Big B says he appreciates ''penchant for perfection''

Mumbai, Jan 17 (UNI) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the protagonist in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's upcoming magnum opus 'Eklavya-The Royal Guard' said he likes the filmmaker's ''penchant for perfection''.

''With Vinod being the perfectionist that he is, he tried his level best to convince me to stop all other work to grow a real beard to get the authentic look. Since that wasn't possible, we ended up having several sittings for beard trials to get the right hair, colour. This was just the beginning - we went on to the turban and then the dress, which went on for months.

''Eventually I realised Vinod has a penchant for perfection and I like that attitude,'' Amitabh told mediapersons here.

The legendary actor said, ''It's wonderful to be told after 35 years that I think you are wrong and this should be done in this manner and that's what Vinod did and I appreciate that. I hope the look is finally presentable and people will like it.'' Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who was present at the media interaction, said, ''The look had to be contemporary at the same time and have a hint of the traditions of India, that's what Eklavya is all about.

Hence a lot of effort was taken for Bachchan's bearded look and costumes in the film to appear authentic. Mr Bachchan was gracious enough to toil through the numerous beard and costume tests to finally get the right look.'' Fashion designer Raghuvendra Rathore in addition to Vinod Chopra Films (VCF's) regular costume designer Subarna Rai Chaudhari created a blue print for the costumes.

'Eklavya - The Royal Guard,' is slated for release on February 16, 2007. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Jimmy Sheirgill, Raima Sen and Sharmila Tagore.

UNI