Bollywood's superstar working for free
The ultimate Bollywood legend is all set for his big Hollywood break after decades of ruling Bollywood cinema. Big B is starring in Baz Luhrmann's remake of F Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale, 'The Great Gatsby.' However the star revealed on his blog that he had "refused any remuneration" for his portrayal of Meyer Wolfsheim in the movie.
The 68-year-old is starring in the movie alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as 'Jay Gatsby,' Tobey Maguire as 'Nick Carraway' and Carey Mulligan as 'Daisy Buchanan.' Bachchan said he had agreed to join the cast simply as a favour to Luhrmann.
He wrote on his blog: "Baz Luhrmann, during his private visit to India last year, had dropped by my office to meet me and presented me with some paintings of a prominent painter who was accompanying him. He called last month and wondered if I would do this small role in his film, and I agreed. It is a gesture." The actor said he had travelled to Sydney to read the script with the rest of the cast and to take part in costume rehearsals. "It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of their system and to observe with what detail and diligence they work." He said.
So, Big B's Hollywood debut will also mark his first ever movie role he plays for free. A very lovely gesture indeed.
The movie also marks the fourth time Fitzgerald's novel has been filmed for the big screen. Earlier versions include a 1926 silent film and a 1949 iteration starring Alan Ladd and Betty Field. The last movie was the 1974 version starring Robert Redford as Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy.
Female First Haleema Shabir
Tagged in AMITABH BACHCHAN