Sanjay Mishra recently opened up about a heartfelt moment when he touched Amitabh Bachchan’s feet, sharing a memorable story that highlights Big B’s humble and down-to-earth nature.
In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Sanjay reminisces about shooting an old Mirinda ad with Amitabh Bachchan back in 1997-98, a time when he hadn’t yet gained much recognition. He recalls working at Essel Studios when someone informed him that he had received a call from Bachchan’s house. At that moment, he thought it was just a prank from a friend, as mobile phones were not as common as they are today.
He went on to explain that he received another call at the gate, informing him that Bachchan wanted to speak with him. However, he still didn’t take it seriously. When he returned home, someone mentioned the call and encouraged him to meet Bachchan. So, he went to see him, touched his feet, and expressed that it had always been his dream to work with him before he died. To his surprise, Bachchan immediately responded, asking, “Before whose death?” This left him completely speechless.The actor shared that the shoot for the Jor Ka Jhatka Dheere Se Lage ad was underway, featuring a scene where Amitabh Bachchan read a love letter. He described the set as incredibly beautiful and highlighted how special it was to have the opportunity to work with Bachchan. He also noted that since there were no STD booths at the time, he couldn’t call his family to tell them he was with Bachchan.
Mishra went on to say that during his time, Mr Bachchan had a significant influence, and they grew up embodying what he called “Bachchan manners.” He emphasized that even today, he refuses to pick up money that isn’t his. He humorously added that sitting in front of Bachchan made him feel a bit uneasy in his stomach.
He further shared that when he found himself sitting in front of such a legendary figure, he felt butterflies in his stomach and hesitated to approach the restroom in the corner. However, when Big B himself walked over to use it, Mishra realized that if someone as esteemed as Bachchan could do something so ordinary, then he was just a regular person and had no reason to feel intimidated.
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa actor recalled how Amitabh Bachchan made him feel comfortable during their shoot when he asked if he was from Delhi. Mishra felt small next to the “Shehanshah” but appreciated Bachchan’s warm demeanor. After the ad shoot, Mishra was invited to dub at Mahalaxmi studio, where he felt close to Bachchan. When praised for his work, he admitted he hadn’t seen it yet, and Bachchan encouraged him to watch, affirming his performance was impressive.
Sanjay Mishra wrapped up by reflecting on his experience, noting that upon watching the ad, he realized he had done well, feeling proud to be in front of Bachchan. He acknowledged that in his early career, he worked on many ads, which played a crucial role in helping him cover his rent.