Bollywood Legend Amitabh BachchanThe 83rd birthday sparks a nostalgic look back on his early career through his eyes on his closest friend, Anwar Ali. The actor, also known as ‘Bidoo’ to Ali, shares sweet memories from their lifelong bond that began on the sets of their first film, Saat Hindustani. From fighting together in Mumbai, sharing a home and driving a plot tank Jaguar, to take wisdom from Bachhan’s father, Harivanshrai Bachchan, this exclusive interview reveals the deep, unconditional friendship between them.
Do you remember the good times with Mr. Bachchan that you have known from the time he arrived in Mumbai?
All times are good times with my bidoo !!! Our first film together, ‘Saat Hindustani’, gave us an introduction to a lifelong friendship, in more ways than one. Amitabh’s first roller’s name turned out to be Anwar. Apart from taking on my name in the film that won him his first national award, we are tied among a group of seven and came out as Forever Friends.
Do you remember anything special about shooting ‘Saat Hindustani?’
An interesting sequence in the film was one where all Hindustanis climbed on a mountain with the help of a rope, crossed a river and went up a cliff with each other’s help. Amitabh was obliged to be the last to come up in the cliff with my help, while I portrayed the feeling of uncertainty and doubt against me as he slid off a boulder. Of course I helped him! … and then we continued to pull each other out of challenging situations through life, unconditionally …
You two even shared a home together in your first days of struggle?
Our decision to live together under the same roof to seek work together was a truly enriching experience for both. Whether it was the paradox to drive down to the producers’ office in my Jaguar with gasoline enough just for a way to travel just to park the car on the road and return home by train, or work for small amounts of money to get a good breakthrough, every initiative action was in a positive direction.
How about the fun times?
Together we also sought life! As young aspirants, long runs, discos, musical evenings with our Deghis (tool) as instruments and dad (Harivanshrai Bachchan )’s melodic poetry … Jao Lao Piya Nadiya See son Machhri … It was never a sad moment in our lives!
You were close to Mr. Bachhan’s dad?
Our lessons from Amitabh’s Dadwa when we were happy to talk about him were life’s most valuable lessons. You had to just observe Dadwa at a distance to understand volumes from even his silence. Whether it was his concept and deep understanding of Shunya, his unpopular discipline and decided clearly through his attitude and actions or the philosophical truths of life through his thought -provoking prose and poetry, Dadwa was the ultimate university.
Two visited religious places together?
Our Mandir-Masjid visits … I think one is closest to the Almighty in silent meditation that most people achieve in total loneliness, away from the ever-permeating life and movement in practical life. Amitabh and I seemed to achieve it through our many visits together, to four specific places for worship during the small hours in the morning at each edition of a movie. To be able to stand together, converse with the highest power, our intentions and energies completely synchronized, really the most divine experience of all.
You don’t meet anymore?
Amitabh and I don’t need too many words to speak. Amitabh and I don’t need physical closeness to be close. Amitabh and I don’t just need good times to be friends. We exceeded all the minute we met.
Your birthday wish for your Chaddi buddy?
My birthday wish for Amitabh…. “Rahe Humesha Jeevan Tera Khushiyon see Bharpoor” … (Hums from their movie Khud-Daar that Anwar Ali produced).
