The Hindu : Delhi's date with Amitabh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2002

National

National

Delhi's date with Amitabh

By Lakshmi Balakrishnan

Film star Amitabh Bachchan with a young fan during his interaction at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday. — Photo: S. Subramanium

NEW DELHI OCT. 15. Lord Ram probably wasn't the only popular Indian hero this Dussehra night. At least not at the India Habitat Centre on the sprawling Lodhi Road complex here. The man who held the attention of the youngest to the eldest visitor here was one liked for his ``angst'' and for beating the evil ones time and again.

Delhi's date with the just-60 Amitabh Bachchan was the one that presented that rare glimpse of the sensitive family man hiding behind the angry hero. Here in the Capital for a special screening of ``Zanjeer'' and an interaction with his fans, the Big B's witty remarks, sharp one-liners and the magic of his strong baritone had his admirers asking for more.

The Big B answered all the queries put forward by his excited fans. From the ``How does it feel to reach your position'' that came from a little boy sharing his birthday to requests of reciting lines from ``Kabhi Kabhie'' and his father's poems, the best of Bachchan was on display here.

With the announcement of his son Abhishek's engagement to Karisma Kapoor being more than just gossip, questions about the son's future were but natural.

``Abhishek is like any other artist in the industry. He has his own plus and minus points. I hope he manages to correct his mistakes and gets better,'' was what the father had to say.

Apart from a giant screen specially installed outside the auditorium to enable non-Habitat Film Club members to catch a glimpse of their hero, the evening also saw a special sale of rare original posters of the star's films.

Asked if he would take up politics again, the star simply pointed towards the Samajwadi Party leader, Amar Singh, and said, ``He is my representative in politics. You can address your problems to him. He is a good man.''

But the lines that left most spellbound were his candid remarks on his relationship with his parents and children. ``We spend our lifetime trying to give our children the best. There was a time when I realised that I could provide my children with everything materialistic. But there is more. Parents are very special. And as they grow older they become very childlike. It does not take much to make them happy. All they want is a little warmth.''

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