Director Sanjay Gupta recently shared his experience of narrating the script of ‘Kaante’ to Amitabh Bachchan. On a podcast, Gupta revealed that Bachchan wasn’t his first choice for the role, but it was Sanjay Dutt who suggested casting the legend in the film. The filmmaker also recalled the opulence of Bachchan's home, Jalsa, highlighting his collection of designer pens and high-end speakers that added to the grandeur of the mansion.
Sanjay Gupta on his experience of visiting Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa
Sanjay Gupta said, “Sanjay Dutt had called up Amitji to ask if I could narrate the film and he fixed the meeting for two days later at 11 am. I was very nervous, at 10:55 am I pulled up outside Amitji’s house and two guards came running and said they would park the car. They gave me the directions. I walked into his compound and stepped onto the staircase, and I saw Amitabh Bachchan’s black and white pictures from his films, shoots, etc. So by the time you reach the second floor, you seem very little. Then they took me to a very well-furnished room where I sat on a sofa and was offered refreshments."
He said, “Suddenly the door from behind opened, and this giant figure walked out in a white Pathaani, introducing himself. He took me to another room and said he would be back in five minutes. I knew Big B was into very hi-tech sound systems, so the speakers and gramophones he uses are like Rs 50-60 lakhs plus, I saw that equipment."
Sanjay Gupta further added “The thought in my head was that one day I will tell my grandchildren that I narrated a story to Big B at his home. The narration was over in 30 minutes and after that were the most terrifying 20-25 seconds of my life. There was no reaction and my heart was beating very fast, then I asked him what do you think and he said he loved it. I almost couldn’t believe it. That’s how the journey started.”
About Kaante
‘Kaante’, a heist drama released in 2002, featured a stellar ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Amitabh Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Suniel Shetty, Lucky Ali, and Kumar Gaurav in pivotal roles. The film became popular for its gripping storyline and strong performances from its talented cast.