‘We worked on 15 films at once’: Amitabh Bachchan reveals why ‘prep’ was impossible and the fear that drove actors

Mumbai: Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has once again taken fans on a nostalgic journey into the golden days of Bollywood, sharing how drastically filmmaking has changed over the decades.

In a recent blog post, the 83-year-old superstar opened up about how the concept of “preparation” or ‘prep’ now considered essential for actors was almost unheard of during his prime.

Reflecting on his early years in cinema, Bachchan revealed that actors of his generation often worked on 10 to 15 films simultaneously, sometimes even shooting for two or three projects in a single day.

For him, detailed character preparation simply wasn’t possible.

“The prep was a word unknown to my generation,” Amitabh wrote, explaining how modern actors now dedicate significant time and effort to understanding characters, transforming their looks, and deeply analysing roles before stepping onto a set.

He praised today’s generation for their commitment, calling it admirable and necessary.

However, he pointed out that things were very different back then.

“When we worked on 10 to 15 films at the same time, it would have been impossible to prep for one and not prep for the other on the same day,” he shared.

The veteran actor also spoke about the emotional and professional uncertainty that defined the era, saying actors often accepted whatever work came their way because there was always fear about the future.

In his candid words, the biggest fear was simple would there be work tomorrow?

He recalled how performers would quickly switch between roles and adapt as per the director’s instructions, without overthinking, simply because survival in the industry depended on staying busy.

Months later, when the films finally released, even the actors themselves would wait eagerly to see how their performances had turned out.

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His reflections offer a rare glimpse into a Bollywood that functioned on speed, instinct, and relentless hustle far removed from the method-driven, prep-heavy industry of today.

Health concerns and reassurance

Amitabh’s latest blog also comes shortly after reports emerged that he had been admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai for a routine check-up.

The reports sparked concern among fans, but the actor soon reassured them through another emotional blog post.

Instead of directly addressing his health, Bachchan shared a poetic note and signed off with “Love, prayers and more,” calming worried followers.

Sources later confirmed that the hospital visit was purely routine and that the actor had returned home safely after the check-up.

What’s next for Big B?

On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in ‘Vettaiyan’, alongside Rajinikanth, and Nag Ashwin’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, where his portrayal of Ashwatthama won widespread praise.

He is now gearing up for the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, with shooting currently underway in Hyderabad.

Even after five decades in the industry, Bachchan’s reflections continue to offer valuable insight into Bollywood’s evolution and remind audiences why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most enduring icons.