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Balasaheb Thackeray was like my father: Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood's Big B shared his special memories which he spent with Shiv Sena chief, Late Balasaheb Thackeray. His biopic is now being made by MP Sanjay Raut, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui will play the titular role. The biopic will release on January 23, 2019.

Balasaheb Thackeray was like my father: Amitabh Bachchan
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Political legend Balasaheb Thackeray has been popular in Maharashtra for many decades now, ever since he started the state's ruling party, Shiv Sena. Few days back, MP Sanjay Raut, announced a biopic based on Balasaheb's life, and the project was finally announced today with the poster and teaser launch. Ace actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be playing the role of the legend, and he has won our hearts already.

The event was attended by MP Sanjay Raut, Amitabh Bachchan, Uddhav Thackeray, Aditya Thackeray and many others. Bollywood's Big B shared his emotional journey and experience of spending his time with Balasaheb Thackeray. Here's the excerpt from what he shared...


Initial days of meeting...

I have had a very close and cordial relationship with Balasaheb Thackeray. I used to attend every function when he invited. He has always been an example for everyone. I met him 40 years back and I was married around that time. He called me and asked me if he could meet Jaya Bachchan. He invited me and Jaya to Matoshree and I was very much touched and impressed the way he welcomed me.


A part of my family...

He was like a father figure to me and I have always treated him as an integral part of my family, and so did he. When I was hurt during the shoot of my film coolie, I was hospitalised in a critical state in Bangalore, When I was being brought to Mumbai, days weren't good due to monsoon. I did not get an ambulance at that time, due to rain, but Balasaheb's Shiv Sena ambulance was available. If it hadn't been for them, I wouldn't be here.


Pillar of strength

He used to always call me and find out about my day to day activities. He called me during concerns and allegations. Whenever I was in doubt, I used to ask him for advice. He always wanted me to be true and honest. He used to explain scenarios with examples. He stood by me always, giving me courage.

Memories from his last days...

I have and will always respect him. When was on the deathbed, I got an opportunity to meet him. I was there with Uddhav, Aditya and other coordinate. We were only praying for him because we wanted him to live long with us. I never wanted to see him leave us, but it was a tough time to see. I was surprised to see my picture or photo in his room, next to his head. I was stunned and that moment has been captured for life.

About the biopic

I don't think Balasaheb's life can be shown in 3 hours. I wish there is a series made on him, for his personality is much beyond a film. His aura, work, and life can only be summarized and shown in a web series of many episodes. I congratulate and wish Sanjay Raut the best for this film. I will always be ready to contribute to this film, in every way possible.

Thackeray, the biopic, will release on January 23, 2019, on Balasaheb's birthday.

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