rush of nostalgia
They’ve had a fantastic partnership till date, on ad films such as the Gujarat Tourism campaign as well as movies such as Piku (2015) and Pink (2016). Now, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has reunited with Amitabh Bachchan for a TV commercial, which will see the latter play a Sikh Army man. Bachchan last played a Sikh soldier in Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004).
“Whenever Mr Bachchan and Shoojit team up, they create interesting, fun stories. Their great rapport has always been visible in the end product. While shooting for the latest ad, Mr Bachchan got a bit nostalgic considering he plays a Sikh man in it,” says an insider.
Sircar tells us, “Yes, Mr Bachchan told me that every time he plays a Sikh character, he’s reminded of his mother (the late Teji Bachchan). His mother was a Sikh and a representative of the robust Punjabi culture we all know. He feels that his mother as well as grandfather would’ve been very proud to see him play a Sikh Army man.” Big B’s son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, also played a Sikh man in his last release, Manmarziyaan.
For Sircar, one of the best parts about working with Bachchan Sr is their wideranging conversations. “Every time I get a chance to shoot with him, I’m reminded of how well-read and knowledgeable Mr Bachchan is. Shooting with him is more like having a fulfilling conversation with a friend — we talk about movies, sports, books and all that’s happening around the world. It never feels like work. But when he delivers a shot, it’s always pitch-perfect,” says the October director, who’s currently planning his next film.
Mr Bachchan told me that every time he plays a Sikh character, he’s reminded of his mother (the late Teji Bachchan). His mother was a Sikh...
SHOOJIT SIRCAR FILMMAKER