Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Amitabh Bachchan opens his family albums

Amitabh Bachchan in the ad
Amitabh Bachchan opens his family albums for an ad-film

In what could be considered as the rarest of rare gestures from the very private Amitabh Bachchan, he has given Shoojit Sarcar open access to his personal photo-albums for an ad. Out tumbled the most unique gallery of images showing the Big B as a child and as a young man with his illustrious parents.

Still in a state of disbelief Shoojit says, “These are photos which no one has seen except very close family members. The images show him in his younger days. Then there are pictures with Abhishek and Shweta. It was like the whole history of the Bachchan parivar was unfolding in front of my eyes.”

Just how did this treasure-chest of the Big B’s memories open in front of Shoojit? Elaborates the director, “The concept of the ad was such that Bachchan saab was required to show the connectivity between the present and the past by going through photo albums.

I nervously suggested he use his own personal albums. When he agreed I was over the moon. When I saw all the wonderful pictures I felt I was a part of history.” When asked why he allowed his private pictures in the ad, Bachchan says. “See the ad, and you’ll get your answer.”