Shatrughan Sinha speaks about Amitabh Bachchan

"Our friendship has seen its share of ups and downs, but we've always maintained healthy competition between us. We have worked on films like Kaala Patthar (1979), Dostana (1980) and Naseeb (1981) together, but what many don't know is that two of my friend's landmark films, Deewar and Sholay (both 1975), were first offered to me. I feel sad that I refused these films — call it poor judgment or what you may. At the same time, Amitabh has said that he would have loved to play my role in Kalicharan (1976). Why talk about this now? Because today, these are long-lost stories of two friends. Amitabh is the most brilliant actor we have; his performance in Black (2005) was proof of the immense reservoir of talent that he is. Now, I only hope that someday, he becomes the President of India. Cinema has given several politicians to this country. Many of them went on to become chief ministers, but no star has occupied Rashtrapati Bhavan yet. And who else but Amitabh Bachchan for the honour?