The palpable atmosphere of respect and admiration surrounding the film Kalki 2898 AD was on full display at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday. The glittering affair saw the attendance of several megastars including Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan. Each actor, a luminary in the Indian film industry, expressed their profound respect for one another and celebrated the rare opportunity to be part of such a unique cinematic venture.
C Aswani Dutt, the producer of Kalki 2898 AD and the visionary owner of Vyjayanthi Movies, also graced the event with his presence. As he was invited onto the stage, a heartfelt moment unfolded. Amitabh Bachchan—a legend revered across generations—took a moment to sing praises of Dutt’s simplicity and concern for his actors. “He was the simplest man on set, and always concerned about the actors. If he thought that a stunt was too hard, he would say, no, don’t make him do that. Nobody thinks like this,” Bachchan remarked.
Adding to the moment’s profundity, Bachchan acknowledged Vyjayanthi Movies and C Aswani Dutt’s invaluable contributions to the film industry. In a gesture of humility that struck a chord with everyone present, Bachchan touched Dutt’s feet on stage. Initially surprised, Dutt responded with equal respect, creating a moment filled with mutual admiration and humility that left a lasting impression on all attendees.
The atmosphere lightened considerably when Bachchan, displaying his characteristic wit, jested about the tradition of touching someone else’s feet. Rana Daggubati, the emcee for the event and Prabhas’ co-star from the Baahubali series, prompted this humorous exchange by questioning Prabhas about the experience of working with legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan. “What is it like working with… what do you do on set?” he asked. Bachchan interjected with impeccable timing, “We touch each other’s feet. He never allows me to do that though… Prabhas, be honest now.
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A visibly tongue-tied Prabhas was rescued by Rana, who explained, “You’re ragging him sir, I can see that, pulling his leg. My friend is an introvert. He is all-powerful in the movies but he is quite an introvert in real life.” Bachchan, not ready to relent, added, “But what’s wrong with touching his feet?” This humorous banter resulted in the audience breaking into peals of laughter, reflecting the camaraderie and warmth that permeated the event.
In a poignant segment of the ceremony, the first-day first-show ticket of Kalki 2898 AD was presented to Amitabh Bachchan. In a touching gesture, Bachchan handed the ticket over to Kamal Haasan. Moved by this act, Haasan shared a nostalgic anecdote, “I wish someone had given me a ticket to the first-day first-show of Sholay. I had to wait for three weeks before I could watch that film. I never thought I’d be here, receiving this from Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. I was a film technician, now I am an actor. Nothing has changed.”
The event provided an opportunity for the stars to reflect on the collaborative spirit and shared vision that brought them together. Deepika Padukone, who plays a pivotal role in the film, expressed her excitement about working with such an illustrious cast and crew. “Being on the set with these legends was akin to a masterclass in acting every day,” she said.
Prabhas, expressing his thoughts on the project, added, “Films like Kalki 2898 AD come once in a lifetime. It’s an honor to work alongside such iconic figures and be part of a film that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and technology.”
The mutual respect and admiration between the cast and crew of Kalki 2898 AD were indeed palpable. This was not just an event to promote a film but a gathering that celebrated the ethos of collaboration, respect, and humility. Each moment, from the heartfelt acknowledgments to the light-hearted banter, underscored the deep bonds forged through shared creative pursuits.
As the event concluded, it was evident that Kalki 2898 AD was more than just a film; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Indian film industry and the timeless values of respect, humility, and collaborative excellence. The audience left with not just anticipation for the film’s release but a renewed appreciation for the icons of Indian cinema and their unwavering dedication to their craft.
