The much-talked about ‘Unforgettable Tour’ of the Bachchan clan has lost its sheen somewhat with hottie Lara Dutta opting out of the show due to knee injury.
Earlier, Bipasha Basu walked out of the show. She said, “The modalities of the tour didn’t work out for various reasons and yes, pricing was one of the issues.”
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has been on innumerable world concerts but says he is nervous about the Unforgettable Tour that kicks off in Toronto on Friday because of the changed mechanics, presentation and his age.
“It is frightening. The whole mechanics of shows have changed. They have become technically savvy, more organised, better presented and certainly their frequency has increased,” Amitabh said.
“For me individually, the clientele has aged and I wonder how the present generation will take to my presence. But I’m the only oldie in the group so, thankfully, I could hide behind the younger lot,” the legendary actor said.
The first lap of the tour will be of about six weeks and son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya will accompany Amitabh.
Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, Shilpa Shetty and Madhuri Dixit are also part of the troupe.
Excerpts from the interview:
The Unforgettable Tour is around the corner. How long would you be away and to which parts of the world will it take you?
We shall be away for about six weeks. We’ll perform in Britain, the US, Canada, Trinidad [and Tobago] and Holland.
There was a lot of speculation on who were to accompany you on the tour this time. Are you pleased with the final list of performers? And just for the record, who are they?
There was never any speculation from our side. It has Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, Vishal-Shekhar and their band, Shiamak Davar’s troupe, and, of course, the three of us.
You’ve been on innumerable world concerts-how different is it performing on stage today as compared to the 1970s or ‘80s?
It is frightening! The whole mechanics of shows have changed. They have become technically savvy, more organised, better presented and certainly their frequency has increased. For me individually, the clientele has aged and I wonder how the present generation will take to my presence. But I am the only oldie in the group. So, thankfully, I could hide behind the younger lot.
This concert is doubly special because Aishwarya joins you and Abhishek. Would it be more difficult this time to live up to expectations?
Living up to expectations is always a great worry and apprehensions are mammoth. This time would be no different.
Would you, Abhishek and Aishwarya perform the by-now legendary Kajra re on stage?
Yes, we will.
You’ve been rehearsing hard. How have you found the time to do so and would the month-and-a-half long concerts be a huge pressure on your time?
We rehearse after the other commitments of the day are over. Mostly we are all there till past midnight. Commitments are made after due planning and we will follow what has been planned.
Finally, how anxious are you about going on stage this time with your family?
I am always anxious. This time will be no different.
July 16, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Sorry, I dont like Amit and Aish… unfortunately a talented youngster like Abhisehk is suffering due to father… Amitabh should give space to Abhishek to grow instead of imposing himself everywhere… This is a show full of egoistic people…
July 20, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I enjoyed your commentary, however disagree unfortunately. I was on the floor and also agree that the show was catered to those on the floor. However, for all the love and adoration that millions of fans have for Amitabh,I think that Amitabh could have spoken a bit more to the audience. His dance moves were scarce and at times I thought that perhaps he was not the one singing the actual hits. Abishek and Ash should have had more duets together, as their fans lives for seeing them together on stage. Too be honest, none of them except for Akshay really seemed like they wanted to be there. I had the chance to meet them this week , and I must say my love with the industry was shaken. The stars were very abrupt, short, and rude. I understand that they are extremely busy people, however for those who claim to do this for the fans, in my few interactions with them this week as well as their presence at the concert, I did not get the sense that they truly did care about their fans. I feel extremely disappointed as my years of passion for the industry is no longer there. I have always dreamt of the moment that I would meet them, and I did this week and almost wish I hadn’t. I also used to be a huge fan, however am shocked by their behaviours. In Hollywood, starts that are “snobs” or those that act as “elitists” are quickly removed from the spotlight. In India, these stars will always be stars regardless of their behaviour or actions due to their immense impact they have had on the industry. If you read Amitabh’s blog, you will see that he criticizes the one reporter that spoke out at the press conference in Toronto this week. This journalist was simply asking what the Bachchans thought of the high ticket prices. Even if the question was posed in a negative manner, this is the job of the media, to find out answers to questions that the public may have. Mr. Bachchan as you can see in his blog, is quite upset at this outburst that occurred. There are just some thoughts.. look forward to seeing what everyone else has to say.