This movie is everything that a Bollywood fan will love
Actor Hugh Jackman stars as the legendary PT Barnum in The Greatest
Showman, a heart-warming musical inspired by the life of the man who invented show business. This rags to riches story is about a visionary who transformed entertainment with his legendary circus. In an exclusive chat with HT, Jackman talks about PT Barnum, the birth of show business, Bollywood and more. The film has been nominated in multiple categories including Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Best Actor — Musical or Comedy, and Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards. The film is releasing today across theatres in India. Excerpts: Can you tell us something about the film? The Greatest Showman is a real-life story of PT Barnum, the man who invented show business. It is magical and moving. I think that this is the movie that Barnum would like to see about his life — with some added drama — because Barnum knew more than anyone that you have to create conflict and suspense for a good story. He knew how to tell a good story and that you can’t always let the truth get in the way to do that. You have also sung in the film. How easy or difficult was it considering the recent medical condition that you had? My doctor had said, ‘Do not sing, you’ve just had 80 stitches in your nose. They really could split apart. You could get an infection’. So, I was like, ‘Don’t worry. I’m not going to risk that, I’m just going to speak it and someone else will sing it. The emotion of the song and the moment took over me. The Greatest Showman looks like a typical Bollywood potboiler? Yes, you’re right. It can be a Bollywood film. During my India visits, I have noticed that Indians love colours and extravaganza. The Greatest Showman is everything that a Bollywood lover would like to see. Can you think of an Indian actor who can play the role of PT Barnum? I can think of only one name — Shah Rukh Khan — who can play my character. He is not only a great entertainer but also India’s greatest showman. During my last visit, Shah Rukh gave me just one dance lesson. I need some more from him.