Amitabh Bachchan, 84, says he’ll never direct, and isn’t retiring either: ‘I can’t even dream of it’
Nearly six decades into his career, Amitabh Bachchan says directing a film is something he has never seriously considered. Speaking to Subhash K Jha of Rediff shortly after his 84th birthday, the actor said he doesn’t understand filmmaking deeply enough to take charge behind the camera. His role, as he sees it, is to rise to the challenges other creative people set for him. “I can’t even dream of…
Celebrating his 84th birthday, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan revealed that directing a film is something he has never seriously contemplated. Speaking to Subhash K Jha of Rediff, the 84-year-old clarified that he doesn't possess sufficient understanding of the craft to take charge behind the camera, stating, "I can't even dream of it. Because I don't even know the craft well enough."
Bachchan acknowledged that he offers ideas on set but emphasized that the final decision always rests with the director, whom he regards as the person in command. He added, "Most of the time they reject my inputs. And happily, those films have done well. So I feel my suggestions are not worth taking. Otherwise, all my directors have been extremely compliant."
Retirement is not on his agenda, as he doesn't intend to slow down anytime soon. He briefly stepped away from films to pursue politics in 1984, but since returning, he hasn't considered quitting. Bachchan questioned the eagerness of people to see him retire, saying, "Why are people so keen to retire me from my work?" He also expressed gratitude for being protected from death on multiple occasions, adding, "I have come to the jaws of death and then been pulled back. Someone somewhere has protected me all these years."
Bachchan celebrated his milestone birthday with a simple sense of gratitude rather than a grand party. Reflecting on his father's tradition of reading a birthday poem, he expressed his own appreciation for still being active and fit to continue working. He noted how his father's deathly scare on the set of Coolie prompted him to recite the special poem, which moved him to tears.
Despite his wealth and career diversity, Bachchan remains humble, stating that he doesn't know how to promote himself. He takes pride in his wide-ranging talents, having worked with renowned directors like Yash Chopra, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Manmohan Desai, and continues to host the 18th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
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