Kiron Kher

Amitabh was not tense when I interviewed him.

He was, however, reticent. He is uncomfortable talking about his personal life.

I knew that and didn't want to probe too deep. But then, Amitabh is so uncomfortable being interviewed that you do take a while making yourself comfortable!

I didn't want him to lay out the linen. I believe there are some areas which are sacrosanct. True, you might say it is like having a friendly chat in your drawing room. I could not forget that it was a public drawing room!

The Star TV brief was very work-oriented. I would have liked to ask him questions about his childhood, his growing-up years, his adolescence, the things that moved him or interested him, his memories...

Many said I should not have called him Sir. But I just felt comfortable calling him Sir! If tomorrow I were to interview Dilip Saab, I would do just the same.

THE interview itself was interesting. Having known him for years, I know he is a very private person.

He was extremely courteous. He has a self-deprecating sense of humour. Call him superstar, and he'll brush it off with his dry wit.

It is a sign of his humility and his good breeding. He is definitely not a show off.

I do get the feeling that Amitabh today talks more easily. He is getting more comfortable with himself and he seems more open to being placed under a microscope.

I have interviewed people who talk dime to a dozen -- that's very irritating. Then, there are those like Ramgopal Varma who will answer only in monosyllables.

Amitabh Bachchan knows which parts of himself he wants to expose and which to keep under wraps. His answers are to the point -- the reply and no more.

Unlike Jaya who, I think, has fewer barriers and is more articulate and open when she talks about her life!

Kiron Kher spoke to Nidhi Taparia