‘Rajini Is Far Bigger Than Me’

Amitabh Bachchan fondly recalls his long friendship with Thalaiva on the latter’s 75th birthday

xAmitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth—legends in their own right, remain two of Indian cinema’s tallest icons. Yet, ask Amitabh Bachchan about any comparison, and he dismisses it instantly.

“Rajinikanthji is far bigger in popularity than me. His fans are spread across the world. They worship the ground he walks on. His popularity goes beyond generations,” Bachchan says with characteristic humility.

Recalling their long-standing camaraderie, Bachchan remembers their first collaboration in Andha Kanoon in 1983. “It had started off as a guest appearance. Then my role kept getting extended. I can never say no to Rajiniji. I consider him part of my extended family,” he says. “Every time I visit Chenna