Saif Ali Khan has worked with Mr Bachchan only once.That was Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya. In 2007. But the bonding between the two families goes beyond the professional.
Speaking exclusively on his impressions on the actor who defines screen magic for over 50 years Saif says, “For me , Mr Bachchan stands head and shoulders above every other actor .The comedy item scenes , the stylised punch , the bloodshot eyes and black grimy makeup and that 1000-watt smile … He would bring so much conviction and belief to every screen situation .”
Of course the Big B’s baritone figures high on Saif’s list of Bachchan-bests. “The unparalleled dialogue delivery and clarity of diction is a masterclass class to just listen to, whether he is reading his father’s wonderful poetry or speaking to us on KBC .”
Saif recalls the first time he met Mr Bachchan. “My first impression was of this impossibly commanding presence standing tall at a film party with his arm in a sling . He explained, ‘I broke it while kicking down a door in an action sequence.’ And then he smiled and I thought it was one of the warmest and kindest and most infectious smile I had ever seen , on a par with my mother’s smile!”
Oh yes, Saif also admires Mr Bachchan’s sense of time. “He set the gold standard in punctuality. He would write a note with his famous black fountain pen to members of the staff of hotels he has stayed in and been well looked -after.He also writes to us actors if he likes our work in a film and those letters we prize and treasure more than any other review !”
Continues Saif, “ He is a charismatic and stylish actor and a big influence on all of us actors who came after him. The impact he has had on me is such that as recently as Vikram Vedha I wrote in the margin of a scene … how would Bachchan do it ?? Hrithik spoke about how influenced he was by Me. Bachchan and I agreed .He has taught us to take the moment and ourselves seriously .”
About the Bachchan legacy Saif volunteers, “ His legacy is immense. I could write reams about him … and that would be a star biography I would love to read !!!”
