By Tanveer Zaidi
There are actors, and then there is “The Amitabh Bachchan” — a name that transcends generations, genres, and geographical boundaries.
The megastar, often hailed as the Superstar of the Millennium, remains an enduring symbol of excellence and discipline.
His towering presence on and off screen has not only defined Indian cinema but also redefined the meaning of dedication to one’s craft.
According to his longtime makeup artist Deepak Sawant, who has worked with him for over 53 years, Amitabh Bachchan’s professionalism is unmatched.
He reportedly arrives on set half an hour before call time and works tirelessly for 16 hours a day without a single complaint.
His sense of responsibility is legendary — ensuring that no producer ever suffers a financial loss because of him. Perfection, for him, is not a choice but a way of life. Even today, as he continues to charm millions through his performances and hosting duties on Kaun Banega Crorepati, his humility remains intact.
The Transformational Triumph: “Paa” and the Making of Auro
In the 2009 film Paa, Amitabh Bachchan took on one of the most extraordinary roles of his career — that of Auro, a 13-year-old boy suffering from progeria, a rare genetic disorder that accelerates aging.
The transformation was not just cosmetic; it was a complete physical, emotional, and psychological metamorphosis.
The intricate prosthetic makeup was designed by Hollywood’s acclaimed artists Christien Tinsley and Dominie Till, who had previously worked on major international projects.
Each day, the application of prosthetics took four to five painstaking hours, followed by another two hours for removal.
Layers of sculpted silicone and clay were carefully attached to his face to create the wrinkled skin, enlarged head, and delicate features of a child suffering from the condition.
The prosthetics were so extensive that even his ears were covered, dulling his hearing and creating an echo effect when he spoke.
Wearing them also meant he could neither eat nor drink freely, often having to remain seated in one position for long stretches. Despite the physical discomfort, Amitabh called the process “worth every minute.”
Becoming the Child Within
The genius of Amitabh Bachchan lies in his ability to live a character, not merely perform it. Under the direction of R. Balki, he underwent rigorous training to adopt the body language, speech, and innocence of a 13-year-old. He spent time observing children, mimicking their spontaneous movements, speech patterns, and curiosity.
To achieve Auro’s unique lisp and childlike voice, Amitabh dubbed his dialogues using specially crafted dentures with uneven, broken teeth. Since the condition affects metabolism, Auro is often seen munching on chocolates — a detail Amitabh faithfully followed, despite his own dietary restrictions.
R. Balki once revealed that Amitabh had so completely immersed himself in Auro that he began behaving like a real child on set — giggling, playing pranks, and even throwing tantrums.
In one remarkable incident during a shoot in Malaysia, a man searching for Amitabh Bachchan stormed off in frustration, unaware that the superstar he sought was standing right before him — hidden beneath the remarkable transformation of Auro.
The Reward of Relentless Artistry
Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Auro remains one of the most celebrated performances in Indian cinema. It earned him his third National Film Award for Best Actor, a testament to his unending pursuit of artistic perfection.
Paa was both a critical and commercial success. Made on a modest budget estimated between ₹14 crore and ₹21 crore, it went on to earn approximately ₹48–49 crore worldwide, marking it as a profitable venture.
Critics hailed it as a heartfelt story told with simplicity and power — carried on the shoulders of an actor who continues to set new benchmarks for excellence.
Even today, Amitabh Bachchan’s discipline, humility, and relentless passion for cinema inspire millions. He remains not merely a star, but a timeless institution — a living legend whose light only grows brighter with age.
By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor–Author–Educationist)
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