Appreciating the trailer of the film, Bachchan offered his blessings and support for 'Heartless'. "I am thankful to all for inviting me here and wish all the best to the team. Shekhar told me about this disease and we did whatever we could for him that time. For parents there is no big tragedy than losing your own kid when they (parents) are alive... at an early age," Bachchan told reporters here last evening.
"He (Shekhar) made this film about his son (Aayush, who passed away at the young age of 11 due to a heart ailment). It is difficult as you are reminded about the tragedy. I liked the look and hope people like the film. Looking at the trailer, it doesn't seem like Shekhar's directorial debut," he said. 'Heartless' is a romantic medical thriller based on the phenomenon of 'anaesthesia awareness'.
Shekhar has dedicated the film to his elder son Aayush. "I lost my son too early. He had a rare heart disease, I was not even aware of it. I was all alone in the film industry. I rang up Amitji first and he called me home and assured me he will help. He helped us a lot and I am grateful to him," he said. The film stars Shekhar's son Adhyayan Suman in the lead and Shekhar himself.
"This subject has not been explored before. Anaesthesia awareness is a frightening state where the patients who are administered anaesthesia are conscious from within, they can hear, see and even experience pain, though their body seems still," Shekhar said.
"The film is dedicated to my elder son Aayush. It was an emotional experience to direct and act with Adhyayan for the first time," he said. The film also deals with the sensitive 'mother-son relationship'. In the film, Adhyayan is shown as terminally ill. He doesn't want to live till he falls in love.
He agrees for a heart transplant. During the surgery, he experiences anaesthesia awareness. The body is paralysed and still hears something that changes his life. "More than success in life, I always wished God to give me an opportunity to do something to make my parents feel proud.
I thank God for making me a part of this phenomenal experience called 'Heartless'. "The entire journey has helped me evolve into a much better person and this learning is priceless. 'Heartless' is not just a film but a life changing experience for me," Adhyayan said.
'Heartless' also stars Deepti Naval, Madan Jain and Om Puri in pivotal roles. The film is set to release on February 7 next year.