“Amit ji has a profound knowledge of Hindi,” says Anand Pandit

On World Hindi Day, the veteran producer recalls how the superstar introduced him to literary and poetic nuances

One of the highlights of 2020 for veteran producer Anand Pandit was wrapping up the shoot of his film ‘Chehre’ starring Amitabh Bachchan and Emran Hashmi. He says, “Working with Mr Bachchan is always an educational experience. Not many people know that he is a consummate linguist. That is why he is able to pick up diverse accents so quickly. I remember watching him speak in multiple Indian languages in a scene from the film ‘Laawaris’ in the 80s and marvelling at his ease with all of them. Little did I know that one day I will work with him and also receive the benefit of his vast knowledge about poetry and much more.”

On World Hindi Day, the producer especially recalls the superstar’s ease with Hindi literature and says, “Nobody can recite poetry like Mr Bachchan, be it in Hindi or Urdu. His baritone and his understanding of the written word adds to the magic. We all remember him playing the poet in ‘Kabhie Kabhie’ and ‘Silsila’ on screen but it was absolutely magical to hear him recite his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s masterpiece ‘Madhushala’ in real life. He even patiently explained the nuance of each phrase. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I learnt a lot from him about the poetic undertones of a language that we all speak in but without going too deep in its literary heritage. “