Amitabh Bachchan has long been admired not just for his towering screen presence but also for his unmatched professionalism and discipline. Over the decades, several actors and filmmakers have spoken about his punctuality, preparation, and commitment to craft. Adding to these stories, actor Raja Bundela—who worked with the megastar in the 1989 film Main Azaad Hoon—recently shared an anecdote that perfectly captures Big B’s meticulous nature.
Speaking on the Dear Generation podcast, Raja Bundela recalled his experience of working alongside Amitabh Bachchan and how the veteran actor followed strict personal and professional rules, including refusing entry to his home past a certain hour.
“He Remembered Every Dialogue”
Raja Bundela began by praising Amitabh Bachchan’s work ethic and sharp memory. Calling it a pleasure to work with the legendary actor, Raja said that Amitabh arrived on set fully prepared and remembered his dialogues flawlessly.
“He was extremely focused,” Raja shared, adding that even during long and hectic schedules, Amitabh Bachchan never appeared distracted or careless. For a young actor sharing screen space with the icon, it was a masterclass in professionalism.
No Entry After 8 PM: A Rule Set in Stone
One of the most striking details Raja mentioned was Amitabh Bachchan’s strict personal routine. According to him, Big B followed a disciplined lifestyle to the letter, including a rule that no one was allowed to enter his home after 8 PM.
This rule, Raja explained, was part of Amitabh’s effort to maintain balance, rest properly, and prepare for work the next day. For someone juggling multiple projects even in the late 1980s, this level of self-discipline set him apart from his contemporaries.
The anecdote highlights how Amitabh Bachchan’s success is not accidental but rooted in decades of consistency and structure.
The Story of the Lost Shoes During a Goa Shoot
Raja Bundela also shared an unforgettable incident from the Goa shoot of Main Azaad Hoon. During filming, Amitabh Bachchan discovered that his continuity shoes—essential for maintaining visual consistency in scenes—had been left behind in Mumbai.
In those days, flights were limited and transporting items quickly was not easy. The scene being filmed required Amitabh’s character, who hadn’t eaten for two days, to walk on a road, spot an apple, bend down, look around, and eat it. Since the camera angle would clearly show his feet, the shoes had to match perfectly for continuity.
Any mismatch, Raja explained, would have been noticeable on screen.
Obsession With Continuity and Detail
What stood out to Raja was Amitabh Bachchan’s seriousness about continuity. He revealed that during those days, Amitabh personally took responsibility for all his continuity material. Whenever a shooting schedule wrapped up, Big B would carry the required props, costumes, or accessories himself instead of leaving them with the production team.
“I don’t know if he still does it now,” Raja said, “but back then, he never trusted anyone else with his continuity items.”
This attention to detail ensured that every scene looked seamless, regardless of shooting gaps or location changes.
A Lesson for Generations of Actors
Raja Bundela’s recollections offer a rare glimpse into why Amitabh Bachchan has sustained his stardom for over five decades. His refusal to compromise on discipline—whether it meant strict house rules, perfect dialogue delivery, or safeguarding a pair of shoes—reflects a mindset built on respect for cinema.
In an industry often associated with chaos and unpredictability, Amitabh Bachchan’s structured approach stands out. It also explains why younger actors continue to look up to him as a benchmark of professionalism.
The Legacy of a True Megastar
Stories like these reinforce Amitabh Bachchan’s image as more than just a superstar. He is an institution—someone who treats filmmaking as a serious craft rather than just a profession.
Raja Bundela’s anecdote may seem small, but it speaks volumes about the habits that have helped Amitabh Bachchan remain relevant, respected, and revered even today.
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