Two of the biggest superstars Indian cinema has ever seen, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth are all set for the release of their upcoming movie Vettaiyan, which marks their on-screen collaboration after 33 years. While the two worked together for the first time in Andhaa Kaanoon (1983), Big B and Rajinikanth shared the screen two more times, in Geraftaar (1985) and Hum (1991), and needless to say, all three movies were massive hits upon their release.

At the audio launch of Vettaiyan in Chennai recently, Rajinikanth, fondly referred to as Thalaivar (leader) by his fans, heaped praise on Bachchan and shared how the veteran actor was instrumental in helping him break into Bollywood. Thalaivar also elaborated how Big B remains a role model to all with his discipline and dedication to work.

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“I got the chance to work in Andhaa Kaanoon only because of Amitji. The remake of Sattam Oru Iruttarai (1981)… they initially wanted Mithun Chakraborty to do that role. Kamal Haasan had just made a mark there with the success of Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981). So, Amitji suggested my name and promised to do the guest role if they casted me. That’s how I landed that role. Then we did Geraftaar, in which I played a cameo role, and Hum. All three became big hits,” he recalled.

Praising Bachchan’s work ethics and dedication, Thalaivar said, “Hindi artistes mostly come to shoot only around 11-11.30 am. Amitji, even at the peak of his career, would go for dubbing at 7 am, finish it by 8, and then come to the set at 9 with full make-up. He was that punctual and has such level of discipline. Once he arrived, he would immediately ask for the day’s scenes, almost as if he were starving for them. Once you give him the scenes, he would take the script, go sit in one corner and read it silently.”

Mentioning that this would bring a hush over the set, Rajinikanth said Bachchan would want the writer nearby during this time. “Once he’s done, Amitji would return and ask the writer and director a lot of questions in detail. ‘Why is this character speaking like this? Would they speak like this? What’s the scene before and after this?’ He wanted all the details and logical answers to his queries. Once convinced, he would go back to his corner, jot down a few things and then ask the makers if he could tweak a particular word to ensure smoother delivery and flow. With his father (Harivansh Rai Bachchan) being a renowned Hindi poet and writer, Amitji too has a very strong command of language. His suggestions were always clear because he had read the script in detail.” Emphasising Big B’s versatality, Rajinikanth said he can do both comedy and serious moments seamlessly.

Also starring Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh and Dushara Vijayan in key roles, Vettaiyan will hit the screens worldwide on Thursday.

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