Sooraj Barjatya calls Amitabh Bachchan ‘scary’, reveals taking ‘two anxiety medicines’ before pitching ‘Uunchai’

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, known for his family-based films, took a different route with 'Uunchai', an adventure drama featuring legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. Barjatya made a comeback with ‘Uunchai’ after his 2015 film ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. He also won the National Award for Best Director for this film, and Neena Gupta also earned the Best Supporting Actress award.
The film, which also stars Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa, tells the story of three elderly friends who set out on a trek to the Everest Base Camp to fulfil their late friend’s last wish. Along the way, their journey becomes a deep and emotional experience.

A scary meeting with Amitabh Bachchan
Sooraj Barjatya had locked the idea of 'Uunchai' in 2016 but never thought he would direct it himself. When he decided to take on the challenge, the biggest task was getting Amitabh Bachchan on board. Talking about why he finds Big B intimidating, Barjatya shared in an interview with Mid-Day: “He listens with his [eyes]; he doesn’t blink. And he is scary. It’s so scary. I sent him the story, and he responded via a Zoom call. I had to take two anxiety medicines before opening it.”
He also recalled an earlier experience with Bachchan during the narration of 'Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon', where he had felt the same nervousness. This made him even more anxious when presenting 'Uunchai' to the legendary actor.

Sooraj Barjatya feels guilty towards Hrithik, Abhishek, and Kareena
In the same interview, Barjatya revealed that, after ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, he felt films were becoming modernised and worried he was being left behind. To break away from his usual image, he made ‘Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon’. Reflecting on it, he said, “I had the best cast. I feel so guilty towards Hrithik, Abhishek, and Kareena because they gave me everything but while making that film I realised I am not there, it is not me.” He added, “As a director when you are trying to make something where you are trying to impress others, you try to bring every possible thing that works… but it is not you.”