The first time we were working together, he was so quiet on the sets. Then slowly we started talking. It was the time he was meeting producers and directors for work (as a newcomer), and he told me that he saw me on the sets of Abhinetri (1970), where he observed me from a distance. From then to now, we have done so many films together like Kasauti (1974), Nastik (1983), Desh Premee (1982), Naseeb (1981), Satte Pe Satta (1982) and of course, Baghban (2003).

It was after a small gap that I started working in Baghban. I was wondering ki main kaise kar paungi. I was nervous and told him about it. He told me, ‘Don’t worry, I am also in the same boat as you, toh hum dono milke saath kar lenge’.That is how we began the shoot with our first shot on the mahurat day where we are holding each other’s hands and walking down the stairs.

Recently, we also shot for a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. It felt like meeting the same person who I met on the sets of Naseeb or Satte Pe Satta. He is someone who’s always ready to explore. From making an entry into Bollywood, becoming the angry young man, taking a plunge into television, becoming a host, being the face of so many brands and becoming a pro at social media — he’s done everything, which other actors of our generation have not.

As we worked through the decades, he told me that one must keep their brains busy all the time. He said, ‘You have to keep working. Aap dimaag ko itna hamesha kaam dena ki you will forget about everything and just keep working. Otherwise, the brain will start slowing down and won’t be able to do anything. Don’t let that happen and just keep yourself busy always.’

He has got the gift of gab. He communicates and connects with people. People of our generation look up to him. They all want to be like him. Amit ji’s contribution in his long and eventful career as a film artiste and public figure has been phenomenal. It is wonderful to see him enter his 80th year with the same confidence and felicity that marked his entry into films over 50 years ago.

As an individual, he has garnered so much respect, affection and adoration, yet he’s still the same. I don’t find any change in him. His hair might have turned grey, but nothing’s changed. He is still very naughty, mischievous, and sometimes serious and grumpy. He changes the mood on the sets with his entry and persona. I really feel fortunate that I have worked with him in so many beautiful films and I will always cherish the great box office hits we have given together.