Mumbai: Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby is Big B’s foray into the West but he is not really looking at it as a gateway to Hollywood.
The film to be directed by Luhrmann is in 3D. Amitabh Bachchan will essay the role of Meyer Wolfsheim, “an iconic character”, patterned on Arnold Rothstein – a “very impressive and well-known person of the New York underworld mafia”.
“Yes, the film is in 3D and is perhaps a first for many reasons, primarily because it’s the first time that a mainstream drama from Hollywood is being done in 3D as opposed to the usual fantasy films like Avatar…,” says Bachchan.
Big B has no plans to do more Hollywood films yet.
“Earlier, Mira Nair had come across with Shantaram, finalized dates and shared the script etc. But then she withdrew… I do not think you should look at this as a step into Hollywood. It’s just a gesture of friendship,” Bachchan says.
In fact, according to a source close to him, Big B is doing the film free of cost for Luhrmann who’s a great fan of his and of Bollywood.
Reluctant to talk about the project, Big B says: “Contractual obligations prevent me from talking to the media, which is why I have not divulged anything. If the studio Warner Bros. gives something out, that is all that I can disclose.”
Bachchan does divulge that he and Luhrmann hit it off from the start.
Then in August this year Luhrmann called him and wondered if he would do a role in The Great Gatsby.
“He (Luhrmann) asked me, would I do a small part in his film? It’s just a small scene with Leonardo Dicaprio and Tobey Macguire,” Bachchan says.
“I have agreed to do this just as a friendly appearance and went across to Sydney late last month for rehearsals and hair make-up and costume tests. The reading workshop requires the entire cast to assemble and get familiar with the script and do a read through,” Bachchan signs off.
Shooting for the film starts mid-October for a couple of days. (IANS)