Ishaan Khatter: Amitabh Bachchan visited the principal to help my mom get me enrolled to a good school – Exclusive – Times of India

Amitabh Bachchan’s aura and charisma mesmerises not just the older generation but the youth of India as well. The same holds true for the young blood in Bollywood. Ishaan Khatter, who’s literally grown up around Mr Bachchan and his family is one such fan. Speaking to ETimes on the superstar’s 80th birthday, Ishaan reveals, “Not many people know this, but he’s done a huge favour to me, even before I became an actor. He was the reason why I got admission to my school. My mother (actress Neelima Azeem) was working with him at the time. It was very difficult to get an admission into that school and Mr Bachchan paid a personal visit to the authorities and the principal. I only found out about this much later in life, once I was an adult. But can you imagine that? The Amitabh Bachchan did that so that a kid could get a good education.”

He admits that like millions around the world, he’s a certified fan of Big B. He says, “Bachchan saab has been an icon for longer than my entire life. I have admired his work in films like Anand, Deewaar and so many more. In the last two decades that I’ve been watching his work, he has constantly reinvented himself not just as a star but as an actor. I have only respect and admiration for him. There’s so much to learn just by watching him. I hope that I get the good fortune of spending some time with him on a film set. I will get to learn so much more by just working with him.”

Like hundreds of his peers, Ishaa admires many qualities in Mr Bachchan. He says, “We’ve all heard stories of how disciplined he is and of his commitment to his craft. He is always on time. Also the fact that he puts so much effort into preparing for his films and his rehearsals. But when it comes to his on-screen persona it’s his sheer magnetism that impresses you. I also have to admire his proficiency in language and how he uses his voice. His persona, aura and presence is unmatched.”

Finally, he also lists reasons why Mr Bachchan has continued to stay relevant and why he’s managed to be a favourite with younger fans and peers, too. Ishaan explains, “He also has a wicked sense of humour. He’s truly the most rounded celebrity and performer. He’s a tower personality and star.”