Veteran actress Zeenat Aman recently opened up about her experiences working with two Bollywood legends, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, highlighting their vastly different approaches to professionalism on set.
Rajesh Khanna: The Late Star
In a throwback interview with Shemaroo Lifestyle, Zeenat Aman recounted how her *Ajnabee* co-star, Rajesh Khanna, often controlled the filming schedule. She shared that he was consistently late, dictating his arrival and departure times on set.
During the shooting of films like *Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka*, Zeenat observed that the entire crew would often wait for Khanna to arrive. Even as the “Rajesh Khanna fever” among audiences began to wane by the late 70s, he continued to receive star treatment on set.
Their collaborations included *Ajnabee* (1974), *Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka* (1977), and the box office hit *Jaanwar* (1982). Despite his undeniable charisma, Khanna’s punctuality was a notable aspect of his on-set behavior.
Amitabh Bachchan: A Benchmark of Professionalism
In stark contrast, Zeenat Aman praised Amitabh Bachchan, with whom she starred in many more films. She described him as “extremely professional,” highlighting his dedication and discipline.
Bachchan, who rose to prominence with *Zanjeer* in 1973, quickly became a dominant force in Bollywood. Yet, according to Aman, he never exhibited the demanding behavior seen in some other stars. She lauded him as a “producer and director’s actor,” always willing to adapt to the needs of the production.
Humility Even as a Legend
Amitabh Bachchan’s professionalism isn’t just a thing of the past; it continues to this day. Recently, director Nag Ashwin, who helmed Bachchan’s upcoming film *Kalki 2898 AD*, shared a surprising anecdote.
Ashwin recalled how the megastar once sought permission to use the restroom during a delayed shoot, a gesture that deeply impressed him. Bachchan later explained on his blog that this was simply an act of “extreme normality,” viewing himself as an employee on the director’s set and thus obligated to seek permission.
This dedication to the craft and respect for the filmmaking process solidifies Amitabh Bachchan’s reputation as one of the industry’s most disciplined and professional actors.
- Rajesh Khanna was known for being frequently late and controlling the shooting schedule.
- Zeenat Aman praised Amitabh Bachchan as “extremely professional” and a “producer and director’s actor.”
- Bachchan’s humility and discipline extend to present-day shoots, as evidenced by his respectful behavior on set.
These insights from Zeenat Aman offer a fascinating glimpse into the working styles of two iconic figures who shaped the golden era of Indian cinema.
