Bachchan's maiden trip to Oman

Hubert Vaz

Can he ride a camel...? Find out what Bollywood's superstar Amitabh Bachchan said in a 15-minute power-packed chat during a recent visit to Muscat

When Bollywood's most celebrated superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, fondly known as 'Big B', recently (in March 2010) came to Muscat to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred on him by Oman at the sixth Muscat International Film Festival, there wasn't really a flutter across the Sultanate. But, members of the media did look forward to one-to-one interviews with this international icon, a task almost impossible in any other city in the world, especially Mumbai (India), his Karmabhoomi.

While the lakhs of Indian fans, as well as those from around the world in Muscat, did not get a chance to catch a glimpse of Big B (except in newspapers), the selected few hundred invitees of the MIFF inauguration did manage to see him on stage at the Oman auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel.

And, those who purchased the highly-priced passes to the official dinner held at the Majan Ballroom, the following day, had a field day with their mobile cameras, capturing images of Bachchan dressed in a traditional Omani outfit.

Big B, who visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, charitable organizations and the 19th Century Shiva temple at Old Muscat, however, did unleash a complex among the populace in the capital - a cloud-nine complex among those who managed to see and interact with him at close quarters, a ground zero complex among those who just couldn't manage it, despite frantic attempts...And, an tit-for-tat complex among those who boycotted (yes, boycotted) his dinner due to certain undercurrents!

The organizers of MIFF, however, did juggle up a series of interviews with Bachchan for lucky journos. Here's one such chat with big Big B. Excerpts:

Oman is one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East and the cultural hub of the Gulf, how come you never came to Oman?

I never had an opportunity to come to Oman before but, the moment I was invited to attend the film festival, I agreed. I'm very happy to be here. It is, indeed, a very unique place within the Gulf region and I am very happy to see such natural beauty. And, I hope that I am able to come here again.

When this invitation was extended to you, what perception of Oman did you have?

No, I had no perception of Oman. But, my son (Abhishek Bachchan) has come here for shooting, so, he knew about it. And, there have been some friends who have been to Muscat who have been talking to us about how beautiful it is and I found it exactly the same.

What do you think about this film festival in Muscat?

I think, exchange of creative ideas about different kinds of cinema, between nations, is always very beneficial. All film festivals all over the world promote this idea of coming together and exchanging different views. I wish Muscat all the very best for this film festival.

You have received numerous Lifetime achievement awards, what significance does this award mean to you?

Every award has a significance. It would be wrong to think that one is less and one is more. This is a very humbling, grateful and honoured feeling for me that Muscat has decided to give this award to me. When you reward a work or acknowledge an artist, it is a great moment for us because you don't just acknowledge an individual but the industry and the country behind the individual.

If offered a role in a movie made in the backdrop of Oman, would you consider doing it?

Definitely. If there is a good proposal and a good proposition, I would love to do it.

Khuda Gavah was one movie in which you played an Arab - did that give you exposure to a new culture?

I was playing an Afghani in Khuda Gavah and (for such roles) you follow what is written by the director. You follow the dialogues and the script...I didn't have to really study the Afghani culture to do that role.

Was Black and Paa your best till date or would you say the best is yet to come?

Both films had their own creative moments but, physically Paa was more difficult because of the make-up which restricted my movements. But, I hope, that these were not the best I could do. I don't want to say 'the best it yet to come' that would be too selfish. I hope, that there are some film makers who will give me some more challenges in the future.

Do you think the film Runn shows the media in poor light?

The story of Runn shows that the electronic media is media but also a business. The media is also the conscience of a nation. The film was about the question - Do you compromise with your conscience so that your business is not affected or do you compromise with your business so that your conscience is not affected. So, many a time there is this quandary between your business and your conscience and I don't think there is anyone in the media who can question this.

You were the first star to start a blogsite which is still the finest and busiest. What started as a hobby, has it now become an obsession?

I wouldn't call it an obsession, I'd say it is now very compelling because I have now people waiting for me at the other end, who miss it and who warn me when I'm late or if I don't write. But, I've been writing everyday. It's a wonderful tool to be able to connect to your fans, to be able to know what they think. To get their impressions, to get their ideas. There is criticism, there is applause, there is abuse, there are all kinds of things. As a celebrity, if often becomes difficult to meet your fans and this is a wonderful medium by which I can actually talk to them.

Mumbai transformed you from an actor to an icon - Do you love Mumbai just the way it is or would you like to see any changes?

I've spent 41 years of my life in Mumbai, I'm 68 years old. So, a major portion of my life was spent there. Yes, I like Mumbai just as it is.

Have you ever tried your hands in Hollywood?

I don't think that there is place for us there. But, if there is an offer, I'll have a look at it.

Quick takes

Did you ever ride a camel?

Not in Oman but I've done it in Egypt on a private visit.

Have you experienced wadi/dune bashing?

No. Nothing of the kind. I haven't travelled around Oman.

Have you tasted fresh dates?

Yes, I love them.

Have you tasted shawarma, the popular Arabian snack? -

No. I was offered that but I didn't eat it because I'm vegetarian.

Are you familiar with frankincense of Oman?

What's that...? Oh yes, we call it dhoonp in India. I haven't had an opportunity to experience its pure fragrance here but I must take a pack of that with me, when I return. Suite101.com