Amitabh Bachchan, reflecting on his experience working on ‘Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love,’ expresses admiration for director Suneel Darshan’s meticulous approach, highlighting the director’s clear vision and efficient execution. The conversation then shifts to his long-standing professional relationship with Raakhee, reminiscing about their shared journey from their early days in ‘Reshma Aur Shera’ to their reunion in ‘Ek Rishtaa,’ and the enduring camaraderie they share. Read excerpts from the interview.
Suneel Darshan was completely bowled over by your professionalism and expertise during the shooting of Ek Rishtaa: The Bond Of Love…
The feeling is mutual. I think Suneel is extremely focused and organised. Long before Ek Rishta: The Bond Of Love went on the floors he knew exactly what he wanted to do on screen, down to the music and songs. That, I think is the forte of this millennial’s generation. Filmmakers in the past were also organised in their own way. But what they had it all in their heads. This millennials directors puts it down on paper. And there’s a whole battery of assistants to take care of the nitty gritty. That explains why Ek Rishta… was completed in such an amazingly short time. Suneel is one director who wouldn’t let you off the hook until he’s completely satisfied with your performance.
What was it like working with Raakheedi in Ek Rishta….after so many years?
Well, you know we’ve done 13 films together . The last ones were Bemisal and Shakti, both wonderful films. In fact I had the opportunity to watch Bemisal recently on television. It’s a beautiful film. What a wonderful story! It’s a pity we don’t have more filmmakers like Hrishida.
You worked together for first time in Sunil Dutt’s Reshma Aur Shera?
Raakheeji and I almost began our career together. Reshma Aur Shera was her second film as well as mine. So we go right back to 1969. I still remember how raw I was. Though she was also new she was already playing a leading lady at that time. I was just a twig in the desert. She was always extremely playful even then, always full of fun. She was always playing pranks , creating monsters in the desert. I remember all of us had gone to see the Taj Mahal together. We had to rough it out in somebody’s home in the bitter cold. I’m sure there are pictures of that visit somewhere. After Reshma Aur Shera we’ve been professionally associated for years and years.
And most of your films together were major successes?
Yes Kabhi Kabhie, Kasme Vaade, Trishul, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Kala Patthar….Gosh, I didn’t realize we have done so many films together for Yashji! I remember we shot for Kabhie Kabhie and Deewar almost simultaneously.
Wasn’t it strange when Rakhee played your mom in Lawaaris and Shakti?
Well she played my leading lady all over again in Ek Rishta. Isn’t that amazing? I think it says a lot about her staying power. Though she has travelled so far, we still share the same camaraderie. Her playful instinct remains intact. We had so much catching up to do. It’s always fun to relive the past. Over the years her staff and mine hadn’t changed. So we became a family beyond the one we played in the film Ek Rishtaa…. We relived a lot of moments. We bullied our producer-director Suneel Darshan to let us go home early.
