Goa Blog

Amitabh Bachchan is in and out of Goa this evening. He will be arriving around 4.30-5 pm by a chartered flight, and leaving in a short while by the same, that’s how short and hurried his visit is.

You blink and you will miss him! He would like to stay on, naturally, because Goa is one of his favourite breaks. But cannot, because later tonight, from Mumbai, the Big B will be leaving for Cannes. And from there, to London. “It’s been a long time since the family was together,” he explained, “and we plan to spend some time over there.” At 66, he is energy-plus and then some more. Though Bachchan himself, when asked to recall the “many, many” films he had made in Goa, struggled with his memory and after naming a few, finally said, “God, I’m losing it!”

Amitabh Bachchan. (TOI Photo)

He’s coming to release the book Goa: Aparanta Land Beyond End that has been penned by his friend, the industrialist Dattaraj Salgaonkar, alongwith designer Wendell Rodricks, Victor Rangel Ribeiro, and author Mario Cabral e Sa. Does he have many friends in Goa? “Yes,” said Bachchan, “in the sense that I know many people. Some of my oldest fans are here. I made my first film, Saat Hindustani, in Goa, and those fans are still here, so steadfast and committed in their loyalty.” He has fond memories of Saat Hindustani. “It was made by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas and he was such a purist,” said Bachchan. “I remember, we travelled by train to Goa carrying our bed and baggage, because we were going to be taking the route of the seven Indians who struggled to liberate Panaji. We camped in forests, stayed in circuit houses, slept on the floor in one big room, and had to use lanterns for light… but it was such a wonderful experience.”

Goa, since then, regretted the Big B, had changed considerably. “It is so crowded now, industries have come in, which is great for the state’s economic growth, but the essence of Goa has eroded. I used to love those old houses with Portuguese architecture that had tiled roofs. They are being replaced by modern structures. Happily, the people remain unchanged. They are a quiet and simple people, unconcerned by the hustle and bustle of city life, they lead their own bohemian existence. They extend friendliness and warmth. There is also a non-existence of modernity in Goa that is its USP,” he said.

He enjoys coming to Goa for short breaks. “I love the place,” admitted Bachchan, “the moment I land, I feel I’ve left my tensions and worries behind, and such a sense of relief comes over me. It’s really unusual. I get into a relaxed mood and am all set for a good time.” He has, however, never been able to visit any of Goa’s famous temples while here on holiday or work. “I’ve driven past them on occasions,” he said. Though, some of his shoots took him to old churches he never knew existed, fascinating forts he had never heard of, and pristine beaches he had never seen before.

He’s made a number of films in Goa. “I can’t remember them all,” Bachchan confessed, “but after Saat Hindustani there was Kabhi Kabhie and The Great Gambler. Also Pukaar. And very recently, Bhootnath. Some portions of this film were shot in Goa. It’s wonderful to shoot here. The people don’t bother you, they leave you alone, and you can really be yourself.” Part of The Great Gambler was also shot in Portugal. And, Bachchan recalled, he was amazed at the similarity between Panaji and Lisbon. “The architecture is the same, the people’s style of work, the terrain, Lisbon too has rivers that you need to commute on by ferry boats that take in cars. And the best part of all is that the Portuguese also take that afternoon siesta between 12 and 4 when nobody does any work because it’s so hot,” said Bachchan with a laugh.

Courtesy: TOI