Big B the style icon

doweshowbellyad=0; THE FASHION MANTRA: Big B daringly carries off whatever bizarre costume his designers dress him up in with considerable elan. (TOI Photo)Big B defends his daring, sometimes outrageous but nevertheless 'mindblowing' on-screen style.Indian farmer from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra he might not yet be, but Amitabh Bachchan is most certainly the film industry's international style icon.At 64, his fashion sense on screen is at times as garish as it is conservative in real life; but yet, the Big B daringly carries off whatever bizarre costume his designers dress him up in with considerable elan. Be it the supposed Jack Sparrow meets Pied Piper look in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Sexy Sam's debonair look in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna or the chef's special, his ponytail in the recent Cheeni Kum. Is he hip according to world fashion trends? And cool about making crazy style statements? BT caught the grand 'ol superstar at his fashionable best and asked, "What do you think your doing at 64, Mr B?" This is what he replied:
Retro, hippie, high street, rock, contemporary ... you're the clothes horse when it comes to fashionable trends on screen/off screen. Your take on this?
You give me far too elaborate a distinction than I deserve. I am the last person to believe that I set trends in fashion through my films. Most of the time they are on the-set decisions, initiated by the director. I merely follow dictates. Often what I wear to the studio gets an encouraging thumbs-up from the crew and it gets incorporated in the film. Hrishida (Hrishikesh Mukherjee) did that often. He never bothered about dress or style.Now, the present generation , with its methodical, very professional and modern production procedures in place, hires famous designers who go through great pains to research and manufacture your look in the film. I am fortunate to be a part of this procedure and therefore the recipient of some rather "retro, hip, high street, rock and contemporary" clothing.
How do you manage to carry off these images with such elan at 64?
'Manage' is such an apt expression of my predicament! It is a tough job. There's a lot of huffing and puffing and energy drinks on the side and some how you manage. Embarrassing at times. But you know, when it's inevitable, and you have a group of youngsters egging you on with expressions like 'Kool' , 'Rocking' , 'Mindblowing' ... you actually start believing them and just go for it.
It's said you could put eccentric designers like (John) Galliano to shame with your verve and zest for fashion. You are in agreement with that?
Rubbish! Never heard of this gentleman. For a moment I thought he was the guy who ran out naked screaming 'Eureka' after discovering the world was round!
How much of your personal statements on fashion do you put into your roles when your characters are being fitted for the camera?
I leave those decisions to my director. I am too busy thinking what my scenes are and where the story is going. If suggestions are solicited, I may put in a word or two. But most of the time, the sneer that emanates from Mr Director, shuts me up for the rest of the film.
Fashion to you means?
... what three Italians and one Frenchman decide every 'fall' .
Does shopping give you a high? And if it does, what is it you look forward to buying?
No it does not! I depend on others to do it for me. These days it's the children who guide me. Some of their choices are simply outrageous. But when you go out wearing them its, 'Ooh! rocking!' I am not certain what that is supposed to signify.
Most of your shopping is done at... ?
... My doorstep!
What is a shopkeeper's reaction when Amitabh Bachchan walks into his store?
'Yes Sir! How can I help you !'
mark.manuel@timesgroup .com