It’s Amitabh Bachchan’s 83rd birthday today and fans just can’t keep calm! Social media is filled with wishes, fan edits, and throwback clips celebrating the megastar’s incredible journey in Bollywood. Even after 56 years in the industry, Big B continues to be an inspiration for his dedication towards his work.
And if you thought age might have slowed him down, think again. His longtime makeup artist and close aide, Deepak Sawant, recently revealed that Amitabh Bachchan still works 16-hour shifts, with the same energy and passion he had when he started out.
A friendship that began in 1972
Deepak Sawant has been working with Amitabh Bachchan for over 53 years, since their first film together, Raaste Kaa Patthar (1972). Over time, their bond has grown stronger both professionally and personally. In fact, Bachchan even acted in Sawant’s Bhojpuri films Gangotri (2007) and Ganga Devi (2012), which also starred Jaya Bachchan.
Speaking to the YouTube channel Reel to Real, Sawant got emotional as he talked about his relationship with Big B.
“I feel extremely lucky to be with Amitabh Bachchan. I often tell God that after Him, I believe in Amitabh Bachchan. The love and respect he has shown to me and my family are beyond words. If I ever had to fight for him, I would, without thinking twice,” he shared.
Still working 16 hours a day at 83
Sawant said Amitabh Bachchan’s discipline and work ethic are what make him truly extraordinary. Even at 83, he’s always on time and never compromises on professionalism.
“He makes sure no producer ever suffers a loss because of him. He always arrives at least 30 minutes before his call time. If needed, he’ll work for 16 hours straight and won’t leave the set until the makers say ‘pack up’. This has been his routine for the last 50 years,” Sawant revealed.
He added that Bachchan’s preparation for every scene is still as intense as it was in his younger days.
“He reads a scene more than 50 times. He rehearses each line at least 10 times before shooting and usually does it alone. What’s amazing is that his first take is always his best. Even when he does a second one, the first one still stands out,” he said.
‘No one works like him’
According to Sawant, no actor in today’s generation comes close to Amitabh Bachchan’s level of dedication. “In 50 years, I’ve never seen anyone as disciplined as him. Akshay Kumar is also very punctual, but he works within fixed hours. Amitabh Bachchan can go on for 16 hours and still show up on time the next morning. He won’t leave till the producer says pack up,” Sawant said.
Still the Legend we all look up to
At an age when most people are enjoying retirement, Amitabh Bachchan continues to shoot for films, brand ads, and his hit TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati, all with the same enthusiasm he had in the ’70s.
From Zanjeer and Deewar to Piku and Pink, he has reinvented himself again and again, proving that true passion has no age limit.