Amitabh Bachchan's co-star reveals Big B once shouted at a crew member, and she is grateful for it decades later

Malayalam actress Shobana recently showered praise on veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. In a recent interaction with fans on Instagram, the ‘Manichitrathazu’ actress recalled how she was once treated shabbily on the sets of a song she and Bachchan collaborated on for a movie. She revealed the 'Sholay' star was livid at the blatant disrespect and rushed to her defense. The event took place in Ahmedabad.

Though she refrained from naming the specific movie or the song, she vividly described the situation. Wrapped in several layers of elaborate costumes for a song sequence, she was in dire need of a private space to change. In contrast to her needs, Bachchan had his own well-equipped caravan, and the surrounding area had become chaotic with fans crowding to catch a glimpse of the superstar.

When Shobana inquired about her own changing area, an offhand comment was made by someone on set, dismissively stating that since she hailed from Kerala, she would be accommodating enough to change her clothes behind a tree. The remark was not only inappropriate but also belittling. However, what followed next completely shifted the atmosphere on set.

Amitabh Bachchan, who happened to overhear the comment through his walkie-talkie, immediately responded. Without hesitation, he emerged from his caravan and firmly demanded to know who had made such an insensitive statement. To further uphold her dignity, he offered his own caravan to Shobana and respectfully vacated it himself. That gesture, simple yet powerful, etched itself permanently into her memory.

Shobana reflected on how Bachchan’s humility has remained unchanged over the years. Even during their recent work together in the science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD, she observed how, despite the burden of heavy prosthetic makeup and long hours, he maintained deep-rooted cultural values. Every time someone entered the room, he would rise to greet them, regardless of his physical discomfort. When Shobana gently told him it wasn’t necessary, he calmly responded that the gesture was part of his upbringing and something he couldn’t abandon.

Their on-screen reunion in Kalki 2898 AD became a milestone event. In the film, Shobana portrayed Mariam, the leader of a secretive tribe waiting for the return of Lord Vishnu in the form of Kalki. Bachchan took on the role of Ashwatthama, a mythical warrior tasked with protecting the chosen one, portrayed by Deepika Padukone. The movie, also featuring Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, shattered box office records with global earnings surpassing Rs 1,000 crore. Its overwhelming success has prompted the makers to begin work on a much-anticipated sequel.

Meanwhile, Shobana was most recently seen in the blockbuster Thudarum, starring opposite Mohanlal. The film also enjoyed massive commercial success, raking in more than Rs 236 crore globally, cementing her continued relevance and stature in Indian cinema.