Superstar to superhero
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s latest avatar is that of a superhero
By : subhash k. jha
Update: 2015-06-19 23:52 GMT
Mumbai: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s latest avatar is that of a superhero for Graphic India and Disney Channel India’s animated series Astra Force. In a conversation with us, he discussed his love for superheroes, comic books and more.
As a child or even as an adult, did you enjoy reading or watching Batman, Spiderman, Superman, etc.?
Yes, of course. They were the most popular comics, along with Roy Rogers and Lone Ranger. When their films came out, we enjoyed those too.
You had been a part of a superhero comic book series titled Supremo, in the 1980s. Do you see Astra Force as a continuation of that experience?
Yes, Supremo was something that was devised in the 1980s, but that was limited to the comic stage only. Astra, with passage of time and imagery change, shall be animated for TV. The concept and the creative aspect is entirely fresh and different.
Do you see Astra Force as a special gift for your young fans?
I cannot say yet. It is a process that will only give results after it is viewed. However, we hope that there shall be some substantial connect with the younger generation of kids.
There is a paucity of films and literature for children in India…
I think there is a huge volume of unexploited storytelling for children in India. Hopefully, we shall try to be a small beginning to a larger venture.
Is Aaradhya a fan of superhero films? Her dad played one in Drona...
She is still too young for that. But as she gains awareness, hopefully, she will be attracted to it.
Are you comfortable with your granddaughter being in the media glare at such a tender age?
The ease with which this generation gets the opportunity to record visuals, it shall be impossible to maintain any kind of exclusivity or privacy. As public figures, we are noticed each time we step out of our homes. So if Aaradhya’s whereabouts are tracked, it comes as no surprise to us. We live with it.