By Subhash K. Jha, August 23, 2007 - 14:18 IST
In Ravi Chopra?s Bhootnath, Big B defied his age (65 years) and performed a ?heart-in-the-mouth? stunt that would have scared the hell out of actors half his age. When reminded of it, he brushes off the derring-do as part of a day's work.
"I think far too much is being made out of the stunt. Yes, every action- stunt has its potential dangers and the action directors take adequate precautions and follow safety routines. You could slip and fall while walking ordinarily and break a bone and conversely, not get a scratch by jumping off a building for a film?s action sequence. The stunt I did for Bhootnath was relatively safe. But because of my recent surgery and my several other complicated medical conditions, there was an obvious anxiety. However things went off without any incident. Thank God!"
While performing a stunt in 1983 Big B had suffered a near-fatal injury. "I still remember all the prayers and good wishes of the people. I wouldn't have survived without them." He adds.
Having done this stunt at 65, Big B admits that he wouldn't allow his son to do the same. "I would not permit Abhishek to do his own stunts. I always ask him to use discretion and take immense precaution."