Superstar's makeup artist reveals he works for 16 hours a day, rehearses each scene 10 times

Amitabh Bachchan is the institution he is today due to his impeccable work ethic. His makeup artist, Deepak Sawant, who has been working with the living legend for over five decades, reflected on his undying dedication to work.

In a candid chat with the YouTube channel Reels to Real, Sawant revealed Big B had always ensured the producer didn’t incur any loss due to him. He revealed the superstar arrives on set 30 minutes earlier than call time. He also stated that the actor is so dedicated to his work that he doesn’t adhere to any fixed work schedule and is open to working for 16 hours if that’s what is required of him.

Even after spending more than fifty years in the film industry, Deepak Sawant expressed that Amitabh Bachchan’s unwavering commitment to his art remains unparalleled. Having known him since the days of Raaste Kaa Patthar, Sawant observed that the legendary actor’s habit of meticulously preparing for his roles has never faded.

He continues to read each scene dozens of times—sometimes over fifty—until he grasps every nuance. Before facing the camera, Bachchan rehearses each sequence nearly ten times, often choosing to do so in solitude without expecting anyone else to participate. His focus and intensity during preparation are extraordinary, and remarkably, his first take almost always turns out to be the finest. Even when multiple retakes are done, the initial one consistently carries an unmatched spark and perfection that stands out.

Sawant further emphasized that in all his decades of experience, he has never encountered another performer with the same level of discipline and devotion. According to him, no star has ever mirrored Bachchan’s combination of punctuality, endurance, and professionalism.

He revealed that while some stars, like Akshay Kumar, are often praised for their timeliness and adherence to schedule, even he maintains fixed working hours, arriving and leaving at set times. Bachchan, however, functions on an entirely different plane of commitment. He can tirelessly work for sixteen continuous hours, only to show up again the next morning with the same energy and punctuality. His dedication to the craft goes beyond contractual obligations; he refuses to leave the set until the producer officially announces the day’s wrap.

Such consistency, Sawant noted, is what sets Amitabh Bachchan apart from every other actor he has met in his long career. His passion for cinema, combined with an almost military-like work ethic, has made him a benchmark of professionalism in Indian cinema. Decades have passed, generations of actors have come and gone, yet Bachchan’s discipline remains a masterclass for every artist who dreams of longevity in the industry.