Meet the Bachchans, up close and personal

Meet the Bachchans, up close and personal
Express News Service

Despite an hour's delay due to a technical snag, fans of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan stayed online to shoot questions at their favourite actors, on the Indian Express website (www.expressindia.com) on Valentine's Day.

At the Bachchan residence at Juhu, the stars readied themselves for an evening out even as they answered queries from hundreds of visitors who had logged on. While Mr Bachchan dictated his replies to the questions, Mrs B played gracious hostess, ordering chilled nimbu-paani for all who had gathered to assist the couple in reaching out to their fans.

In keeping with the Valentine spirit, several fans shot off personal questions: ``Who, apart from your wife would you consider giving a Valentine gift to?'' queried one visitor. Retorted Bachchan: ``My daughter or grand-daughter.'' Another asked the couple about the most uncertain moment in their marriage. Almost instinctively, the Bachchans answered in unision: ``On June 3, 1973, our marriage day. We had to catch a flight to London for ourhoneymoon that night, and the pandit performing our marriage rites was taking too long.''

Replying to how he prepared before each shoot, the Big B responded half-jokingly: ``I have a bath, brush my teeth.'' He added, ``I don't prepare at all.''

When asked how she felt ``being married to Amitabh who is the dream man of many females,'' Jaya Bachchan blushed a deep red before replying, ``It feels good.'' There were those who didn't ask questions but made suggestions (You should be playing older characters. Don't work opposite young girls.) One couple conveyed their wishes: It's our wedding anniversary today, and we want to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day too.''

Some asked for tips on good parenting; some after Mr Bachchan's parents, others for their son Abhishek, who will make his debut as an actor soon. The Bachchans employed humour (``I don't want to live a 100 years,'' Mrs B revealed) and frankness (``My parents haven't particularly enjoyed my recent work,'' Mr B confessed).

Occasionally, their sonAbhishek dropped in to take a peek at what his parents were being asked. And as a fitting finale to the evening, one fan asked: ``What are your plans for Valentine's Day, Mr Bachchan?'' Seizing the moment, the actor replied: `You're holding up my plans. Now may I leave? My wife is waiting for me to take her to dinner.''