'There is nothing special about my voice'

Rich Baritone

He may have the most unmistakable voice in India but Amitabh Bachchan, whose baritone will play a crucial role in his upcoming film Shamitabh, says he has a very normal voice and there is ‘nothing special’ about it.

The 72-year-old actor denies that the R Balki-directed film, also starring Dhanush and Akshara Haasan, is a tribute to his voice.

“People may think like that because it is the story of a man who gives his voice to someone who does not have it. It is because of this that the success factor comes into play and then there is an ego clash.

I don't think it is a tribute to my voice. I am most humbled if people think that but I have a very normal voice, there is nothing special about it," Bachchan told PTI in an interview here.

The film, releasing this Friday, is their third collaboration after Cheeni Kum and Paa and Bachchan happily resigned himself to the transformative

 journey that Balki takes him through for his projects. Som­etimes, that includes sitting in the makeup chair for hours.

“With Paa it was about five hours but this time it was ab­out two hours. It was needed to create the bearded, unke­mpt look.

“Balki has the most unusual mind. His ideas are very fresh and different from what is prevalent. I do believe that it is a plot that perhaps has never been seen. It is inspiring to wo­­­­rk with him. I doubt what he drinks or smokes. His ideas are weird but we settle down in the end and I admire the fact that he thinks like this,” Bachchan said.

Shamitabh revolves around an ego clash between two artistes but the actor do­es not believe
in ego.

“It does not exist in my life. Ego comes in your life when you think that you are the best. I don’t think there is anything ultimate about me or indeed about creativity. For creative people to be satisfied is a horrible state to be in.

“When I get in front of the camera, I don’t think that I am a great performer or what I do is ultimate,” he said.