Bachchan in his most autobiographical film to date

Amitabh Bachchan is set to play a superstar named Ashmit Bhargava in Kushan Nandy's "The Actor", which incorporates many incidents from the Big B's life, making it his most autobiographical film to date.

"Yes, I wrote 'The Actor' for Mr. Bachchan, along with two writer-friends Kiran Shyam Shroff and Ghalib Asad," Kushan told IANS.

Confirming the news, Amitabh said: "Yes, I'm doing a film for Pritish Nandy (Kushan's father). The details you'll have to get from him."

The film is being produced by Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) and will go on floors in the next few months.

Nandy and Amitabh got together for director Sanjay Gupta's "Kaante" in 2002, but after that there were reports of a rift created between them by a third party that didn't want the two to work together.

"I wouldn't like to go into the past, or comment on our relationship. Amitabh and I go back a long, long way. I've known him from long before the troublemakers were born. It was just a matter of the right vehicle for the amazing actor. When my son came up with 'The Actor', I knew this was it. I immediately approached Amitabh. We met several times and he agreed."

The rest of the cast is now being finalised.

"But getting the principal part right was imperative," said Nandy. "I don't think anyone else could've played Ashmit Bhargava the way Kushan wrote the character. The protagonist has to be an icon who's about 55-60 years old, portraying what's according to the script the greatest actor playing the biggest role of his life."

So are the identical initials of the superstar in "The Actor" and the one playing the role more than a mere coincidence?

"I think so," laughed Nandy. "I think the initials for Amitabh Bachchan and Ashmit Bhargava say it all."

Amitabh with Cameron Diaz

... and Kat with Monica Belluci, Eva Mendes or Cameron Diaz? That’s what Feroze Nadiadwala is planning with Hollywood’s Rob Cohen

Firoz Nadiadwala is the next Bollywood filmmaker to show a fascination for Hollywood. He’s got Rob Cohen, who made hit Hollywood films like Fast and The Furious, The Skulls, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story and The Mummy 3, to direct his Rs 300 crore magnum opus Jewel of India. You may hold your breath... for the Feroze-Cohen combine is looking at signing either Al Pacino or Robert de Niro for this film, with glamour being lent by Monica Belluci, Eva Mendes or Cameron Diaz, and — yes, getting Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif to join this eclectic gang of superstars.

Feroze, who has made slick hit comedies like Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri and Welcome, believes Jewel of India will generate huge business opportunities for Indian cinema. “It’s going to open up the market in a big way,” he said, “We have good content and talent in India and bringing in Western technology and expertise can boost our economy.” Cohen, who will be in Mumbai soon to discuss the film with Feroze and meet Bachchan, added, “In India, there are vast resources of untapped talent and many vibrant artistes not known to the West. My intention is to bridge the Hollywood-Bollywood gap in a mainstream fashion. I can’t wait to begin the film. Or for the day when Amitabh Bachchan and Al Pacino or Robert de Niro come together in one frame. It will mean the coming together of the fast and the furious.”

Jewel of India is the story of a student who discovers a document that leads him to believe that the Kohinoor diamond in the Tower of London is not real and that the real diamond is somewhere in India or close by. “It will be a modern-day action film with Indian history woven into it to create an exciting treasure adventure,” revealed Feroze.

Showbiz 24/7

What this year holds for AB Baby and Raima Sen and Arbaaz Khan promote Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye on Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano

What the Future Holds: Astrologer and numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts that Abhi will have a successful 2009.
"2009 will be a satisfying year for junior B. Born on 5th Feb. 1976; Abhishek is a No.5 in numerology, ruled by No.5, 8 and 3. Delhi 6 adds to 6 which is one of his strong numbers and Raavan which adds up to 7 will also do well. Abhishek will also see his family life (maybe even fatherhood) improve because of numbers 2 and 7," says Bhavikk.


Pretty in Purple: Raima Sen looks pretty and glamorous in this fitted mauve dress and black sandals. Where is Randeep Hooda, the man of her dreams (on screen)?


All Smiles: Arbaaz Khan with Mahesh Manjrekar, Yash Tonk and Gulshan Grover


Mujhe Pehchano: Mandira Bedi, Mona Singh and Rakhi Sawant


I am the King: That's what the expression on Shiney's face says and thankfully, he isn't wearing his usual jackets.

B'wood jazzes up the Pink Panther 2 Premiere in NY

Amitabh braved the snowstorms to be by Abhishek and Aishwarya's side at the Pink Panther 2 premiere in New York. Anil Kapoor walked the red carpet too - looks like all the Slumdog bashing has been forgotten. But we can't help but ask where is mummy Jaya?

Threesome: Aishwarya with hubby Abhi and Pa Amitabh. Don't they miss Jaya Bachchan?


Haath Na Chhodo: As usual, the madly-in-love couple is hand-in-hand. Looks like Abhi is dragging Ash off the pink carpet


Beauty in Black: Ash sparkles in her black gown which shows off her ample assets


Millionaire Man: Anil Kapoor is basking in the Slumdog Millionaire glory and the international media can't get enough of him.

Three cities bid for IIFA 2009

Shanghai, Macau and Istanbul - one of them may host the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) award ceremony this year.

"The city where the IIFA will be held this year is not confirmed yet but three-four cities are bidding for it. Among them are Macau, Shanghai and Istanbul," a source from Wizcraft, organiser of the event, told IANS.

IIFA, which is held over an extended weekend in June every year, takes Indian films abroad and also awards deserving members of Bollywood for their performances in the past year.

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador of the event, which has earlier travelled to countries like Britain, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE and Thailand.

Showbiz 24X7

Rahman at the Oscar Luncheon, Shilpa with her beau and business partner, Amitabh Bachchan and more.

Almost There: Rahman's embroidered blue sherwani is majestic and classy, exactly what the red carpet requires. We can hardly wait for the Oscar!

Batwoman: Shilpa looks like a million bucks in this body hugging navy blue mini with peep toes. And that expression is so naughty!

Perfect Jodi: Shilpa and Raj Kundar who have bought a 12% stake in Rajasthan Royals are all set to bat

Net Savvy: Lara Dutta launches her own website and has a new short hairdo to go with it

Naachne-wala: Much can't be said about his acting but Harman sure loves to dance. He is seen here at the Sri-Lanka premiere of Victory. But, whoever danced at premieres? How desperate!

Fit and Fat: At 66, Amitabh is fit and lean enough to play golf. Madhavan, half his age is so fat that he is just watching the superstar play!

Amitabh Bachchan shines at Davos

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan was honoured in Davos with the Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum for his contribution to the world of arts and cinema.

"I have no idea there is so much visibility to Indian cinema in other parts of the world. Just so amazing ... This recognition, this attention, this awareness to our world and our craft. So overwhelming," said Bachchan.

The actor who is now in London says he was happy with the honour but displayed his usual humble demeanour.

“I am very honoured that the Davos Economic Forum has decided to honour me with their Crystal Award. I really don’t know how credible that is as far as I am concerned because I just look at myself as any other. If I have been able to contribute in any manner to the community of entertainment in my country then I feel very honoured. And very humbly accept this award that they have given me,” says the superstar.

Soon after the ceremony, Bachchan skipped the after parties and headed for his room. He is expected in New York today to attend Aishwarya’s Pink Panther 2 premiere in the city. But with snowstorms hitting the UK and US, the actor says he doesn’t really know where he will be.

Danseuse Mallika Sarabhai was honoured along with Bachchan. Chinese martial arts movie star Jet Li and famous musician José Antonio Abreu was also honoured.

Amitabh gets World Economic Forum award

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was honoured by the World Economic Forum for outstanding excellence in art.

The Crystal Award was conferred on the veteran actor at a ceremony at Davos, Switzerland, on January 31. Noted Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer Mallika Sarabhai was also be honoured for outstanding excellence in the field of culture.

The event was attended by former British prime minister Tony Blair, Microsoft's Bill Gates and leaders from several countries among others.

“I had no idea there is so much visibility for Indian cinema in other parts of the world. This is just so amazing. This recognition, this attention, this awareness to our world and our craft is very overwhelming,” wrote Big B on his blog.

The 39th annual gathering of economic leaders at Davos is focusing on ways to ward off recession and save jobs amidst a financial crisis in the world markets.

After receiving the Crystal Award and staying on for a day at Davos, Amitabh is to fly to New York to attend the premiere of "Pink Panther 2" on Feb 3 along with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya, who stars in the film.

Amitabh gets World Economic Forum's Crystal Award

Amitabh Bachchan receives the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award tomorrow for achieving outstanding excellence in art

Tomorrow, Amitabh Bachchan will receive the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award 2009 at a glittering ceremony at Davos (Switzer- land), along with Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer Mallika Sarabhai for outstanding excellence in the field of culture and having used art to reach out to other cultures.

The Crystal Award pays tribute to the decisive role of arts and culture in creation of global understanding and peace. It's another feather in Bachchan's cap.

Bachchan flew to London on Thursday morning and to Davos today. The WEF brings together top business leaders, international political leaders, selected intellectuals and journalists to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world.

This year's 39th annual gathering at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland will focus on ways to ward off recession and save jobs amidst a financial crisis in the world markets.

Speaking to us about winning the Crystal Award, Bachchan speaks from London, "Honouring me at this prestigious forum where world leaders congregate in politics, business and allied virtues is very humbling.

I believe that in honouring me they do not honour an individual but my country and the Indian film industry, endorsing importance of India in the world diaspora."

After receiving the Crystal Award and staying on for a day at Davos, Bachchan will fly down to New York to attend the premiere of Pink Panther 2 on February 3 along with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law, Aishwarya who stars in the film.

Bachchan adds, "After the premiere, we will be staying on and bringing in Abhishek's birthday on February 5. There is no particular celebration it will just be with family. That's bigger than all the celebrations put together."

Directors upset with Big B’s Slumdog remarks

Indian directors are very upset with Amitabh Bachchan. From Shekhar Kapur to Kunal Kohli, Sriram Raghavan to Bhavna Talwar - all leading Indian filmmakers disagree with the Bollywood megastar’s off-the-cuff remarks slamming Danny Boyle's Golden Globe winning underdog drama Slumdog Millionaire for exposing India's "dirty underbelly".

"A film is made by a filmmaker's vision and sensibility, not nationality. Any film that tells a compelling human story and moves an audience will be appreciated by all. Human emotions are universal, be it an Indian or Western audience," Bhavna Talwar, who directed critically acclaimed Dharm.

Shekhar Kapur agrees with Talwar. "Let's get it right - 'Slumdog...' is an Indian film. It is easily the most successful Indian film ever. So what if it the funds came from outside India. The funds for 'Bandit Queen' came from the same source and it is considered an Indian film. The funds for 'Chandni Chowk to China' came from Warner Brothers, but it is considered an Indian film," Kapur noted on his blog, "Except for the director, screenwriter and one of the producers, everyone else of the 100-odd people that make a complete film unit were Indian. The film is also based on book by an Indian author.”

"Audiences do not judge a film on the basis of its maker, but how the film is made. Since 'Slumdog...' is such a good film, it would have got such a reaction even it were made by any director whether Indian or Westner," said Kunal Kohli.

Based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's bestseller Q&A, Slumdog Millionaire has become the cynosure of all festivals around the world and won four Golden Globe awards apart from bagging 11 nominations at the forthcoming BAFTA awards. It is tipped to a big draw at Academy Awards too.

Swarup too argues the film does not portray the "underbelly" of Indian poverty.

"What it shows is that stories from India are finding increasing resonance in the world. There is a huge hunger about to know about India," Swarup, currently India's deputy high commissioner to South Africa, says.

"The novel strikes a chord with ordinary people because it's about endless possibilities of life - anything is possible. The themes the novel explores like love, friendship and fate, are universal," he added.

Big B was never approached for Slumdog Millionaire

Speculation about Amitabh Bachchan turning down the role of the game-show host in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire finally comes to an end. The Big B confirms that the offer never came to him.

Strange, considering he plays a very important part in the plot as the mega-icon of the all the slum dwellers of Boyle's Big Mumbai Drama.

The Big B would've been the most natural choice for the part of the game-show host especially since he has hosted the show Kaun Banega Crorepati (which forms such an integral part of Slumdog Millionaire) with such spectacular success in real life.

So far we had heard that the Big B and Shah Rukh Khan who have hosted the globally successful game show, were approached for the host's part.

However, the film's casting director Loveleen Tandon now confirms that the mega-stars were never approached for the character as he is much too villainous.

Says Tandon, "In fact the game show host is far more negative in the original novel (by Vikas Swarup). But we changed that. Still, audiences the world over would have been put off if they saw Mr. Bachchan playing this game -show host who wants the young hero Jamal to lose at any cost."

She continues, "We changed all of that and still found the role unsuitable for Mr. Bachchan. For God's sake, he plays the national icon in the film. We couldn't show him as cunning game-show host. We even thought of changing the identity of the slum-boy's icon from Mr Bachchan so he could play the game-show host."

"We decided against that. Mr. Bachchan is too much of our hero and too representative of Bollywood globally to be sacrificed for a character's sake. We preferred to retain his character of the entertainment badshah and cast someone else as the host."

Anil Kapoor was roped in for the game-show host's role. "But we did need Mr. Bachchan to make an appearance as himself," reveals Loveleen Tandon. It was for a scene where a mass of slum dwellers spot "Amitabh Bachchan ka helicopter" hovering in the air. The icon had to descend and sign the young hero's autograph.

"For that," reveals the casting director. "We approached Feroz Abbas Khan, the guy who has made a career out of impersonating Mr. Bachchan. He's uncanny in his imitation of the icon. Even the way the duplicate signs the autograph is exactly the way the original does it."

Big B shines as L’Homme

The inaugural issue of L’Officiel Hommes has hit the news stands and it has left us speechless. Armed with designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, India’s ultimate style icon, Amitabh Bachchan, dons the launch cover and leaves us spell bound.

Dressed in Louis Vuitton, and shot in the beautiful romantic city of Paris by well established photographer Ian McKell, Bachchan exudes style, fashion and luxury.

Always known for his sense of style and well cut suits, surprisingly Mr. Bachchan is modest when we ask him if he sees himself as the face of fashion and style. “I am embarrassed to be doing this at age 66 and cannot imagine myself setting any kind of face for this, but a friend asked and I do it,” he says modestly.

“I do not know what fashion means. But I do know that a couple of individuals in Italy, France and UK,USA decide every year or season what mankind should be wearing to look fashionable and the entire world starts emulating them,” he adds.

So what is more important – being in fashion or being stylish?

“I guess being stylish is preferred, simply because it is devoid of any outside compelling intrusion. But then it is also often stylish to be fashionable and vice versa!!” signs off the superstar.

The shoot was completed in September right after the superstar wrapped up the Unforgettable Tour.

Big B to attend the London Premiere of Chandni Chowk To China

As they say 'You can love it or hate it, but simply cannot ignore it.' That's exactly the case with the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer Chandni Chowk To China, whose promos are all over not just the place, but also the space, including cyber space! That's not all. The film's lead stars are walking every possible extra mile to ensure that the film is a superhit!

Well, the news is that Akshay Kumar has invited none other than Mr. Amitabh Bachchan to attend the film's premiere in London. Big B is already in London for work related to Balki's next venture Pa, and has accepted Akshay's invitation. Interestingly, Akki also requested Big B to leave the 'thinking caps' behind while watching the film as CC2C is a full-on masala film. And when the request comes from one 'Reigning Superstar' to another, how can one refuse!

With Big B's presence at the London premiere tonight, the event will definitely be one of the biggest Bollywood affairs to happen in the city.

Bachchans to walk the red carpet

Amitabh, Jaya and Abhishek Bachchan will be walking the red carpet along with Aishwarya for the premiere of the Hollywood film, “Pink Panther 2”, in New York.

Ash has acted in the movie, co-starring Steve Martin.

The family is looking forward to this trip to New York as they will be able to spend quality time with each other, especially since their shooting schedules have kept them busy and away from each other.

The premiere is going to take place on February 4, 2009.

Big B finds meeting terrorist repulsive

Amitabh Bachchan has not taken terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab’s wish to meet as a compliment. Kasab is the lone surviving gunman from the recent attacks on Mumbai.

Speaking to the media at the recent launch of the book “Bachchanalia - The Films and Memorabilia of Amitabh Bachchan' Big B said he found that to be repulsive.

“I read news reports that during investigation he expressed a desire to meet me and watch my films. I wrote about it on my blog and sought views from fellow bloggers," said Bachchan.

"Fifty per cent respondents felt that I should meet him while the remaining were against such an idea," he added.

"Considering the ruthlessness and mercilessness of the carnage there is repulsion," Big B added.

Bachchan cancels Nepal trip

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan cancelled his scheduled visit to Nepal this week at the last moment due to the deepening row over the hallowed Pashupatinath temple that has pitted Nepal's Maoist government against priests and Hindu devotees, said a report on Monday (January 5).

Former Indian defence minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was also chief minister of Uttar Pradesh - once one of India's biggest states - and heads the powerful Samajwadi Party, told Nepal's media the Big B, as the veteran actor is popularly known, and billionaire industrialist Anil Ambani were to have accompanied him during his two-day visit to Nepal.

However, the two celebrities decided not to come after a political row and violence erupted in the 17th century temple that is revered by billions of Hindus worldwide.

Yadav, who arrived in Kathmandu Sunday on a private visit at the personal invitation of Nepal's President Ram Baran Yadav, also said he had planned to visit Pashupatinath's shrine on Monday.

But he too decided to shelve the idea after the temple row began escalating.

The shrine was dragged into a furious dispute after the Maoist government said three Indian priests engaged almost a decade ago had resigned on health grounds and were replaced by Nepali priests.

The new appointments broke away from a nearly 300-year tradition started by the former kings of Nepal who looked to bringing priests from southern India, considering them to have the deep vedic knowledge required for the elaborate worship at the shrine.

The Nepali assistants of the Indian priests as well as Hindu organisations say the Indian priests were forced to resign. They are also accusing the Maoist government of trying to control the treasury of the icon by appointing their own people.

The dispute has reached Nepal's Supreme Court with three different groups asking the apex court to scrap the new appointments.

When Aamir laughed at Amitabh

Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan may have a mutual admiration society and both may bond with each other superbly, but as a child the "Ghajini" star never thought that Big B would make it to the top.

Aamir, who is riding on the success of his latest film "Ghajini," made this disclosure at the unveiling of the latest book on the megastar titled "Bachchanalia" in Mumbai on Saturday (January 3) evening.

Aamir said that since he was born into a family of filmmakers, talks at home were mostly about films and film stars of those days.

"So, we kids at home would also discuss films and even our housemaids would put in their 'knowledgeable' remarks," he said.

He recalled that in 1970 Filmfare magazine had devoted an entire page on those who were struggling to make it big in films and had their photographs.

"We all huddled over it, and from their looks in the photographs, we tried to predict who could make the grade in films and who would not. While pouring over the photographs, when we came to the one with an emaciated face, we kids and our housemaids had a hearty laugh and I mocked at the photograph, saying "Inko dekho. Ye bhi star banana chahata hai!" (Look at him. He also wants to be a star!)," Aamir said and continued coyly: "And that unlikely hopeful was Mr. Bachchan."

His revelation evoked a roar of laughter from the gathering. Amitabh, who was sitting besides his wife Jaya, son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, laughed the loudest.

Aamir said that Amitabh could reach the superstardom by dint of his sheer talent alone and he deserved every bit of his success.

"In the film industry today, there are a number of success stories, but most of them are fake. We are yet to see anybody in the industry scaling the height as Mr. Bachchan has done on the strength of his talent alone. Perhaps, nobody will," he said.

"Bachchanalia", the pictorial book, with accompanying text, covers the almost four-decade-long journey of Big B as an actor. Written by journalist Bhawna Somaiya, the book has been published by Osian. It was released at Tata Theatre in the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai.

Big B finally shoots for Aladdin

Sujoy Ghosh’s Aladdin was supposed to release last month, but was postponed because Amitabh Bachchan, who plays Genie, could not find the time to shoot a few of his scenes. Now, after a three-month delay, the production house has announced that shooting will begin today.

“Yes, Mr. Bachchan has finally given us time. We were worried about the Bachchan dates. Because of his health and his other commitments, the film was pushed back.”

Amitabh was admitted to hospital on his birthday (11th October) and after a month’s rest, he started shooting first for Teen Patti.

Director Sujoy Ghosh said, “I was not at all worried about the completion of the film. Amitji is a very professional actor and I knew he’d keep his promise. Last October, things didn’t work out because of his health problem. It’s really great to see a senior actor get back to shape so quickly.

“We wanted to release the film during the Christmas season. But now we are planning on releasing it during the summer vacation (April-May, 09).”

Big B has also confirmed the shoot. In his blog, he writes, “The shooting of Aladdin beckons tomorrow (2nd Jan, 09). A song and the last days of the film. Shiamak Davar and his crew. Disciplined and worthy.”

''Big B is unbelievably athletic'' - Madhavan

In Pune, Madhavan who's shooting for Leena Yadav's Teen Patti was in for a huge shock when his co-star Amitabh Bachchan expressed a desire to join him at the golf course.

Maddy, it must be mentioned, is a national-level golf champ and winner of several national and international prizes for the sport. Mr Bachchan had never played golf before.

"Or so he said," says the still-dazed-and-dazzled Maddy from Pune. "But seeing how he played I was shocked. No one except Mr Bachchan can be so good at a game he has never played before."

It happened suddenly when one day Mr Bachchan decided to join Maddy at the golf course. "I thought I'd be privileged enough to teach him a few moves. But I was stunned at the way he played. He was spectacular. And if this was his first time ever at golf then I've just become an even bigger of his," says Maddy who played an Amitabh Bachchan fan in Ramji Londonwale and even got the mega-star to make an appearance at the end of the film.

Now Maddy is toying with the idea of a film based on the game of golf featuring Mr Bachchan and Maddy. "I don't know how he did it! He's unbelievably athletic. His hand co-ordination is extraordinary. Other people generally take four years for what he did on the golf course on his first day…and so easily. He has phenomenal pick-up powers whether it's on the golf course or on the sets."

Not much of a card-player either the Big B picked up the cards game so fast for Teen Patti that he left Maddy and other team members gasping. "He's extraordinary in whatever he does. I feel like his pupil," says Maddy who plays a professor in Teen Patti.

"And then I go right back to playing the student in Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots. But being around the Big B I always feel like a student," states Maddy.

Tabu to play Amitabh's love interest again

After doing "Cheeni Kum", a contemporary take on relationships, Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu are teaming up again for period film "The Legend Of Kunal".

The film, to be directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi and produced by Amitabh's company AB Corp Ltd, has the Big B playing emperor Ashoka and Tabu his wife Tishyarakshitra.

This would be the first film Tabu is signing after R. Balki's "Cheeni Kum" last year.

"Tabu had not a moment's hesitation in saying yes to the role of emperor Ashoka's powerful wife Tishyarakshitra, so powerful she swayed the entire Mauryan empire with her politics and aura. We needed an actress with the strength of conviction," Dwivedi, who has earlier made period film "Pinjar", told IANS.

"History and its cinematic treatment demand the characters to be true to their antecedents. And emperor Ashoka, who is caught in his twilight years in my film, had to be played by Bachchan saab. Only he possesses the gravity, sobriety and personality along with being the age required.

"I wouldn't make Ashoka without him. As for Tabu, she plays his young, fiery, assertive wife. She's an actress I've wanted to work with for a very long time. Again, only she could play Tishyarakshitra," Diwedi said.

In addition, the film will star Arjun Rampal as emperor Ashoka's son Kunal. Amrita Rao will play his wife Kanchanmala.

"Again, I cast them because of their suitability rather than saleability," Dwivedi said.

"In fact, Amrita was recommended by Jaya Bachchan. Tabu and Amrita have many dramatic confrontation scenes together. I needed an actress who could hold her own against someone as powerful as Tabu. Amrita is delicate but strong," he added.

The director, who became a name to reckon with after directing the television epic "Chankaya", is determined not to make compromises with history or with his creativity in making "The Legend Of Kunal".

"It's a big responsibility, not only to history but also to Bachchan saab, who has never in his long and distinguished career played a historical character. Isn't that ironical? It's also a responsibility because after 'Cheeni Kum', audiences would want to see what has been done with the very unusual and striking pair of Bachchan saab and Tabu. I can't afford to slip up."

Dwivedi has just wrapped up the very complicated process of writing the "Upanishad" for the small screen, which his wife, the very talented Mandira will direct.

"I'm now devoting all my time to 'The Legend Of Kunal'. I'll be accompanying Bachchan saab to Bodh Gaya in Bihar, the birthplace of the Buddha, for a visit. My film deals with those years when the warrior Ashoka reforms into a saint. I need to get both Bachchan saab and myself into the mood."