Director Umesh Shukla recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he opened up about working with two of Indian cinema’s most iconic legends—Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan—during the making of their heartwarming film 102 Not Out. In a candid revelation, Shukla shared an interesting anecdote about the contrasting approaches the two veteran actors took while preparing for their roles in the film.
According to Shukla, when it came to pre-production and rehearsals, the two stars couldn’t have been more different. “We had planned a series of workshops to help the actors ease into their roles, understand the emotional beats, and create chemistry before the shoot began,” he explained. “Mr. Bachchan was immediately on board and very enthusiastic about participating in the workshops. But Rishiji, in his characteristic style, politely declined.”
Rishi Kapoor, who played the grumpy 75-year-old son in the film opposite Amitabh Bachchan’s lively and unorthodox 102-year-old father, was known for his spontaneity and natural flair. “Rishiji believed in going with the flow. He was very confident in his instincts and felt that rehearsing too much would make his performance feel rehearsed rather than organic,” Shukla added. “He told me, ‘I’ll figure it out on set. I’ve been doing this for too long.’ And he truly meant it.”
In contrast, Amitabh Bachchan—known for his meticulous preparation and dedication to his craft—was fully committed to understanding the nuances of his character through workshops. “Mr. Bachchan was completely immersed in the process,” the director recalled. “He asked questions, he explored different ways of delivering the same line, and he was very open to feedback. His willingness to explore the character deeply helped set the tone for the entire film.”
Despite their different methods, both actors managed to create a beautiful and believable on-screen bond that touched the hearts of audiences. Their dynamic in 102 Not Out was widely appreciated for its authenticity, humor, and emotional depth. Shukla credits this magic to the deep mutual respect both actors had for each other—even if they approached their roles from very different angles.
“The beauty was that even without rehearsing together beforehand, they brought out the best in each other,” he said. “On set, they would often joke and share anecdotes. But once the camera rolled, it was like watching two master craftsmen at work. There was an unspoken understanding between them that didn’t require many words.”
Umesh Shukla also acknowledged that the film remains incredibly special to him, not only because of its subject matter but because it gave him the rare opportunity to work with two legends who, despite their legendary status, were humble in their own ways. “Both of them brought something irreplaceable to the screen. And though their working styles were poles apart, that’s exactly what made the film so special. The contrast in their characters felt real, because it was real.”
Looking back, Shukla feels grateful to have witnessed that kind of artistry up close. “It was a lesson in filmmaking and in human behavior. Two men, two icons, and one unforgettable collaboration.”
