Amitabh Bachchan returns triumphant from IIFA, speaks to Subhash K. Jha on the experience & the Tax problems.

Q: Amitji, you left in a flurry of tax controversies. Did they weigh on your mind at IIFA take away the enjoyment?
A: There is no controversy, no weight on my mind, no unnecessary badgering and no annoyance from any quarter. Remember always. Two things are a constant in life - death and income tax !! The department has a job to do and they do it efficiently.

The Income tax is an exemplary organisation and I have the greatest respect for it, as does the rest of the nation. Rest assured, if you do wrong you will not be spared, irrespective of who you are. And if you do right, no one shall be able to touch you irrespective of who you are.

Q: Your fans took to the streets protesting against your tax badgering?
A: I am not, and shall never be a part of any of the so called demonstrations and reactions that one witnessed during this issue. Fans have peculiar ways of expressing their affection. They can build temples in your name and take to the streets as well. We have no control over them.

Not being allowed to go and see a particular film repeatedly, provokes a fan, quite unnecessarily, to commit suicide. There are all kinds of people. We have no control over them.

I believe I am an honest law- abiding citizen of this country. Last year I was declared by the department as the highest individual tax payer in the country. I pay my taxes on time, I respond to all their queries in time and if, as per law, I have the liberty to question a demand made by them, I question them on time.

I visit the department on occasion, because the notice by them desires personal presence. And even if I have an option of representation, I like to go and get first -hand information.

Nobody is going to stop me from doing that. And the department is not so stupid to get influenced by my presence. The law of the land has no space for exception.

Q: Amitji, what was this ridiculous controversy over the sunglasses?
A: Ask the people who perpetrated it. I did not.

Q: How would you compare the sixth year at IIFA with the other years?
A: It has been wonderful from inception. The cause is good and healthy for Indian Cinema, for the host country and for the millions of viewers across the globe. Each year there is an effort to grow bigger and better and that is what has been happening from the year 2000, when it all started.

This time there were more people, more awareness, better quality and an overall excitement in the celebration of a cinema, which is the largest in the world.

Q: Many believe the annual IFFA event is only an excuse for stars to have a good time, that no one is interested in films and awards.
A: It isn't. But even if it is, so what ! Yes, they do have a good time !! Are stars not human ?Are they not entitled to it. And for your information, IIFA is not just about awards. Its about an effort to give Indian Cinema the respectibality and dignity it so richly deserves, internationally and to the rest of the world.

For too long Indian Cinema has been ridiculed, treated with frivolous cynicism and ignored. The whole world is stunned by the potential and the power of an emerging and powerful India.

Cinema in India has become a parallel culture and is a vital part of this huge power. We were too reticent and shy of our creativity in the past. Not anymore ! With our strengths and capabilities we are creating huge waves and IIFA is one such important wave.

Q: You paid a tribute to Black this year. Please describe the experience of enacting that skit.
A: The tribute is a masterpiece created by Shiamak Davar and his troupe. To encapsule two hours of drama on film into a stage representation lasting five to seven minutes and not losing a moment of the emotion and aesthetics of the original is miraculous and I just had to be a part of it with Rani.

My eyes even today swell up with tears when I listen to the theme tune. Even those very few exceptions that had missed the film, were moved to tears and are rushing to get dvds to see the film.

Amongst all the vigorous, colorful and dynamic acts that were a part of the stage show, this one stood out as a quiet, sombre and absolutely stunning performance. It left a lasting effect.

Q: As expected Black swept the awards. You of course got your umpteenth award. How was this awards experience unique?
A: It was unique because I happened to be there. Most of the Award ceremonies this year I had to miss due to my illness. Winning it in the presence of my grandchildren was the best experience. IIFA weekend comprises of several events that take place.

There are forums for business with FICCI and the heads of business of the host nation. There is an event for charity, which this year was a fabulous fashion show, attended by hundreds. The quality of the designs were just incredible.

Stars participated, sponsors and well wishers contributed towards the fund, for a cause which was primarily Indian.

And there was this little ceremony of the hand print, which shall go up on the Wall of Fame at the Dubai Studio City, a state of the art film city being set up within the next few years and should become a huge attraction not just for Indian producers but producers from all over the world.

Q: What were the highlights this year?
A: There was the inauguration of the film festival of Indian films of the bygone era, with special attention to the South Indian Film Industry. Stars prominent in the southern region were present.

A book on cinema visuals in India was released, done by Sheena Sippy, daughter of Ramesh Sippy and of course the music release of KANK, which was an awesome moment.

As we left, the hotel management sighed " Gosh ! Everything is going to become so quiet now in Dubai. All the buzz and excitement is sadly over."

Q: Finally, what's the immediate work you've returned to?
A: Cheeni Kum and Baabul and a little later KANK.