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Black magic
SUBHASH K. JHA IANS [JULY 10, 2003]
Amitabh Bachchan is all set to do a film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, tentatively titled Black, reports Subhash K Jha
You’re finally doing a film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Yes, it’s a dream–come-true for me. And why just me? It’s a dream for every actor to work with Sanjay Bhansali. He’s such a phenomenal director. I’ve watched his three films over and over again. And I always wondered what it would be like to work with him one day. I’ve been totally fascinated by the way he depicts human emotions within such a grand vision. I’ve always wondered what sort of a thought process Sanjay undergoes to design films as grand as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. I’m delighted to say Sanjay has met me on several occasions. He has given me an amazing subject. I’m very very excited about the film. It’s a kind of film that I’ve never done before. I look forward to doing it with a lot of apprehension.
Why apprehension?
Because of my own limitations as an actor. I don’t know whether I’ll be able to do justice to the role he has given me. It would require me to do a lot of homework and hard work. I must tell you, when I read the script I felt Sanjay was an even better writer than a director. It’s fantastic to see his command over the expression of language. I told him even if he decided to publish the screenplay as a novel it would be an outright winner. Sanjay feels every word he writes.
Sanjay wrote Black specially for you.
Did he? I’m deeply deeply honoured. I wouldn’t expect any filmmaker to do this for me, let alone someone as phenomenally gifted as Sanjay. The role that you say he has written for me is one of the best I’ve across as an actor. It requires a whole lot of preparation. My date department has sat with Sanjay and worked out a schedule. We’ll be starting the film at the end of this year. We aim to complete it in the shortest period possible.
Sanjay’s subject can’t be stretched out for too long. The mood would be destroyed. As you know I’ve so many other assignments on hand. I couldn’t give Sanjay the exact dates that he wanted because four films being made by friends would’ve been affected. But if Sanjay had asked me I’d have gladly sacrificed other films. I’d have pleaded with my other producers to relieve me for this wonderful opportunity. I’m sure they’d have obliged. But Sanjay was very accommodating. And the dates have been worked out.
Will Black require a lot of re-acclimatization as an actor?
Absolutely. It won’t be easy. As it is, no project is easy for me. But I think Sanjay’s film requires a special training and talent. I’ve to learn particular means of communication that isn’t part of normal life. Unlike other films, here I’ve to unlearn and re-learn about acting. I’ll be zero if I don’t prepare for the role. Come to think of it I’ve never before done a role that required special training. I ‘m really excited. I don’t want to talk too much about my excitement. Every time I do, something goes wrong. I just want to quietly do my role and leave everything to Sanjay. He’s got a magnificent idea and a fabulous script. I’ll surrender completely to him.
Do you hope to see Black in international festivals next year?
I don’t know. It’s very cliched to say, ‘I’m not interested in recognition.’ We all are. Sanjay says he wants to make two versions, in English and Hindi. If he has a desire to go international with this project I’m delighted to be part of his vast vision.
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