Rajnikant is the emperor: Amitabh Bachchan

Mumbai, June 22 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan, who calls Rajnikant the true emperor of Indian cinema, admires the Tamil superstar for his simplicity, humility and the way he has brought up his children.

Reacting to Rajnikant's remark about himself and the Big B being the king and the emperor respectively, Bachchan told IANS: "Rajni is phenomenal. The largest, the best and truly the boss! It is ridiculous to compare me with him.

"Outside of Tamil Nadu, people have no idea whatsoever what he is all about. The adulation, the following is incomparable. We are friends, colleagues. His modesty is legendary. His simplicity in his existence and in his demeanour is also legendary.

"Don't believe a word of this 'king' and 'emperor' thing. We all know that he is The Emperor. I abhor epithets, but for him I will make exceptions, for he is truly exceptional."

Bachchan has made a rare guest appearance in a regional film - the Rajnikant-starrer "Shivaji The Boss".

Says the Big B: "I had done the guest appearance in (Kannada film) 'Amruthdhare' at a friend's request. In this case, the producer of 'Shivaji' bought the rights of a film of mine that had closed shop due to financial constraints.

"In return, I was required to work as a guest in the film being made with Rajnikant. That's how it happened. And thank god it did. I remember Rajni starred in the Hindi film 'Andha Kanoon', which had me in one of the most dynamic guest appearances of my life."

The Big B is full of admiration for what Rajnikant has achieved.

"Look where he came from and what he has become. Sheer hard work, talent and the belief that he could do it... and he did! Such a fantastic example for any youth in any part of the world!

"Despite his extraordinary career he has remained that simple, down to earth person he was when he started off. All his people around him are friends that were with him when he was a nobody."

The Big B reveals touching details from the Tamil superstar's life.

"Do you know, a Fiat car that he bought when he had attained his early success still remains with him and he only uses that car to date? He's a humble human being and a caring and considerate co-star.

"Rajni is terrific company on the sets and a fine gentleman. He's religious, traditional and charitable. Most importantly, he along with his equally modest wife have brought up their two daughters well.

"His daughters are a reflection of him. To me, the way your offspring turn out is the truest reflection of your achievements."