Mithun Chakraborty barring Bachchans

Last night, at the premiere of Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh's debut film Jimmy, at Cinemax in Andheri, the who's who of B-town was present. Barring the Bachchans. Mithun personally called up everyone to come and bless beta Mimoh on his big day.

So why was the Bachchan parivaar not invited? Because the Chakrbortys were not invited to the AbhiAsh wedding? Says a source, "Amitabh and Mithun have worked together in Agneepath and Ganga Jamuna Saraswati, so they are no strangers.

Mithun wasn't happy with the way his role had shaped out in Agneepath and Amitabh went on to get the National Award for the film. And things between them soured forever." But it goes way beyond just professional rivalry.

When Mani Ratnam's Guru released, Mithun felt his role would suffer, but nothing of the sort happened. Mithun would never speak out openly against Amitabh and fear incurring his wrath especially now that he has started blogging. Mithun feels it better to avoid Amitabh.

When asked if he had invited Bachchan to Jimmy's premiere, Mithun says abruptly, "No." When asked why, he shrugs, "Because I don"t know the Bachchans that well and we can't invite everyone. There will be too many people then." Argue that they have been colleagues and contemporaries and the actor snaps, "Please don't ask me anything. I don't wish to discuss the subject. It's best left alone."

Starry night

Mithun invited many stars and his old producer and director friends for the premiere, Mithun admits, "Yes I had invited Shahrukh, Govinda, Salman, Sunil (Shetty), Sanjay (Dutt). Shahrukh came and met me and said, 'Dada, I would have come but the Kolkata Knight Riders match is on the same day and I have to be there." Salman's shooting in Australia but Sanju, Govinda and Sunil Shetty promised to come."

Special people

A special invite for the premiere has gone to Salim Khan (Salman's father) and his family. Mithun says, "Yes I am like Salman's elder brother. Salimbhai has done so much for me when I was struggling actor. He has been a tremendous source of encouragement and support to me.

Salimbhai had first met me in a tailoring shop when I was just a graduate from the Pune Film Institute and asked me to join films. Since that day, he had recommended me everywhere to all his colleagues. Salman, Sohail, Arbaaz and Alvira have grown up in front of me. The Khans are like family."

He's on his own

Amitabh has always promoted Abhishek whenever possible (especially with reference to Guru) as a proud father. Will Mithun do the same with Mimoh? "Let Amitabh do that if he wants. If Mimoh is really good, he will succeed on his own.

If he's bad he has to learn and correct it. I feel Mimoh is 25 times a better dancer than I am. Mimoh has acted well and got distinction in dancing, fighting and action. He's star material but he has to improve his acting. I don't want to praise him too much or he'll get a swollen head.

I've told Mimoh that he has to fight his own battles and be ready for anything because this is how life is. I was never present on the sets. The only time I came was during the song Marhaba which Nadeem, the choreographer and I helped Mimoh with the steps."