Mohanlal Unveils His Favorite Actor: A Tribute to Amitabh Bachchan
Mohanlal, affectionately known as Lalettan in Mollywood, commands an immense fan following not only in Malayalam cinema but also across various film industries. His exceptional talent and craft have earned admiration from numerous celebrities. However, a lingering question among fans has been: who is Mohanlal's favorite star? In a revealing interview, the legendary actor provided a heartfelt answer that highlights his deep respect for a Bollywood icon.
Mohanlal's Choice from Bollywood
During an interview originally aired on DD News, Mohanlal addressed this curiosity. While he emphasized that all good actors deserve love and it is challenging to single out one, he specifically named Amitabh Bachchan as his favorite. Mohanlal expressed profound admiration, stating, "If you ask to pick one, I can say Amitabh Bachchan. He is amazing and one of the greatest artists in the country. What a stunning transformation he has done in films. Still he is acting. That is the brilliance of an actor."
He also reflected on the rich talent in Malayalam cinema, noting emotionally that many outstanding performers have passed away. This context made his choice of Amitabh Bachchan even more poignant, as he added, "Suddenly if you ask me such a question, immediately I can say is Amitabh Bachchan."
Mutual Respect and Collaboration
The admiration between these two superstars extends beyond mere words. Fans fondly recall when Amitabh Bachchan made a cameo appearance in the Malayalam war film 'Kandahar' in 2010, directed by Major Ravi and co-produced by Mohanlal. Notably, Bachchan did not charge any fee for his role, showcasing his deep respect for Mohanlal.
In a 2010 blog post, Amitabh Bachchan shared the emotional backstory behind this decision. He recounted how Mohanlal and Major Ravi personally visited him to discuss the film and payment. Bachchan declined any remuneration, writing, "Fees? Remuneration? For a guest appearance of three days? With Mohanlal, who has always had my greatest admiration? No way!!" Instead, he served them homemade tea, signed the agreement, and warmly saw them off.
'Kandahar', the third installment in the Major Mahadevan series, explored the 1999 hijacking crisis. Amitabh Bachchan played a grieving father in a brief but powerful cameo, adding depth to the narrative. Earlier, in 2007, the two actors had collaborated on the film 'Aag', which unfortunately turned out to be a major box office failure.
Legacy and Impact
This revelation underscores the enduring influence of Amitabh Bachchan across Indian cinema and the mutual respect shared among industry veterans. Mohanlal's choice reflects not only personal preference but also a recognition of Bachchan's legendary status and transformative career.
The bond between these icons serves as a testament to the camaraderie and admiration that transcends regional film boundaries, inspiring fans and aspiring actors alike.
