Throwback/ Zeenat Aman recalls the only time Amitabh Bachchan was late for shoot

It was Amitabh Bachchan’s 81st birthday on October 11 and the legendary actor received heartfelt birthday wishes from fraternity and well-wishers. But the most unique post came from Zeenat Aman. Bachchan's Laawaris co-star took to her social media handle earlier and narrated an anecdote about the only time Bachchan was late on set, and how that proved to be costly for her.

3 things you need to know

• Zeenat Aman was a trailblazing actress in the 70s, carving a niche for herself with films like Qurbani, Yaadon Ki Baraat and more.
• Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman worked together in many successful films like Don, Dostana and Laawaris.
• Aman and Bachchan last worked together in the 2003 black comedy Boom. 

(Aman and Bachchan in a still from Pukar | Image: X)

The one time Bachchan did not arrive on time

Aman, without naming the director or giving any other details, recalled an incident where her co-star Amitabh Bachchan was late to work. It was very surprising for everyone on the set, considering how Deewaar actor is known for being punctual. Zeenat Aman remembered going to her makeup room to wait, requesting an assistant to inform her when Bachchan had arrived. She recalled further, “Our “roll time” came and went, but there was no sign of Mr Bachchan. 30 minutes passed. Then 45.”

As Aman was waiting, surprised by Bachchan’s unusual tardiness, suddenly an assistant knocked on her door and informed that he had straight gone to the set a while ago after arriving.

(Aman and Bachchan in a still from The Great Gambler)

Zeenat Aman recalls director ‘letting loose a torrent of abuse’ on her 

Aman wrote further, “I had just about stepped foot on set when from across the room the director let loose a torrent of abuse! He was absolutely catatonic, and under the impression that it was I who had held up production. The cast and crew stood in stunned silence as this director ranted and raved at me." She recaleds being all teary-eyed as she marched to her makeup room and asked her team to pack up. 

She recalled how later, Bachchan came up to her and apologised, and then “the director threw himself at my feet and begged my forgiveness.” Aman went on to describe the incident as “rather melodramatic” and also informed that though she completed the film, Aman never worked with the director again.

(Bachchan and Aman in a still from Laawaris | Image: X)

Zeenat Aman and Amitabh Bachchan were a successful onscreen pair, having worked together in many hits films like Don, Laawaris, Dostana, The Great Gambler, Pukar and Mahaan.