Amitabh Bachchan has a great charisma on screen and is fabulous in each scene and every film: Zeenat Aman

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has been one of the leading ladies of the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan in many films. Together, they acted in Don, The Great Gambler, Laawaris, Dostana, Mahaan and many other hit films in the 70s and 80s. The actress in an exclusive chat with BT, recalls shooting with the star in many different locations. She also wishes the best to Big B, who celebrated his 80th birthday yesterday.

She says, "Mr Bachchan has led his life by example in his professional and personal life. He has always been extremely dedicated, punctual, disciplined and most importantly, someone who is very easy to work with. I knew Mr Bachchan even before I started acting in films. I knew him personally because we were all a part of his younger brother Ajitabh Bachchan’s friends’ group. So, there was never a question of getting overwhelmed or nervous in his presence. I shared a good friendship with him and his family. Even when I acted in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), where I was not paired opposite him, it was easy working with him."

Sharing her experience of shooting for the film The Great Gambler, the actress said, "We shot for The Great Gambler (1979) in many different countries and for the song Raqqasa Mera Naam, we went to Cairo (Egypt), which is one of the most important tourist spots in the world. But Mr Bachchan continuously kept cheering me on and saying, ‘Go India, you can do it!’ It was one of the most memorable incidents of working with him."

She added, "Then again, we shot for Don in many countries and because of the beauty of Italy and Venice, the song Do Lafzon Ki Hai was beautifully portrayed. People liked our pairing and chemistry because we gave our 100 per cent to each scene that we performed together. Also, he has a great charisma on screen and is fabulous in each scene — whether he is doing action, romance or a tragic part. I enjoyed working with him in Laawaris and Dostana, too. There is so much to respect and admire about Amitabh Bachchan, he is a towering figure and I would like to wish him the best till his next 80 years.”