RGV wants praise Big B; No ridiculing tweet!

The Maria Susairaj and Neeraj Grover case has earned the attention in major with Ram Gopal Varma unveiling the 'first look' of his latest film Not A Love Story. And although Varma has cried himself hoarse asserting that his film is not a bio pic, but is only "inspired" by the true life happening, the irrepressible director earned major stares over his tweets over Bachchan and Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap.

The tweets, prima facie, if read briefly and carelessly, would make it seem as if Varma was being sharp and abusive. On a second (tweet) read, however, the meaning, rather the indirect praise would be more clear... although the South director in his trademark style did use a few choice Hindi expletives to get his point across.

"I did use the words that I did in my tweets because I loved Amitabh Bachchan in Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap and it was my way of praising him," told Varma in a media interaction. "Having loved his work in movies such as Silsila, Kaalia, Don, Hum and so many others, I felt that he should have done a movie like 'Bbuddah' long time ago, that's what I thought when I saw the film."

Age is a state of mind: Big B

Age and ailments withstanding, Amitabh Bachchan continues to spin magic by dancing, singing, performing stunts and even riding the oh-so-stylish mean machine - the Harley Davidson! No wonder he doesn't hesitate before telling, 'bbuddah...hoga tera baap'! And he tells age is 'just a state of mind'.

At 68, the superstar reveals he did give a second thought to indulging in daredevilry for his upcoming home production 'Bbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap' but only due to physical compulsions - not because of a lack of will and zeal.

'I was very apprehensive about doing a lot of action. I have had a severe medical history, so I was a little hesitant...not because I am unable to do action, but because there are certain precautions that I have to take,' Amitabh said over the phone from Mumbai.

'Every time I have to do an action sequence, the family members have their antennas up and I wonder whether I should be doing it or not because they all seem like reminders of the last time I did an action sequence and got hurt,' he told, remembering the near fatal intestinal injury in 1982 while shooting an action scene for 'Coolie'.

Nonetheless, Big B agreed to give action a fresh shot - thanks to his daily fitness regimen and enhanced technology.

'Technology has improved immensely from the olden day action we used to do. There are many more safeguards now. So they protect the artists well. Also the way they shoot the sequence has undergone a sea change...and all of it looks very dramatic, colourful and dangerous,' he told.

Talking about his daredevilry, a high point for the sexagenarian is riding a Harley Davidson for the film, which releases July 1.

'I was petrified that I will never be able to ride it. I can't remember when I rode a bike last...may be 20-30 years back for a movie. And then, to ride a Harley Davidson, which is a huge, powerful machine...just to hold the damn thing up requires a lot of physical effort. But once it starts up, and starts moving...you're in a different world altogether!' he told, sounding proud that he did it.

But the adventure did not finish for Amitabh with that - he had to deal with two more 'nightmares' to suit a role which required him to play a role truly him - an old man who feels adolescent!

'The dancing is so, so, so difficult! It is still a nightmare for me! If I have to do a song sequence, I get nightmares because it is tough! It's not the physical part of it, but just the part of being able to dance. That's always been a part of great concern,' Amitabh told.

'And then (music directors) Vishal-Shekhar asked me to sing songs...that was another nightmare! They are good friends...we sit around in their studio, joke, laugh and we gossip...and then suddenly someone picked up an instrument and got a tune.'

'So every song that I have done in this movie is done very casually,' told the actor, who has sung three distinct songs - a melodious and soft 'Haal-e-dil', a cappella style title track and a medley of his old hits.

But as much as he yearns to contribute more and more in Bollywood, Amitabh is tired of being asked what keeps him going.

'I don't have an answer for this! I wonder if people are telling me: 'You shouldn't be doing all this, sit at home you old man...get on to your rocking chair...get hold of a book, watch television, play with your grandchildren...stop doing all these ridiculous things!'

'I just feel if your mind is okay with it, you just go ahead and do it. My mind was okay to ride a bike...I still drive all my cars, and I'm okay saying those lines or doing that action...it's just a state of mind.

'I think once you make up your mind that this is what you want to do, somewhere, somehow, some kind of an adrenaline gets into you and you're up to it,' the legendary actor said.

Guess that's how Amitabh Bachchan has sustained for over four decades - and more power to that!

Hema Malini says, Ahana Deol is ready to take acting professionally!

Esha, Hema Malini and Ahana Deol

Ahana, Hema Malini and Esha Deol

Ahana Deol

Ahana Deol

Ahana Deol

When Esha Deol entered into Bollywood in 2002, it was considered that younger sister Ahana would follow suit soon, but nothing of the sort happened. And now mother Hema Malini discloses that Ahana is willing to take up acting if something interesting comes her way.

'Ahana does lots of things, that's the problem with her. She is a fashion designer and she is writing some scripts. Then she also gets acting offers. She has decided that only if she really likes something, then she will take it up. She doesn't want to do the regular, commercial stuff. But now she is open to acting,' Hema said in a chat.

Ahana is two years younger to Esha and she has been avoiding the arc lights saying she would like to direct. However, acting is a family thing for the 26-year-old, who is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer just like her mother and sister.

As far as Hema is concerned, after staying away from the big screen for more than a year, the 'Dream Girl' of an earlier era is looking forward to 'Bbuddha...Hoga Terra Baap', in which she will share screen with Amitabh Bachchan after five years.

They were last seen together in 2006 movie 'Baabul'.

'I'm playing Amitji's wife in the film, but we are separated and it's basically about how later we meet and everything is rejuvenated. It's a nice role. I accepted it because it's always nice to keep coming back on screen,' told the 62-year-old actress.

'Bbuddha...Hoga Terra Baap', directed by Puri Jagannath is slated to hit screens July 1.

The actress, who has worked with the Bollywood megastar in many movies including 'Satte Pe Satta', 'Nastik', 'Sholay', 'Baghban' and 'Veer-Zaara' among others, tells there has been no change in the 68-year-old actor in all these years.

'There has been no change in Amitji in so many years. He is a good and dedicated actor... whatever role is given to him, he does it so well. It's a pleasure to work with him.

'He is also very lucky, he keeps getting good roles. We heroines don't get good roles. I feel very jealous about that,' included the actress who is also busy with her directorial project 'Tell Me Oh Khuda', which is said to be her daughter Esha's relaunch vehicle.

Hema will also be seen in a cameo in 'Aarakshan' that again has Amitabh in a key role.

From acting to directing to dancing, Hema packs a punch. When asked how she juggles so many roles, she told, 'I'm glad that I'm able to do everything. But it is a tough thing. It's not easy because you have to look after the house, family, children, acting, dance, production. Sometimes I go mad. But I'm happy that I'm still able to do it.'

Amitabh Bachchan’s chest congestion due to much chatting!

Amitabh Bachchan, who is busy promoting his forthcoming films 'Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap' and 'Aarakshan', tells too much of talking is taking a toll on his health - he is suffering from chest congestion.

The 68-year-old is attending TV interviews, radio shows and press conferences to promote the movies and is under medication to curb the infection.

'There has been a setback in the health I think... a congestion arises in the chest and the throat has become hoarse and painful at the glands... so back to home doctor and on to antibiotics to control it ... it could also be from the fact that I normally speak as much as I did in the past few days, in a year,' Big B posted on his blog.

'My entire quota for the year ending 2011 would still be less than what I have done in the last 2 days. That is a lot of talking! And when I do get back home it’s like being drugged ... just dozing off even while standing and lack of complete energy. This is not good, once a chest condition begins with me, it takes forever to heal and become normal. So it’s best given the treatment before it gets out of hand,' he included.

While 'Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap' is a fun-filled drama about an old man and is releasing July 1, 'Aarakshan', coming on Aug 12, is a serious film that highlights the reservation issue.