Dubai: It was a first for legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday night. After having acted in more than 150 Hindi films, India’s long-enduring superstar, 71, had the privilege of enjoying his career’s first UAE red carpet premiere with the supernatural satire Bhoothnath Returns.
“This is my first premiere in Dubai. I don’t think I have ever been here for a premiere before. I am looking forward to it,” said Bachchan in an interview with Gulf News ahead of the screening.
“The city has been incredibly warm towards us and like I said before it’s like stepping out of our home and entering another home … The UAE has become one of the most important markets for us,” said Bachchan, sporting bright blue-rimmed glasses.
His co-star Boman Irani, who recently filmed the upcoming release Happy New Year in Dubai with Shah Rukh Khan, felt privileged to unveil his latest project to UAE movie fans.
“Dubai is a first for me too. I have always been a premiere baby. Before acting, my workplace was in the heart of theatres in Mumbai and after I shut my shop I used to go and watch stars on the red carpet. I had the privilege of seeing Mr Bachchan premiere his films too. There was that magic to it,” said Irani, adding that he wasn’t a fan of multiplex premieres.
“Remember the time when everybody used to gather in one theatre like Maratha Mandir or Liberty, it was a collective experience. But in a multiplex, there are different groups watching films. But I guess, we have to move with the times,” said Irani.
While Bachchan plays a friendly ghost in Bhoothnath Returns, Irani has taken on the role of an evil politician.
Cinema wasn’t the only thing on their minds. Asked if they would stay for the IPL games in the UAE, Bachchan said that he would follow it on television. His favourite team?
“Since I am from Mumbai I will say the Mumbai Indians,” said Bachchan, adding that he had no intention of buying a cricket team.
