Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has so many sterling qualities that it is impossible to list them all. He entered politics with a clean slate and quit in disgust after witnessing the dirty manoeuvrings that had become the hallmark of some leaders
last Friday, I saw the film, Bhoothnath Returns which many have dubbed as an election special. This movie has grossed an unbelievable Rs 18 crore in the first three days at the box office. Unbelievable, because it is a small budget film with no heroine or even a young hero. Also, the film, though good, can is hardly a conventional masala entertainer. But it has gripped audiences, thanks to the power of Big B — Amitabh Bachchan.
Having made one film with him, The last lear, which won a National Award, I have many beautiful memories of my time with him. In Bhoothnath Returns, Big B’s character wins the election. In a different world, he could have won the election in real life as well and perhaps even become India’s Prime Minister — and a good one at that. Here are five reasons why:
The first reason stems from my memories of how the inimitable legend (then about 65 years old) would be on the film sets, without a fuss, early in the morning, before time. He would then wait patiently for other lesser-ranked stars to arrive, man of whom came in a couple of hours late. Also, while most others would waste time between shots, Mr Bachchan would practice his lines. Afterwards, he would deliver in just one shot while others would waste valuable film rolls with retakes aplenty. Mr Bachchan is also particular about his personal routine. He would be done with his workout even before we could reach the gym. I remember how, after arriving at Toronto airport, he was the one walking the fastest on the long route to the exit — while we were all half his age! It proved why he has reached such heights of success. Non-negotiable discipline and sustained sincerity — these are qualities we need in our leaders.
The second reason is his kind heart. At a Press conference in Kolkata, a man came in to show his gratitude to Mr Bachchan. Big B had saved his daughter’s life. She had a rare heart disease and it was the Big B’s generous gift of Rs 2.5 lakh that made it possible for this poor tea stall owner’s daughter to have a complicated surgery that saved her life. It showed that Mr Bachchan’s heart was that of an altruistically benevolent man, something that people across India have felt time and again. Every time I saw him speak on Kaun Banega Crorepati, I felt like touching his feet. How often do we feel the same way about any of our politiciansIJ
The third reason is his unique combination of modern education and traditional family values. Allow me to share two of my most memorable moments with this erudite legend. One, when he was showing us some photographs of Abhishek, I could sense the bountiful love and tender-hearted fondness that he had for his son, in his tone. Second, when his daughter Shweta had come to meet him, I saw the same emotionally caring, father speaking softly to her about his own mother. On these two occasions, I saw Mr Bachchan as a most loving father. I remember director David Dhawan’s wife bringing her son Varun to me in 2004 for career advice. A young and already confident school boy then, Varun wanted to be in films. I admitted that with his looks, he could easily make it in the industry, but also insisted that he complete his education because that would give him an edge even in films. I also explained to him why I didn’t think that it was a coincidence that the most educated Bollywood star with a double Masters degree also happened to be the biggest of them all — Mr Bachchan. Also, the second most educated, Shah Rukh Khan, is the current biggest star.
The fourth reason for Mr Bachchan’s success is his towering personality and amazing communication skills. One needs to watch the last episode of Comedy Nights with Kapil to see how he single-handedly carries the episode on his shoulders. From jumping like a child to dancing and singing tirelessly to delivering some of his most famous dialogues in his trademark baritone, he showed that he had the perfect personality.
Finally, Mr Bachchan is also a man of principles and that is also the mark of a great leader. Even before he joined the film industry, Mr Bachchan was friends with Rajiv Gandhi. He proved his popularity when he won the much important lok Sabha seat of Allahabad by defeating a man no less than the HN Bahuguna, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and that too by one of the highest margins in the history of Indian politics. Mr Bachchan received almost 70 per cent of the votes. When Rajiv Gandhi died, it was Mr Bachchan who carried the news to his son Rahul.
Had Mr Bachchan not taken a conscientious decision to stay away from politics, he could have been India’s Prime Minister. The very reason why he did not continue with politics is what would have made him a great political leader.
And today, Mr Bachchan has played a key role in putting the spotlight on Mr Narendra Modi, the man who will possibly be India’s next Prime Minister. Mr Modi was of course popular in Gujarat, it was Mr Bachchan’s endorsement of Gujarat’s tourism that helped enhance the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate’s image across the country.
Mr Bachchan’s relationship with the Gandhis stands soured. He had called the Congress’s first family the raja (king) and himself the runk (pauper). The runk could now give us a new raja.
(The writer is a management guru and honorary director of IIPM think tank)