'His voice is magic'

Nirupa Roy

People identified with our mother-son pair. I used to feel that he is really my son. Because we did so many films together, we developed that kind of sentiment for each other.

I first played his mother in Khoon Pasina and I wondered what kind of a person he was. He was already a popular star. But he was so courteous and normal. He had so much team spirit. He never made you feel small.

I was particularly floored by his voice. His voice is magic, you are completely entranced when you hear it.

He is as fine a human being as he is an actor. He is unfailingly good tempered and highly professional. I remember, when we were shooting for Mard he had to be buried in the sand. Then we broke for sometime to rest. But Amitabh said he would continue lying in the sand because if he came out and went back again, the shot wouldn't look natural. There were flies around him, it was hot, we all asked him to sit up. He refused. He was always totally involved in his work.

I noticed he never interfered with the director. He did exactly what he was told. He was as efficient doing comedy as he was in tragic roles.

He took us to Allahabad for the premiere of a film. On the way, he looked after all of us, serving us. He respects older artistes.

Whatever one says of him will not be enough. His commitment, his professionalism, his attitude to his work are all praiseworthy. I have always enjoyed working with him and watching him act. We had a fine rapport too. I did Khoon Pasina, Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Suhaag, Ganga Jamuna Saraswati and Mard with him.

Nirupa Roy spoke to Lata Khubchandani