Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya recently revealed that he was so anxious about Amitabh Bachchan’s response to the Uunchai script that he had to take anxiety pills before opening the message.
In a candid chat with Mid-Day, Barjatya shared that Uunchai was a deeply personal project. While it deviated from his signature family dramas, he felt an undeniable connection to the story and was determined to direct it. Within months, the script was ready, but the biggest challenge remained—convincing Amitabh Bachchan to take on the role.
Describing Bachchan’s powerful presence, Barjatya admitted, “He listens with his eyes, he doesn’t blink. It’s intimidating. I sent him the script, and when his response came via Zoom, I had already taken two anxiety pills before opening it.”
Released in 2022, Uunchai marked Barjatya’s return to direction, featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Neena Gupta, Sarika, and Parineeti Chopra. The film follows three friends who embark on a life-changing trek to fulfill a late friend’s final wish.
Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan is set to appear in Section 84 and the highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, set to begin production later this year.