Amitabh Bachchan speaks to Subhash K Jha on proposed family World Concert, the third National Award & shooting Sarkar 2 with Abhishek & Ash

There's a much talked-about proposed family concert next year. Who will be accompanying you, Abhishek and Aishwarya?
Things are still being finalized. But it looks like Akshay Kumar, Bipasha, Lara, Riteish and Shiamak Davar.

Finally the National award for Black after a year's delay. Delayed triumph tastes sweeter?
The delay was due to certain legal unforeseen circumstances. But eventually the National Award Committee came through and the awards have been announced.

I am deeply grateful to the Government and the Awards jury for considering me, but more importantly for having considered the film Black and for having given it a separate recognition as well. .... I cannot say about delayed triumph being sweeter. Any triumph is sweet and humbling and honourable. I am grateful and happy.

You sound really pleased.
I'm happy for the film, happy for Sanjay and sad that Rani did not get an award for her performance. She played the main protagonist.

All the other performances were guided by her in the film. Our recognition came because of her and her incredible performance. She was responsible for our achievement. When she called to express her joy about my National award, her temperament was just the same and as intense as when we saw the first copy of the film together.

But we must respect the decision of the Jury and acknowledge the person that did get the actress award namely Sarika.

Did the controversies surrounding the award (including a jury member claiming they were being pressurized to give you the award!!!!) cause you embarrassment/discomfort?
No it did not. They are the jury and they sit on judgement and they must have their reasons for their claims and decisions. I think what became awkward was that the deliberations of the jury became public because of the court procedure.

The body of distinguished people chosen by State authorities to represent a Committee, are very able and accomplished individuals, working within their own creative and artistic capabilities, guided of course by a set rules and regulations. They know their job. We are no one to question them.

If differences had arisen within them, as is wont in most bodies who pass judgement, it would have been prudent perhaps if it had remained within the closed doors of the Committee. Who are we to remark on it? It is for them and the State to deal with.

Most of us feel Black is your finest ever. Where would you rate it at this point of time when you've been doing such varied work?
Black rates very highly in my repertoire. I cannot say if it is the finest. I hope the finest is yet to come. As an artist I would cherish that. It's always a challenge perhaps to better what has been done before.

Black has arguably been your most lauded film to date. Do you feel feel it has gone as far as it deserves. Isn't it strange it has been given a National award for best Hindi film when in fact much of the dialogue is in English?
I am not conversant with the selection procedure of the National Awards so I shall not be able to comment on this. They must have their reasons for doing so.

Lately you've been shooting with your poora parivar barring Jaya in Hyderabad. How's the experience?
Its been wonderful !!

This is the first time you've shot with Abhishek and Aishwarya after their marriage. Is it hard switching from a real life Pa to a complete professional at the flick of the camera?
Not really. As actors we go through these exercises with others as well, close friends and colleagues whom you have to be thoroughly professional with.

What changes do you notice in Abhishek after marriage?
Nothing much really. Except the usage of the phrase " Meet my wife" by him, on social occasions !

How's Sarkar 2 shaping up? As intense as the first time ?
I think it's shaping well and yes it is as intense as the first one.

Sholay has undergone a complete change. . . new title and a new name for your character. Would you say it's still Sholay in spirit?
Its RGV's take on the film. In that respect I believe there is a deep inspiration.