Anand reveals– ‘why’ he considers ‘friend’ Big B an ‘exemplary legend’! by Chaitanya  Padukone

Multi-faceted film-producer  and now ‘showman’ Anand Pandit has been hitting Pan-India news-headlines following the super-success of his star-studded Diwali-2022 personal celebration lavish party over last weekend at his palatial residence at Juhu.! . What made the  much-awaited Ajay Devgn-starrer ‘Thank God’ movie producer Anand’s party extra-special ? Because, besides over 30 eminent showbiz celebs, it had superstar Amitabh Bachchan personally gracing the grand occasion. It may be recalled that, after being hit by corona-centric repeatedly, owing to  medical reasons Bachchan-saab was advised to refrain from attending  crowded public events a. which is why he had stayed away from the media-events of  both movies ‘Goodbye’ and  ‘Uunchai’ . However the ‘big-screen-Shahenshah’, (Big B)  had connected from his home with the media, virtually thru live video-conferencing. Attired in a exquisite ethnic colourful kurta-pajama smart outfit,at Anand’s  well-organised private party  the Big looked every inch a charismatic rejuvenated style-icon, even at the age of 80. The dynamic philanthropist-producer Anand Pandit (also an eminent real estate developer ) responds exclusively to senior film-journalist Chaitanya Padukone’s questions and comes up with la-jawaab replies :

What sentimental importance does Diwali have for you over the years and post-pandemic this year-2022 ?

Diwali is the time to be around the people you love, spread joy, thank God for his bounties, take some time out from your busy schedules and appreciate the blessings around you. It is also an occasion to send a prayer of gratitude for all the gifts that life showers us with, unasked. On Diwali day, I normally go to a Gurudwara near my house and spend some time with children who are perhaps not as privileged as the rest of us. This has been my practice for a number of years now. It is indeed a private moment and gives me great joy.

What's the ‘Diwali-dhamaaka’ news you wish to share, with regards to your entertainment production business, as well as on the personal-front ?

Let me start on the professional front. There is a heavy slate of wholesome entertainment and Anand Pandit motion pictures has planned to line up seven films for this year and the next - Thank God', ‘Doctor G, 'Swatantra Veer Savarkar', 'Fakt Mahilao Maate', 'Victoria', 'Bal Shivaji',. ‘Baap Manus’. 'Doctor G' and 'Fakt Mahilao Maate' are already running successfully in cinema theatres.

On the personal front, I'm trying to constantly challenge myself. I recently went on a cycling tour to Austria (Europe)  covering 400 kilometres . Trust me, I hadn't cycled since class 12^th ! It was absolutely invigorating. I have also made a list, I would not want to call it a ‘bucket-list’ but I want to tick mark all the things that I do to personally challenge myself, especially the things that I thought I could never do.

  Why is it. that you have such a passion for the entertainment business ?

Right from the time I was a child, I was deeply enamoured by the 70mm screen. It took me by surprise when I saw the theatre audience becoming a part of the cinema and living every moment of the two and-a-half hours of entertainment. That entire experience was mesmerizing and also life-altering in a lot of ways. We get to see our ideals on the silver screen. As you all know, I have always been a fan-boy of Amitabh- ji and seeing his persona on the screen gave me a lot of inspiration. It was always my dream to be a part of the cinema world and I think every Indian shares the same dream. Today it has become a reality, as I make films and I ‘Thank God’ and the universe for that. I produce movies mainly for two reasons - firstly, I am a big student of cinema, and secondly, my love for entertaining others including families, just like how I was entertained throughout my life. This gives me the greatest happiness.

 How would you describe your close personal bonding with Sr.Bachchan-saab? What according to you, are Amitabh-Sir’s professional & personal ( unique) X-factors and qualities?

Honestly, I am  honoured to be somebody who Amit ji considers a friend. I am no one to even describe this bonding, I am too small for that. I would say that he is not only a professional actor but a true legend and an institution itself in acting. Through his life mantras, he sets an example by teaching people how to live their life. His actions may not be conscious, but the manner in which he approaches life is his biggest X-factor and it is a privilege to be around him, learn from him, and consciously and subconsciously follow his actions.

exclusive images producer Anand Pandit with good friend mega-star Amitabh Bachchan: