Amitabh Bachchan, acclaimed for his role as Ashwatthama in Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, recently addressed the buzz surrounding his humble approach on set. The legendary actor explained why he seeks the director’s permission before going to the restroom during a shoot, a fact revealed by director Nag Ashwin. This gesture has earned him immense praise for his humility.
On his blog, Amitabh Bachchan clarified his stance, stating that asking for permission is not about humility but an act of “extreme normality.” He wrote, “It is not being humble or setting an example; it’s just an act of extreme normality, and the hullabaloo is deafening. The director said it was one helluva thing that I asked him permission to go to the washroom during the shoot. Yes, I do need to take permission. It is his set, his time, he is the Captain, I am the servant that has been employed. If I need to go for nature’s call, I must seek his permission!”
Importance of Coordination on Set
Amitabh Bachchan elaborated on the importance of maintaining coordination on set, emphasizing the director’s role in managing time and resources effectively. He mentioned that the director might need him at any moment, whether for lighting adjustments, rehearsals, or immediate shots. “He may have designed a shot that needed to be taken ‘pronto.’ He may have needed me to stand in for the lighting to be done. He may have wanted me to rehearse the shot with my colleagues or just me. A lot of things happen when the Captain is in charge, so I need to take his permission to leave the set.”
Bachchan further explained that the director’s authority on set is paramount. “It was he that called me to the set when it was ready for the shot. It was he that wanted me to work in his film. I have to obey his word and dictate, and I did just that. So what is all the fuss about?”
Director Nag Ashwin’s Experience with Amitabh Bachchan
Nag Ashwin, in an interview with India Today, shared his surprise at Amitabh Bachchan’s humility. He recalled an instance during the shoot when Bachchan asked for permission to use the restroom. “I think we were shooting and were delayed. We were trying to catch up, and he came up to me. I was trying to make an excuse about the delay, and he’s like, ‘Can I just use the restroom and come?’ I said, ‘Why are you asking me, sir? You can do whatever you want.’ So he’s just that great.”
Kalki 2898 AD features a star-studded cast, including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, and Kamal Haasan, with cameo appearances by Mrunal Thakur, Ram Gopal Varma, SS Rajamouli, Vijay Deverakonda, and Dulquer Salmaan. The film, released in multiple languages, continues to make waves at the box office.