Cinema legend Amitabh Bachchan, who embarked on his acting odyssey in 1969, commemorated an impressive 55-year milestone in the film industry today. Embracing the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence, he celebrated the occasion with his fans and peers.
Big-B, as he is affectionately called, took to social media to share his thoughts on the memorable day. He penned, “T 4924 – 55 years in the wondrous world of Cinema .. and AI gives me its interpretation .. a presentation by Ef B .. self-made.” The actor shared a series of AI-generated images of himself where visual elements of his craft symbolically merged with his persona; one depicted a camera lens in place of his eye while another featured film reels creatively emanating from his head, symbolizing his deep connections with the cinematic world.
Big B’s entry into the film industry was as a narrator in the award-winning film ‘Bhuvan Shome’ in 1969. However, it wasn’t long before he was in front of the camera as one of the seven protagonists in ‘Saat Hindustani,’ directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas—a film that also featured accomplished actors like Utpal Dutt, Anwar Ali, Madhu, and Jalal Agha.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Amitabh Bachchan surged into stardom with a string of colossal hits that have since become staples in Indian cinema. His filmography from that era includes iconic movies such as ‘Sholay,’ ‘Deewar,’ ‘Zanjeer,’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony,’ ‘Don,’ and ‘Shahenshah.’ In these films, his distinctive baritone and towering screen presence solidified his status as a cinematic giant. The prestigiously decorated actor has to his name numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Actor and a myriad of Filmfare Awards.
The veteran actor is all set to grace the big screen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, a science fiction action thriller, where he will star alongside Deepika Padukone and Prabhas. Additionally, a courtroom drama titled ‘Section 84′ also features in his promising lineup of future projects.
Amitabh Bachchan’s insights into AI and its impact on cinema were highlighted as he earlier attended the inaugural ceremony of the Symbiosis Film Festival at Symbiosis International University in Pune, with his wife, Jaya Bachchan. Addressing the array of technological advancements altering the film-making process, he expressed his concerns over the ephemerality of modern inventions, noting that most technologies scarcely last beyond a few months.
Bachchan particularly emphasized the ramifications of artificial intelligence, specifically face mapping, a technique that enables the recreation of actors’ visages for use at any future point. He shared an anecdote about witnessing a face mapping demonstration on Hollywood luminary Tom Hanks, juxtaposing current footage with that of a 20-year-old Hanks.
As he elaborated on the growing concerns in Hollywood, the actor unveiled the uneasy reality of face mapping. Artists fear that their digital likenesses could become the possessions of producers and directors, without the original actor’s control or consent, to be used at will. This has even led to industrial actions by actors protesting against such practices.
In a reflective note, Amitabh Bachchan half-jokingly suggested there might come a day when institutions like Symbiosis would interact with his AI counterpart rather than him in person, underscoring the evolving landscape of technology in cinema and its potential to challenge the traditional norms of performance and celebrity.
The fusion of AI with his illustrious career not only positions Amitabh Bachchan as a beacon of Indian cinema but also as a thoughtful commentator on its future. As he continues to enchant audiences with his upcoming films, the legend of Amitabh Bachchan lives on, merging timeless artistry with the ceaseless march of technological progress.
