Amitabh Bachchan has a rare appetite for acting: Prakash Jha

Ranchi: Director Prakash Jha who teams up with Amitabh Bachchan for the first time in `Aarakshan`, feels that the mega star`s rare appetite for acting is an inspiration to the new generation.

Bachchan plays an upright college principal, Prabhakar Anand, who is forced to take a stand on reservation much against his wishes in the upcoming film, which also stars Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in key roles. The film hits theatres on August 12. "Amitabh Bachchan is so devoted and committed towards his work that he is always the first to reach the set of the film. He is punctual, disciplined and always eager to learn from even the most junior artist," Jha told reporters. "He has an unimaginable depth in his acting and his devotion towards his work shows, why he is so successful in his life and considered to be an icon in the Indian society," said the filmmaker. Thanks to Bachchan`s dedication Jha was able to finish the shooting two days before its schedule. "Once I asked Amitabhji, being so much senior, why did he come to the set of a film so early? He said that he wanted to learn from the other artists and improve his acting accordingly." Jha, who has produced and directed films like `Damul` (1984), `Mrityudand` (1997), `Gangajal` (2003), `Apaharan` (2005), `Rajneeti` (2010) and now `Arakhshan`, says he does not want to contest another election following his unsuccessful run in the 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections. "I wanted to be an MP and enter the Indian parliament to fight for the problems of my people but I could not succeed to fulfil my political ambition as I do not have the understanding of the Indian polity. "Now I have understood that politics is not my cup of tea and that is why I have left politics and will never contest again any election," Jha said. The director said that the idea to make a film highlighting the commercialisation of education and reservation came to him when he came to know that a primary school in Juhu charges Rs one lakh per month as fee. "Arakhshan (reservation) is one of the main reasons for the concept of capitation fee and commercialisation of education in our country," said the director. PTI