Actor Ishaan Khatter recently shared a charming childhood memory of pulling Amitabh Bachchan’s beard on the set of the film “Sooryavansham.”
A Familiar Film on TV
If you’re a fan of Hindi cinema, chances are you’ve stumbled upon “Sooryavansham” playing on Set Max. While the film didn’t initially shine brightly at the box office when it premiered in 1999, it has since become a beloved cult classic, often gracing our TV screens during lazy afternoons.
Many grew up watching Amitabh Bachchan in his double role in the movie. But for actor Ishaan Khatter, the connection runs deeper – he experienced the film’s set firsthand as a young child.
A Childhood Visit to the Set
Ishaan’s mother, Neelima Azeem, played a significant role in “Sooryavansham” as Mrs. Varun Singh, with his father, Rajesh Khattar, portraying her on-screen husband. This family connection allowed a young Ishaan to visit the film’s set, sparking a lifelong fascination with filmmaking.
During a recent conversation with Mid-Day, Ishaan recalled his excitement. He shared how he would often call Amitabh Bachchan “Bade Miyan,” a reference to Bachchan’s character from another popular film, “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” which Ishaan had seen.
The Unforgettable Beard Incident
The visit to the “Sooryavansham” set holds a particularly vivid memory for Ishaan, thanks to his mother’s retelling. He recounted a moment when Mr. Bachchan, in a kind gesture, picked him up.
What followed was an innocent, yet memorable, childhood act. Ishaan’s mother later revealed that he had actually pulled Mr. Bachchan’s beard. The legendary actor, true to his gentle nature, simply smiled and reassured everyone, saying, “It’s okay.” These charming anecdotes have become cherished family stories for Ishaan.
Beyond the Set: A Helping Hand for School
The connection between Ishaan’s family and Amitabh Bachchan extends beyond the film set. In an earlier interview, Ishaan disclosed another instance of Mr. Bachchan’s generosity.
At the time, Ishaan’s mother was trying to secure his admission into Jamnabai, one of the city’s highly-regarded schools. Facing some difficulties, she received unexpected assistance from Mr. Bachchan himself, who personally intervened and spoke to the school authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Ishaan Khatter visited the set of “Sooryavansham” as a child, where his parents, Neelima Azeem and Rajesh Khattar, were acting.
- As a young boy, Ishaan affectionately called Amitabh Bachchan “Bade Miyan” after seeing his film “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.”
- He once pulled Amitabh Bachchan’s beard on set, to which the actor responded with a kind smile.
- Amitabh Bachchan also helped Ishaan’s mother secure his admission into a prestigious school.
These personal stories highlight the warm relationships formed within the film industry and the lasting impact of such memorable encounters.
