Amitabh Bachchan isn’t just Hindi cinema’s angry young man; he’s a masterclass in discipline. During the filming of ‘Satte Pe Satta,’ actress Kalpana Iyer witnessed this firsthand, gaining insights that shaped her career and outlook.
The 1980s Mumbai set buzzed with energy, but amid the chaos, Bachchan’s arrival every morning at the crack of dawn set him apart. Iyer, sharing her experience, noted, ‘He lived in Juhu, I was in Andheri, and the shoot was at Ballard Pier. Yet, he was always early, often alone with his white Ambassador parked nearby.’
Her mother’s words echoed through these moments: those who arrive on time honor others most profoundly. Bachchan, the era’s biggest draw, exemplified this without fanfare. ‘No entourage, no delays—just pure professionalism,’ Iyer observed.
The actress strived to match his standard, racing through Mumbai’s streets in her own Ambassador. But time and again, she’d find him already prepared, script in hand. This wasn’t mere habit; it was a philosophy. ‘It taught me that stardom demands more than talent—it requires reliability,’ she reflected.
Today, as Bollywood evolves, Iyer’s tale underscores enduring values. Bachchan’s punctuality during ‘Satte Pe Satta’—a film that blended action, comedy, and romance—remains a benchmark. For aspiring stars, it’s a call to prioritize time, ensuring their talent shines without shadows of tardiness.
