I'll do important roles till 80 like Ashok Kumar: Amitabh

Amitabh Bachchan has never been busier. The Bollywood megastar, who turns 67 Sunday, has three films lined up for release, is hosting a popular television reality show, is to walk the ramp for a top fashion event - and has no plans to retire in the near future.

He says he'll be happy to follow in the footsteps of legendary actor Ashok Kumar, who played strong roles even at the age of 80.

"I would disagree that actors of my age don't get important roles to play in movies. Look at Dada Muni (Ashok Kumar)...he was an example. He kept doing important roles even till he was 80 years old," said Amitabh.

"I can't be playing the lover boy anymore. So I do all those roles that suit a 67-year-old," said the film icon who has completed four decades in the Indian film industry.

At his age, Amitabh is one of the busiest actors in tinsel town. The megastar says he had finished shooting for his forthcoming films Aladin, Teen Patti and Paa before heading to Singapore for three months.

He is now preparing to sign more projects. "I was away with a friend of mine (Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh) who had a medical condition and I was out of the country for three months. Since I knew I wanted to be with him and that it would take some period of time for him to heal, I deliberately finished all my pending work by June," Amitabh said.

In all his forthcoming projects, Amitabh will be seen in different avatars.

In Aladin, he will sport overgrown locks for the role of a contemporary genie, Paa will see him playing a child suffering from progeria, which causes premature ageing, and Teen Patti features him as a mathematics genius.

While Aladin will hit screens October 30, Paa will release December 4 and Teen Patti, which also stars Hollywood legend Ben Kingsley, will open to audiences February 12 next year.

Till then, Amitabh is making his presence felt on the small screen after three years as the host of Colors' reality show Bigg Boss, which has celebrities staying inside a specially designed house under constant camera surveillance and no contact with the outside world.

"Bigg Boss was the first thing I took up (after returning from Singapore). There are many people who want to make a film with me fortunately, so I will now talk to them," he said.

The actor is also fairing well in the ad world as he emerged among the top five Indian celebrity brand endorsers in a recently conducted survey.

And he is also set to scorch the fashion runway at the HDIL India Couture Week on his birthday. He will display a creation by his favourite designer duo Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla.

Big B gets a blast from the past in ‘Aladin’

Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh is such a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan that he revisited many of the megastar’s hit films, studied key scenes and dialogues and came up with his own take by presenting them in his forthcoming fantasy adventure “Aladin”.

As a tribute, he wanted audiences to get a sneak peak into Amitabh’s past movies and incorporated those elements into the character of Genius - The Genie that would instantly find a connect with the audiences.

“As a fan of his work, you also want him to do something that you know would keep millions of his fans and followers worldwide happy. It’s a good mix and I really had fun putting it all together. As for the inspiration factor, it’s for the audiences to see once the film hits the screens. I would be keen to see how they catch on and then react to it,” Ghosh told IANS.

Amitabh was Ghosh’s only choice when he conceptualised the character of Genius - The Genie for “Aladin”. It is a known fact that Genie is set in contemporary times and the character is flashy, vibrant and not many were aware that Ghosh has extended his real life tribute to the actor on reel as well.

“When you have someone like Mr. Bachchan working with you, you naturally become a lot greedy. You want to talk to him about his work over the years, the way he approached his character and then also try to present him with a characterisation that he has never been seen in before,” he said.

The director was always intrigued by the way the megastar has continued to re-invent himself over all these years.

No wonder one can already see Amitabh shaking a leg a la “Pag Ghunghroo Bandh” in “O re Saawariya” with his pink ‘pagdi’ and trademark white ‘kurta’ intact. His song “Tak dhina dhin” too has a “Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai” flavour to it.

Moreover, there are also certain scenes in the film that are inspired by the Big B’s old movies.

A co-production of Sunil Lulla from Eros International and Sujoy Ghosh’s Boundscript, “Aladin” also stars Sanjay Dutt as Ringmaster, Riteish Deshmukh in the title role and debutant Jacqueline Fernandes as Jasmine.

Wish Amitabh Bachchan Happy Birthday

Bollywood Legend amitabh Bachchan turns 77 Today. We at Bollyadda him Happy Birthday and healthy years ahead so that he can keep us entertained for coming years. Sir ji we love you. Please leave your wishes under comments section for the true Legend

TRP Wars: Big B beat SRK yet again!

According to aMap, Amitabh Bachchan’s small screen comeback as the pop philosopher on Color’s ‘Bigg Boss 3′ has generated a record television rating point (TRP) of 6.0 for the launch episode aired on October 4.

‘Bigg Boss 3′ beat the first-episode ratings of Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?’ (TRP of 4) aired last year and ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati-3′ (TRP of 5.8) in 2007.

‘Bigg Boss 3′ also overshadowed the opening TRP of reality shows like ‘Raakhi Ka Swayamvar’ on NDTV Imagine (TRP of 3.7), ‘Aap Ki Kachehri’ anchored by ex-policewoman Kiran Bedi for the second season (TRP of 3.4) and Akshay Kumar-anchored reality show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi-2′, also on Colors, was at 3.

aMap says the ratings of ‘Bigg Boss 3′ are double those of ‘Bigg Boss 2′ last year when actor Shilpa Shetty was the anchor, or Bigg Boss 1, which aired on Sony Entertainment Television three years ago.

‘Bigg Boss 3′ was watched by nearly 11 million viewers, almost double ‘Bigg Boss 2′, the viewership data shows.

Advertisers have expressed strong faith in the show that has attracted top spenders such as Vodafone, Sunsilk, Garnier, Max New York Life insurance, and GM Chevrolet among others.

“It is an interesting show that has always received higher ratings. Bigg Boss 3 will be able to sustain high viewership to meet our marketing objectives,” says a senior executive of a leading brand that has bought on-air sponsorship time on Colors.

Industry sources reveal that Amitabh Bachchan has been paid Rs. 126 crore to host ‘Bigg Boss 3′.

Amitabh Bachchan to motivate youth with his story

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been invited to address and motivate the Asian youth at a two day summit scheduled to be held this November in Kuala Lumpur.

Bachchan would be one of the luminaries who would be telling their personal stories to 6,000 youths from the region at the inaugural Youth Engagement Summit (YES 2009), a two day event that begins on Nov 16.

Other prominent speakers in the forum would include founder of Live Aid, Bob Geldof, chess legend Garry Kasparov, Andes plane crash survivor Nando Parrado.

The speakers from a host of fields have been called to motivate the young participants from seven Asian countries, aged between 15 and 25 years. Youth from Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei are expected to attend the event.

Hotelier and the founder of no-frills airline AirAsia Tony Fernandes will also expected to speak about the challenges he overcame to become one of Malaysia's best-known business tycoon.

The event, themed "South East Asia Youth for Change", a first-of-its-kind in Asia and is to help youth realise their potential. Organising chairman Harmandar Singh said the event was primarily about youths coming together to express their aspirations and dreams for a better future and was inspired by the "Yes We Can" motto given by US President Barrack Obama.

"His 'change' theme has truly inspired us to do this. Some of the speakers in this summit have not spoken in Asia before and this will be the first time they will get to share their wisdom with Asia," he said yesterday adding that he planned to make the summit an annual event.

Youth Asia executive director and co-organiser of the event, Khailee Ng, said participants will stay connected online even after the summit to support initiatives taken by the meeting.

Ng said those unable to attend the summit can participate in an online youth survey to produce a "Sea for Change Youth Report". "There will also be a forum on personal change. Some people want to know how they can begin talking to their siblings again or making their lives better. "Others want changes in the environment and politics," he said.

Big B to be a part of 'Bigg Boss 3'

After having got the whole world under his 'baritoned' sway, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan will now be seen in the world famous reality show 'Bigg Boss' (Season 3), that will get kick started on 'Colors' channel from the month of October. Contrary to what the whole world thought, Big B will not be in as a participant, but as a 'Pop philosopher'!

Insiders have it that, since the said channel are well aware of the gravitational pull of Big B; they did not mind shelling the big bucks to take him on board. What will be really interesting is to see Amitabh yielding the spotlight again, after the famous 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', which was on Star Plus. As Rajesh Kamat (CEO of Colors) rightly puts it that they chose Big B, because, they needed to take the 'Bigg Boss' show to another level. At the same time, Kamat was candid enough to confess that if Big B hadn't agreed to do this show, they would have surely scrapped the very thought of the 'Pop Philosopher' on the show.

Like everybody else, we at Bollywood Hungama, too begun the countdown for the nest season of 'Bigg Boss'!

Big B loves TV, comes back with Bigg Boss-3

Mumbai: After making history on Television with "Kaun Banega Crorepati" -one of the most admired game of shows of all times not only in India but abroad as well veteran and legendary actor Big B Amitabh Bachchan is ready to rock yet again on with an old show's new version "Bigg Boss-3".

The celebrity reality TV show Bigg Boss 3 will go on air in the month of October and Big B would be hosting it till the last show.

In a confirmation of the news, Big B told through a text message, "The news is true."

The last season was hosted by gorgeous actress Shilpa Shetty and had busted the popularity charts whereas the first version of the show was hosted by actor Arshad Warsi.

Amitabh Bachchan appointed as brand ambassador for Max Vijay

Amitabh Bachchan appointed as brand ambassador for Max Vijay

MUMBAI: Life insurance company Max New York Life has appointed Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for Max Vijay, a brand specifically targeted at providing financial inclusion to the underprivileged masses.

Max New York Life Insurance CEO and managing director Rajesh Sud said, "I am very pleased to announce the appointment of megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for Max Vijay. In a number of his earlier movies, Amitabh Bachchan became synonymous with the name Vijay, a people's hero who fought for the cause of the common man by standing up for their rights. His appointment as the brand ambassador for Max Vijay, is a rebirth of the old Vijay, who is today propagating the cause of small savings and financial inclusion for the underserved masses of the country."

"We launched Max Vijay with a dream of providing financial inclusion to millions of underprivileged households across the country. Since the launch of Max Vijay in late 2008, our focus has been on testing the product in select markets and expanding distribution in a phased manner. I am pleased to announce that Max Vijay has already provided financial inclusion to over 65,000 households till date. The appointment of Mr. Bachchan marks our next phase of expansion and we believe that Max Vijay has the potential to touch the lives of over 10 million households in the next two years," Sud added.

I was 'inadequate' for the job: Big B

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who was a Lok Sabha MP in 1984-87, says he quit politics because he felt he was "inadequate for the job".

"Many ask me why I joined politics and why I left it. I joined it because I was asked to and left because I was inadequate for the job," Bachchan posted on his blog.

The veteran actor came into politics at the behest of friend and then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. He contested the Lok Sabha election from his hometown Allahabad in 1984. He won by a huge majority.

He says it is a tough job to be a politician and admires those who have managed to stay put in it.

"Politics is a complicated world - a world where if you are unable to play the game, you would remain a novice and a stranger eternally. I admire those who have remained in it for long years. (I) admire the guile with which they steer their boats every day, every minute. The ease with which they make associations and break them, reject foes and months later embrace them as dearest friends. It is a tough job.

"A job that I would never be able to do. I would never recommend it to anyone. But I do know that those who pursue this line do so with utmost dedication and passion. Their dedication and passion is admirable," he said.

Bachchan is currently in Singapore with his politician friend Amar Singh. The Samajwadi Party leader underwent a kidney transplant there.

Sujoy Ghosh surprises Big B

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachcan was taken in by surprise when director-producer Sujoy Ghosh recalled a folk song that the actor had sung long time back. Big B had sung a popular song ‘O Re Saawariya’ on stage some years ago and he had forgotten about it, until Ghosh refreshed for him for his movie, ‘Aladin’.

According to sources, "Bachchan came up with an impromptu two-liner song that he sung on stage for his fans some 20 years ago. Sujoy made note of the same and last year, while working on the music for Aladin, he requested music composers Vishal and Shekhar to incorporate those lines into a full song. The talented musical duo came up with a peppy number O Re Saawariya. When Bachchan heard the song, the legendary actor found the tune familiar but couldn’t recollect where he had heard those lines. He was pleasantly shocked when Sujoy told him that it was actually his (Bachchan’s) own song and reminded him about the concert that took place 20 years ago."

In ‘Aladin’, this song will have Big B, Jacqueline and Ritesh Deshmukh.

We say, good memory and a sweet gesture from the filmmaker.

Sudesh Bhonsle comes to Amitabh Bachchan's rescue

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan is on a holiday. However, work around him continues. Hence Sudesh Bhonsle, the renowned singer has been roped in to voice for Bachchan in a commercial.

Bachchan is in Singapore enjoying a self imposed sabbatical to keep company to old friend Amar Singh, who has just undergone a kidney transplant. A source from the ad agency who shot the latest Binani Cement commercial with the actor said, "We had shot the commercial with Mr. Bachchan, but the voice-over was not completed. Since he is away and is not due in the country for some time, we requested Sudesh Bhonsle, who has been the voice of many a Bachchan songs to record his voice for the advertisement. Bhonsle immediately agreed when we requested him and we recently recorded it."

In the past, Sudesh Bhonsle has recorded a handful of songs for Bachchan. So while Amitabh Bachchan is on holiday, Sudesh Bhonsle can be called upon to help those who need to fill in the Big B's shoes, at least where a voice over is concerned.

Aishwarya became point of concern for Amitabh Bachchan

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan health is not seemed to be better it may be due to the hard working schedule or weather conditions.

The gorgeous actress Aish is dealing with high temperature which would be visualizing with is similar to flu like symptoms and her father-in-law ‘Big-B' is seems worried about it.

These all things is in black and white on Big-B's blog.

Presently, Aish is in Singapore along with her friend and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh.

Amitabh bachchan has quoted in his bliog that “Aishwarya has taken ill and is down with chest infection and flu like symptoms. Had a high fever yesterday but is settling down today. It's worrying to be so far away from children and not be there to look after them. Yes, they are mature and married and responsible, but children will always remain children!” and along with Aish, Amitabh Bachchan is also not seem well as he is on with back pain.

Let's pray for Bachchan family that soon they touch the well-living stage and get on with work.

Amitabh, Shahrukh or Hrithik....who's the best?

Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, the three are undoubtedly the biggest icons in the Bollywood arena but who amongst them is the best?, is a big question nevertheless.

All the three actors will be seen playing the complicated characters in their different respective movies.

Big B's character suffers from 'Progeria', an ailment that reaches you faster than normal. His character has been penned by R.Balki whose debut film, Cheeni Kum won him a lot of praise.

King Khan Shah Rukh Khan is playing a character who is suffering from 'Asperger syndrome', an ailment which lacks social, emotional and communication skills. Shah Rukh Khan is equally well supported by none other than, Karan Johar.

Whereas, Hrithik Roshan is portraying the character of a 'paraplegic' sufferer who undergoes the disorders of sensory functions and hence their movements are severely restricted. has Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ‘Guzaarish' features the actor, a director who had earlier done a well admired Black.

Big B worried about bahu Ash

The bachchan bahu Aishwarya is down with ‘chest infection’ and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan is worried about his bahu who is shooting away from the hometown.

'Aishwarya has taken ill and is down with chest infection and flu like symptoms. She had a high fever yesterday, but is settling down today,' he posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Saturday from Singapore.

'It's worrying to be so far away from children and not be there to look after them. Yes, they are mature and married and responsible, but children will always remain children,' he added.

Currently, Ash is busy in doing the patch work of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ravan’ and Big B is worried for not able to attend his bahu as he is in Singapore to look after his close friend and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, who is undergoing treatment there. 'I stay back till he (Amar Singh) is sound enough to travel back,' he wrote.

Even Amitabh is not keeping well; he is suffering from a strained back.

Amitabh threatens to stop blogging!

Already coping with a bad back, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's flu and friend Amar Singh's illness, the slanging matches on his blog have upset the Bollywood actor further.

He writes, "A few hospital visits with my friend for routine checks and balances, a stop over at the chemist store en route, to get some tie ups for the back, the gym and the pedometer racing away to near 8,500 steps, to the room to respond to comments and a heavy heart to witness a few familia extendum, using the platform of this medium to get personal and ugly with each other."

"And each hashed comment that I came across as I scrolled down to the last, that indulged in a slang match, felt like a stab in my precarious rib cage."

He states, "So here are the options. Either you stop or I stop."

Earlier, writing about actor Aishwarya's illness, he said she has "taken ill and is down with chest infection and flu like symptoms. Had a high fever yesterday but is settling down today."

"Its worrying to be so far away from children and not be there to look after them. Yes, they are mature and married and responsible, but children will always remain children," a concerned Bachchan added.

Big B's blog to be compiled into a book?

Ever since his blog was launched in April 2008, Amitabh Bachchan has been regularly updating it. From movies to his arguments with the media to social issues—he has written at length on various subjects. And now it may be compiled into a full-fledged book.

"During one of my meetings with BigAdda.com, the people that matter said that they have a desire to convert the blog and my posts into a book and release it,” Amitabh wrote on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com. “I would find that terribly embarrassing, but if they were to persevere, I would want to suggest that the book also contain some of the responses from fans."

The sexagenarian says he has received some very thought provoking responses and that is why he would like them to be included in the book if it ever takes shape.

"I have found that during this long journey of ours there have been incredible inputs from those that have so liberally contributed to every blog of mine. Many among them have had a most lasting effect on me... I'm sure they must have on you as a reader too.

"Some of the discussions and points of view have been so engrossing and valuable that it would be a pity if they are left out to dry. It would have to be a mix of several different categories - serious, intellectual, humorous, indifferent—so that there is an opportunity for some democratic fairness in their representation," he explained on his blog.

Amitabh, who shares his thoughts with his fans regularly, refers to bloggers as his extended family.