Posted: Monday, 29th October 2007
Imagine goes on the trail of the world鈥檚 biggest 鈥 and busiest 鈥 film star. Amitabh Bachchan was voted Star of the Millennium in a 大象传媒 on-line poll to discover the world鈥檚 greatest film star, ahead of Sir Lawrence Olivier and Charlie Chaplin. Yet many Western film goers have never heard of the man who has been the king of Indian cinema for more than 30 years.
Alan Yentob follows Amitabh Bachchan to his home city of Mumbai and gains exclusive access to a Bollywood film set as Amitabh shoots a new version of 鈥淪holay鈥 - one of India鈥檚 most popular films which helped shoot him to stardom in the 1970s.
At the age of 65, Amitabh is working harder than ever. In an extensive interview he tells Imainge鈥 about the controversy surrounding his recent films which have provoked demonstrations, in which he has taken on darker or more daring roles. He also speaks openly about his failed political career, his relationship with Rajiv Ghandi, and admits the difficulties that befall an older actor now playing alongside a hugely popular newer generation of screen-stars.
The documentary features an interview with the actor's son, Abhishek, now making a huge impact in his own acting career. And as well as talking to members of Bollywood鈥檚 filmmaking elite, Alan finds out about Indian diaspora from Sanjeev Bhaskar and explores the extraordinary devotion Indian fans show their favourite stars.
Bollywood's Big B, 大象传媒 One, Tuesday, 30th October 2007.
