Bollywood Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who turned 76 on Thursday and who earlier drew flak for dodging questions on the industry’s #MeToo movement sparked by the Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar row, has said women should never be subjected to misbehaviour especially at the workplace.
Excerpts from the interview;
Q. It is that special day again... Special for us, that is. Why do birthdays annoy you so much?
A. Such an unnecessary fuss! Birthday... It’s just another day in the life of another person! What’s the big deal?
Q. What would be the ideal birthday for you? Perhaps a day spent completely away from attention?
A. Yes, that would be ideal... But I would like to have my family with me, particularly my grandchildren.
Q. Sexual harassment at the workplace, especially in the entertainment business, is one of the vital issues being addressed today. How do you look at the problem of women’s safety at workplaces?
A. No woman should ever be subjected to any kind of misbehaviour, or disorderly conduct, especially at her workplace. Such acts should immediately be brought to the notice of concerned authorities, and corrective measures are taken, either through filing complaints or a recourse to law.
Discipline and civic, social and moral curriculum, should be adopted at a very early educational level. Women, children and the weaker sections of our society are the most vulnerable. They need to be under special protective care. It has been most heartening to see women representations in most work vocations, on the increase in our country. It would be an irreparable blemish if we are not able to provide them with the welcome they deserve and the dignity of the security of their presence.
Q. Your next release is the much-awaited “Thugs Of Hindostan” where your get-up, demeanour, dialogues and, of course, the legendary baritone are being talked about again. How easy/tough was it for you to wear all that make-up and do the gruelling action scenes?
A. Yes, the make-up and costume and the acts during the shooting of “Thugs of Hindostan” have been tough and difficult and strenuous. But when did any job ever become easy? The time consumed in getting prepared for work each day took a good 3-4 hours, in putting the look on and another hour and a half to take it off at the end of the day. But once a commitment has been made, it is but professional to do and behave in a manner that is directed by the makers. I hope I have been able to do so. (IANS)