In a heartwarming revelation, Rajinikanth shared how Amitabh Bachchan once made a life-altering decision that left a lasting impact on him. At the pinnacle of his stardom, when Big B ruled the Indian film industry, he chose to walk away from it all. Amitabh left everything behind and spent nearly one to two years living in complete solitude in Switzerland. According to Rajinikanth, this bold move by the legendary actor, to retreat from fame and live a quiet life in the Swiss mountains, deeply inspired him. It’s a testament to how even the biggest stars sometimes seek peace and reflection far from the limelight.
Rajinikanth Reflects on Amitabh Bachchan’s Impact and Upcoming Tamil Debut
Rajinikanth recently spoke fondly about his idol, Amitabh Bachchan, highlighting the profound influence the legendary actor has had on his life and career. This admiration was expressed during the audio launch of Rajinikanth’s latest film, Vettaiyan, where he discussed Bachchan’s remarkable journey, his disciplined work ethic, and the anticipation surrounding Big B’s long-awaited Tamil film debut.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Solitude at the Peak of Fame
Rajinikanth recalled a significant moment in Bachchan’s life that resonated with him deeply. At the height of his fame, Amitabh made a bold decision to leave everything behind and live alone in Switzerland. “At the peak of his career, when he was 57-58, Amitji got bored,” Rajinikanth recounted. “He bought an apartment in Switzerland and started living there alone. He did everything alone.” This chapter in Bachchan’s life showcased his need for introspection and a break from the limelight.
Rajinikanth noted that he, too, tried to emulate this aspect of Bachchan’s life during a period of his own solitude in Bengaluru. However, he emphasized that Bachchan eventually returned after one or two years, reinvigorated and ready to pursue his ambitions. “He floated ABCL and aimed to produce good films in various languages,” Rajinikanth said. “But that endeavor backfired. That’s the sad reality of cinema. If you aren’t careful, you will be finished.”
The Anticipation of Amitabh’s Tamil Debut
As fans eagerly await Amitabh Bachchan’s Tamil film debut, Rajinikanth reflected on the various occasions when this collaboration almost came to fruition. Bachchan had been poised to star in projects like SJ Suryah’s Uyarndha Manidhan, but those plans never materialized. Meanwhile, Amitabh took on roles in other successful films, such as Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and Kalki 2898 AD in Telugu.
The delay in Bachchan’s Tamil debut is perceived as a strategic decision, ensuring that his entry into the Tamil film industry would coincide with a project featuring another iconic figure—Rajinikanth himself. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, Vettaiyan marks the fourth film collaboration between these two legends, following their successful Hindi films: Andha Kanoon, Giraftaar, and Hum.
Rajinikanth’s Tribute to Amitabh’s Professionalism
During the Vettaiyan audio launch, Rajinikanth expressed his admiration for Amitabh Bachchan’s professionalism and disciplined approach to work. He reminisced about their previous collaborations, mentioning how Andha Kanoon was a remake of the Tamil film Sattam Oru Iruttarai. “Initially, Mithun Chakraborty was cast in the film, but Amitji said, ‘Rajini ko bulaao yaar (Call Rajinikanth),’” Rajinikanth recalled with fondness. He emphasized the box office success of their other two collaborations, Giraftaar and Hum, which were major hits in their time.
Rajinikanth acknowledged that while today’s younger generation may not fully grasp Bachchan’s monumental contributions to Indian cinema, his influence is undeniable. “Let me tell you about Amitabh Bachchan… Today’s 2K kids might not know of him,” he said. Despite this, Rajinikanth made it clear that Amitabh remains a role model for many, including himself.
Overcoming Adversity
Rajinikanth also reflected on the challenges Bachchan faced in his career. “When he lost money and became burdened with debt, many were celebrating his downfall,” he remarked. He highlighted the harsh reality that accompanies fame, noting that when one reaches great heights, there are often many waiting to see them fall. “Sometimes, they don’t even wait for you to fall. They would celebrate even the slightest of slips,” he explained.
Despite these setbacks, Amitabh Bachchan’s resilience stood out. “After failing at 65, he took up the challenge and stood up for himself. Even now, at 82, he works ten hours a day and kickstarts his day at the gym,” Rajinikanth noted. He admired Bachchan’s determination to rise again, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and perseverance. “If there are people who are waiting to stamp on you when you are down, you have to get up, stand tall, and stamp on the very people who put you down, and climb back to the top. That is Amitji,” he said.
The Discipline of Amitabh Bachchan
Rajinikanth’s admiration extended to Amitabh Bachchan’s work ethic on set. He described how disciplined and punctual Bachchan is, highlighting his commitment to his craft. “When he comes to the sets, he will get his scene, sit in a corner, come and ask doubts about details and logic, and then go back to that corner,” Rajinikanth elaborated. He explained that there would be a silence during this time, showcasing Bachchan’s focus and dedication.
Moreover, Rajinikanth praised Bachchan for being proactive in his roles. “He was also clear about how he said his dialogues and would ask filmmakers if he could change dialogues,” he added. This level of involvement and professionalism is something Rajinikanth greatly respects and strives to emulate.
A Celebrated Collaboration
Rajinikanth concluded his reflections by expressing his excitement about having Amitabh Bachchan as part of Vettaiyan. “To have him be part of Vettaiyan is a very happy moment,” he said, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many fans. The film not only marks a significant collaboration between two of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Amitabh Bachchan.
As the anticipation builds for Vettaiyan and Amitabh Bachchan’s debut in Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth’s heartfelt homage sheds light on the respect and admiration he holds for his fellow superstar. Their journey through the film industry continues to inspire generations, proving that true legends never fade, but rather evolve, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of cinema.
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