Amitabh Bachchan speaks to Subhash K Jha on the 20-Day shooting schedule of Nishabd in Kerala.

Q: How was the experience of working in this unusual film?
A: We finished our entire work in just twenty days. I've worked in schedules that are shorter. But yes, not when I'm the pivotal character.

Q: Amazing, how could such a complex film could be made in such a short span?
A: The director has to be very clear in his mind about what he wants and how to do it.. Ramu had the entire cast and crew tuned in to the project. All of us were taken to Munar to work under very quiet working conditions. We were the only people around, no visitors.

Q: That peace of mind must have been wonderful for you.
A: Yes, it was. There was not a single person around from outside the crew. That certainly enhanced the work atmosphere. It's not as if one can't work under pressure. But I wish we could work more often in the circumstances created in Munar. It makes life a lot easier.

We were doing at an average, 5-6 scenes a day. All credit to Ram Gopal Varma for thinking of this place and for his clarity of vision which saved us a lot of time. He knew exactly what he wanted...in his mind and on paper.

Q: The character of an autumnal man falling in love with a 18-year old is quite unique.
A: I think it's quite marvelously conceived. I know there have speculations about the film's content. Those aware of the book and the film are expecting another Lolita. They think Ram Gopal Varma is exploiting the same values that are there in the original material. But you must appreciate the honesty of the filmmaker.

Even when Ramu was doing Sarkar with me he was completely upfront about his intentions. He mentioned in the opening titles that he was inspired by The Godfather. Yet there was very little of Godfather in Sarkar. Likewise the source of Nishabd has been Lolita. But what he has done with it, you'll have to wait and see.

Q: Considering the sensitive nature of the theme did you approach your role with some trepidation?
A: I've faith in Ram Gopal Varma. He's a very passionate filmmaker. He has an incredible memory for information on cinema. He can rattle off dates and names for films at random. He's alert to every detail to every detail on filmmaking.

The whole film is ready and edited in his mind when he comes on the sets. While doing one shot he'd think it would be appropriate for another shot. He'd quickly ask us to do a dress change and take the shot.

Q: Still there had some kind of apprehension about the territory you were going into?
A: Well yes. Knowing the kind of social taboos and norms we live with, thinking of Lolita did seem alarming. I was a little disbelieving when Ramu suggested it to me. When I read the script and saw his treatment of the script I knew there was nothing to fear. Ramu is a serious filmmaker. And we must credit him with a fair amount of aesthetic sense.

Q: How was your co-star Jiah?
A: She's very good! You can't believe this is her first time. She was very relaxed and natural.

Q: Was she nervous of you?
A: I don't notice these things. I just play my character. They were all very relaxed. It was wonderful to have Revathi play my wife. We were last seen together on Romesh Sharma's film Dil Jo Bhi Kahey. With a restricted number of characters in a secluded area we worked well together.

That part of Kerala (Munnar) is very beautiful. I think Ramu wanted that kind of look. The kind of colour code used in Nishabd is unique. Another young girl Shraddha was working with Ramu for the first time. Just having all those youngsters around is such a learning experience.

Q: I'm sure they learn a lot from you.
A: They don't learn from me. I learn from them.

Q: And now you're starting Sholay with Ramu?
A: Yes. I need to sit with Ramu. He has told me what he has in mind. We need to discuss the nitty-gritty.

Q: Playing Gabbar Singh is so tricky considering where Amjad Khan took the role in the original.
A: I'd do it exactly the way Ramu tells me to. As a creative professional I must not have qualms about doing a role that's been done before. If we've decided to make Sholay we should go about it in a professional manner.