Big B gets tips from Bihar Math Wizard

Patna: Super star Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan have learnt teaching skills in mathematics from Bihar’s Super 30 founder Anand Kumar.

Noted Bollywood director Prakash Jha, whose recent movie Aarakshan revolves around the subject of education, had sought Anand’s help in imparting teaching skills to Big B and Saif.
The Maths wizard had shot a video at Jha’s office in Mumbai while teaching. Anand conducted three to four such simulated classes at Jha’s office over a period of two days from December 30.

In Aarakshan Amitabh Bachchan is playing the role of Prabhakar Anand who is the principal of a college which does not abide by the government’s regulations on caste based reservation. Moved by the plight of poor children Amitabh Bachchan decides to provide coaching to students from underprivileged backgrounds in his free time in the evening. Saif Ali Khan also teaches at this school.

“For it Big-B and Saif Ali Khan needed teaching skills and I though no one was more capable to do it than Anand,” Jha told TOI over phone from Mumbai.

“Prakashji said Amitabh Bachchan needs skills to solve complex mathematical problems in a way which is easy for the students to grasp. And I agreed to conducted simulated classes,” Anand told TOI.

Later during the shooting of the movie in Bhopal as well, Anand guided the cast and crew on this portion of the film.

“Prakashji one day gave a call very early in the morning. He said he was shooting the movie and needed some help. I was glad to do that,” Anand said.

About it Prakash Jha, who has blockbusters like Mrityudand, Gangaaja, and Rajneeti among others to his credit, said: “I had to direct Big B and Saif Ali Khan on teaching mathematics to underprivileged children. And I did not know how to do that. So I requested Anandji to spare sometime with me for the purpose which he readily agreed.”

“Anandji is an innovative teacher. His unique style made the task, which I thought was daunting, easy. I am thankful to him for helping me out,” Jha told TOI over phone.

Anand, however, will not feature anywhere in the movie. On the other hand Amitabh Bachchan has been lauding Anand Kumar at several promos of Aarakshan in various cities.

“I have come to know about Anand Kumar, who prepares underprivileged but talented students for free in Patna. He has made many of them crack JEE during the past few years. We should encourage public-spirited efforts like Anand’s to improve the educational environment in the country. Such personalities really need encouragement,” Big B spoke during a promotional event of Aarakshan on a national TV.

During his expected visit to Patna in August, Big B will be having an exclusive meeting with Anand Kumar.

About compliments from the all-time super star Anand Kumar said: “Words of encouragement from Big B has reinforced his belief into his own abilities. It is inspiring that more and more people are recognizing my efforts. Every such word boosts confidence in my students to work hard and grow up in life.”

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