Bachchan clan Big B, Jaya, Abhishek, Aishwarya renew, strengthen ties with Bengal

“For us it has  become like a family function. Though our family is not complete … amader poribarer ek sodosyo ghumacche (one of our family members is probably sleeping).. hopefully in time to come she will be able to participate,” Jaya Bachchan said referring to the newest member of the family.

“Then our family will be complete,” said the ecstatic actress.

Jaya Bachchan, a Bengali, started her career in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali film, “Mahanagar” at the age of 15. The crowd cheered and roared while she spoke in her native language.

“I have never ever seen the way any audience reacts as they do in Bengal. The kind of response you have here… this is the best audience in the world. You need a huge appreciation from all of us here,” she went on.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the former beauty queen, echoed her mother-in-law and complimented the orchestra’s performance during the ceremony.

Big B had a lot to share with the people. “Aapnader jamai babur nomoshkar (Greetings from you son-in-law),” he began as the spectators listened in rapt attention.

“I am delighted to be here with Jaya, who you lovingly call as your ‘Dhanyi Meye’ but also your naati (grandson) and naath-bou (grand-daughter-in-law),” said the 71-year-old. “Dhanyi Meye” is a superhit Bengali comedy made in 1971, in which Jaya had played the title role as Matinee idol Uttam Kumar’s sister-in-law.

The atmosphere seemed electrified as Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone held sway. “All four of us have had the very proud privilege and distinction to work with Bengali directors – the most esteemed and very reputable directors. We hold that experience in great regard and greatly respect Bengali cinema and the filmmakers,” he said.

All the Bachchans have worked with late national Award winning filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh individually.

Big B acted in Ghosh’s “The Last Lear”, Jaya in “Sunglass”, Aishwarya in “Chokher Bali” and “Raincoat” and Abhishek in “Antarmahal”.