Media is an ogre today: Amitabh Bachchan

He has had a sweet-sour relationship with the media and after experiencing how it works, Amitabh Bachchan has developed a respect for it. As Ram Gopal Verma’s ‘Rann’ hits theatres, in an exclusive interview with Shashank Chouhan of spicezee.com, Bachchan, who plays a media baron, says media is fighting a battle amidst a minefield of competition. Tell us something about ‘Rann’… Rann is a film on the television medium and what transpires in the life of a channel owner, Vijay Harshvardhan Malik the character I play. TV as a medium is a business and journalism is a profession that claims to be the conscience of the nation. Does one compromise with the other for gain or not, is the theme. Harshvardhan is also called ‘Vijay’- your favourite name on-screen… The character is simply called Harshvardhan Malik in the script. I thought adding Vijay before it would bring success, like it has in some of my other films. Why did you say yes to RGV again, despite all the recent duds? For the same reason why directors and producers come to me after I have given several duds! I like working with RGV. How did it feel like being in the role of a journalist- did your perception of media change or get reinforced? I do not work in a project to change perceptions. That is the job of the writer and producer and director. I merely do the job assigned to me. My personal perception of the media though has always been of great respect. It is a tough job and one that requires immense hard work. It is not easy to assess, analyze, report and inform day in and day out with truth, honesty and without bias. What do you think about the media today after taking a first hand look- is it all a ‘Rann’ or is there a heart to it as well? Media today is a minefield of competition. You need to tread with caution and guile to survive. I do not envy the position you find yourself in. It’s a giant wheel that keeps rotating and never stops. An ogre that requires to be fed constantly or it will devour or crush you under its weight. I am amazed at how this machinery functions and keeps delivering every second of our lives. That is the most creditable part of media in India, or indeed in any part of the world. It is indeed a RANN, a battle for survival which requires great heart!! Is it about media bashing? Not really. You know `Rann` is actually a very pro-media film. What my character does in the film as part of the media (industry) is nothing dishonourable. It`s a battle between business and conscience. What do you think about Abhishek following your steps to the small screen? It is another aspect of the experience that all artists wish to go through in the medium of entertainment. I continue to go through it and feel good. Hope Abhishek feels good too.