Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has opened up about his 2007 film Nishabd, acknowledging that the project may have been “controversial” and damaging to Amitabh Bachchan’s carefully built public image. The drama, inspired by Lolita, explored an unconventional relationship between a 60-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl, sparking intense debate upon release.

Varma admitted that while his creative intent was to explore emotional vulnerability, he underestimated how audiences would perceive Bachchan in such a role. “Yes, it was a mistake,” he said, reflecting on how the storyline clashed with the superstar’s dignified, larger-than-life persona. The filmmaker believes that casting Bachchan amplified the controversy more than the theme itself.

Despite receiving praise for performances and cinematography, the film struggled at the box office and faced criticism for its narrative and moral discomfort. Over time, Nishabd has evolved into a conversation starter about artistic risks, censorship, audience expectations, and celebrity image management.

Varma’s recent comments serve as a reminder of how creative experimentation in Bollywood often comes with high stakes—especially when it involves icons like Amitabh Bachchan.