Amitabh Bachchan was handed a CD of a Hollywood movie, instead of script of 'Ek Ajnabee', recalls producer Bunty Walia

After going through a difficult time in the 1990s, Amitabh Bachchan was successfully making a comeback in Bollywood in the early 2000s. During this time, filmmakers in India had no concerns about remaking Hollywood films, even without buying any rights, as the laws regarding these matters weren’t strictly in place at the time.

Following the trend, Big B was also given a CD of Hollywood movie—but, surprisingly, without a script. The actor who is considered the best actor in the Indian film industry, was obviously shocked when he was handed the CD and asked if he would want to do the Indian version of the film.

Inspired by ‘Man on Fire’

Producer Bunty Walia discussed the filming of Ek Ajnabee, which was directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starred Arjun Rampal, on Friday Talkies' YouTube channel. Lakhia stated that he was inspired to make the film after seeing the Denzel Washington film Man on Fire.

The two believed that Amitabh would be the most suitable candidate for the role if they decided to remake it. Lakhia had previously made his Bollywood debut in Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost, starring Abhishek Bachchan.

Pitch without a script

According to Bunty, “I talked to Amitabh sir’s secretary, Sheetal ji, and we fixed up a meeting with him. When I met with him, he asked me for the script, and I told him that we didn’t have any script, and I handed him the CD of Man on Fire.

I told him we were going to ‘Indianise’ it and then make a film.” Bachchan asked, "What do I do with it?" because he didn't understand what they were attempting to do. Walia continued. Their degree of readiness certainly did not impress his secretary.

“I remember Sheetal ji looking at me like I was a fool. We didn’t have a script or schedule for the film, and we were trying to sign him for the film. He gave us dates for many months later and told us straight that now it was our job to convince Amitabh sir to do the film.”Despite this, Amitabh Bachchan finally agreed to play the lead in Ek Ajnabee, which came out in 2005 and won praise for his powerful performance.