Jun 25, 2007

With the huge success of Rajnikanth's Sivaji: The Boss, Amitabh Bachchan's status as the biggest superstar of Indian cinema has been questioned. But the Big B agrees that Rajni is 'phenomenal.'

In the second and final part of an interview with Mid-Day, the Mumbai afternoon newspaper Amitabh Bachchan talks about Rajni, his so-called rivalry with Shah Rukh Khan and lots more.

Reproduced from Mid-Day is Bachchan's tell-all interview to the newspaper's Upala KBR:

About politics: Why didn't you accept the post of President? Your name figured once.

No. It's a joke. I have never thought about it. It's embarrassing to even talk about it. I am not qualified. No such proposal was made. If in my wildest dreams it ever happened, I would have refused.

Rajnikant's Sivaji is a big success. Have you seen it?

He sent me a copy. I will see it in a day or two.

Do you feel he is an actor who hasn't got his due?

Rajni is a dear friend and we have worked together in several films. He's phenomenal. If there's one word that fits his demeanour, stature and personality, that's it. Rajni hasn't changed a bit. That's why he's such a phenomenon.

He was a bus conductor, and look where he has reached. This is a fantastic example for any young Indian. If you have the belief, strength and talent and are ready to put in hard work, you can reach the sky. Rajni still has the Fiat he bought with his first earnings.

He always travels in it in the front seat. If you go to his house, he moves around bare feet and will walk out bare feet to meet you. Whatever he has got till now and is getting is not his due. He deserves much more.