It doesn't take much to guess why the Big B is India's entertainer no. 1. Hence, his grounding for at least a month is bound to have its repercussions on the showbiz industry. Says Vinod Mirani, editor of the trade magazine Box Office: "Everything will have to be postponed." Of his major forthcoming projects, Bachchan has already completed his part with co-star Riteish Deshmukh for RGV's episodic horror film Darna Zaroori Hai. The other major Factory project, the remake of Sholay where he plays Gabbar, is set to roll only in February next year. "It's then that we will decide on any rescheduling if necessary," says an RGV spokesperson. Bachchan still needs to dub for Raj Kumar Santoshi's Family that's slated to release on December 21. He also needs to wrap up some more work for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Eklavya and Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. However, it's the shooting schedule of Ravi Chopra's Babul that's likely to be affected the most. And, of course, KBC 2. Star Plus has already shot till the 61st episode which will air on December 23. What happens after that is anyone's guess. Bachchan was booked to shoot for the show from November 25-26 and from November 30-December 6. Both schedules stand cancelled. He's also said to have agreed to a series of stage shows with son Abhishek for Wizcraft next year. The fate of these also hang in the balance.
For now, Bachchan is stable although the next three days are critical. What's more, the workaholic actor will have to make major lifestyle changes—high-fibre diet, plenty of rest and daily exercise. He may also have to adopt a less taxing schedule. But those who have worked with him are patient. Says Star India CEO Sameer Nair: "It's not about how it will affect our show (KBC). The priority is, he should recover soon. KBC is secondary at the moment, we'll get on with it when he's well and able." Adds Komal Nahata, editor, Film Information: "His friends, family and doctors might ask him to reduce the load." This may well be the beginning of a slowdown for Bollywood's amazing success machine.
