Big B to make a special appearance in a science fiction

By Bollywood Hungama -

March 17, 2006 - 12:00 AM IST

Tata Infomedia Ltd. released the music of their first film AETBAAR [music marketed by Sony Music] at a jam-packed ceremony on Tuesday, November 18 at Taj Land's End, Bandra. Directed by Vikram Bhatt and starring Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham and Bipasha Basu, the film is an acid test for everyone associated with it, barring Bachchan.

AETBAAR is important for Vikram Bhatt since his last two films [FOOTPATH, INTEHA] didn't work at the box-office. AETBAAR is crucial for Tata since this is their first step in Bollywood.

AETBAAR is vital for John Abraham since his last release, SAAYA, was a non-starter, although his performance was appreciated immensely. AETBAAR is also significant for Bipasha Basu since this is her second film with John [after JISM] and on this film rests the fate of her other projects where she has been paired with John.

The music release of the film was best described by Amitabh when he jokingly remarked, "This is looking like an annual general meeting of one of Tata's companies." For, one by one, those associated with the film -- director Vikram Bhatt, music director Rajesh Roshan and actors Amitabh, John and Bipasha -- were invited on the dais to shed light on their experiences while working in the film.

Some quotes:- Vikram Bhatt: "It was a childhood desire to work with Mr. Bachchan. Working for a corporate house [Tata] was enlightening as well. There's a vast difference between a Bollywood production house and a corporate entity. Everything is planned to the minutest and executed efficiently."

John Abraham: "It was a learning experience sharing the same frame with Mr. Bachchan. You get to learn so much by just watching him perform. AETBAAR gave me an opportunity to try my hand at a role that I haven't been offered so far. I hope I live up to the expectations."

Bipasha Basu: "I play Mr. Bachchan's daughter in the film. While shooting with him, I felt that I was actually working with my father. I could feel the overprotective attitude of a father several times."

Amitabh spoke the last, but spoke the best. Excerpts:

"Years ago, we floated a corporate entity, A.B.C.L., since I firmly believe that the industry ought to be streamlined if it needs to progress. It gives me immense happiness to see corporate houses like Tata making inroads in the industry.

"Working in AETBAAR was an enjoyable experience. Though this was the first time that I was working with Vikram, John and Bipasha, it was like one big family coming together to make a film. The film has an interesting storyline and equally captivating performances. The music of the film is melodious, barring one song [referring to the song rendered by the actor himself!].

"[jokes] At my age, I get to play these kind of roles -- either act as a thorn between the lovers or make efforts to bring them together. You can't romance the heroine anymore."

AETBAAR is slated for a January 2004 release. "We've yet to finalise the release date. Looking at the flow of films week after week, we've yet to take a decision," Mandeep Singh of Tata Infomedia tells me.