R. Balki recently penned a touching birthday letter to Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, celebrating his immense contribution to Indian cinema as the legendary star turned 83.
In his letter, Balki explained why he chose to write instead of speaking directly to Amitabh. He humorously noted that it was safer to address him in public rather than in private, where Amitabh might dismiss him with some playful banter, calling him “a delusional fool” or something a little more dismissive depending on his generosity.
Balki shared that he had just watched the grand finale of Downton Abbey, where a line caught his attention: “Sometimes I feel the past is a more comfortable place than the future.” He acknowledged that Amitabh is known for always looking forward, driven by competitiveness and action, rarely dwelling on nostalgia. Balki wrote, “I know you hate to look back, you are all about looking forward to the new, the next day; you are as competitive today, shun armchair nostalgic philosophy, ‘doing’ is your life force.”
Yet, Balki pointed out that Amitabh’s legacy has shaped modern cinema in ways that still resonate. Highlighting Amitabh’s iconic presence on screen, Balki reflected on how Amitabh set the standard for the “hero” with his unique charisma and voice, well before the age of slow-motion entries and high frame-rate action sequences. Balki wrote, “You were responsible for the birth of the ultra slow motion 90 frames per second hero…though you hardly entered or walked in slow motion in your films. In fact, I can’t even remember a 48 frame shot of yours, except maybe one glorious run here or there, in all your golden and platinum jubilee hits.” He added with humor, “Maybe that’s why I shot you walking towards Tabu in Cheeni Kum in 48 frames for fun.”
Amitabh’s natural presence made slow-motion effects unnecessary. Balki noted, “You were just born with a personality, a voice and a gift of doing the most outlandish things with a straight face. The villains hear your voice and ‘cut to’…they see you! Voila… The biggest star of Hindi cinema in 24 frames per second!”
The letter also touched on how modern cinema embraced higher frame rates, sometimes up to 90 frames per second, to amplify heroism with dramatic slow-motion shots and booming music—a trend Balki partly attributed to Amitabh’s legacy. He wrote, “With every year the frame rate has increased… today the average is 90 frames per second, cut to deafening music. Can’t blame them. Blame you. You set the bar for a hero.”
Balki concluded by inviting Amitabh to return to the silver screen with more “24 frame” action, emphasizing that his past performances are not just a source of comfort but a benchmark for future stars. “Now please come back from KBC. We need some 24 frame action on screen for a change. Your past is not just a comfortable place for us all to be in. It’s an aspiration for the future.” He praised Amitabh as a symbol of hope for all Indian mega heroes and expressed his belief that one day, beyond box office success, they will be “Bigger than Bachchan.”
This heartfelt letter offers a nostalgic yet forward-looking tribute to one of India’s most celebrated actors, acknowledging Amitabh Bachchan’s timeless influence on the film industry and audiences alike.
Also Read: KBC 17: Farhan Akhtar reveals a handwritten letter by Amitabh Bachchan is his most treasured award
The post R. Balki pens heartfelt birthday letter celebrating Amitabh Bachchan’s legendary Legacy: “You were just born with a personality, a voice…” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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