Abhishek Bachchan’s film career has seen several dramatic twists. After tasting success with the first two 'Dhoom' films and 'Dostana', he also had to go through a lean patch for quite some time. The success of his last film 'Bol Bachchan' put him back in the reckoning and now the actor cannot wait for the release of his next, the much-awaited 'Dhoom 3'.
At a time when most actors aim for a box office target of 100 crore, AB junior says he derives a greater high from working with a good team and a good script.
“When I was offered 'Dhoom 3', I immediately called Uday Chopra and asked him if he was going to be a part of it. I had said clearly that I would do the film only if he’s doing it and he too said the same about me. It was our impeccable timing on screen that worked in the first two films of the franchise. Back then there was no pressure of touching the Rs 100-crore mark. The focus was on performance and it continues to remain that way,” Abhishek says.
Talking about his onscreen pairing with actresses, Abhishek’s chemistry with Rani Mukerji has been one the most successful ones. And since he and Rani share a good rapport with Aditya Chopra, is there a possibility of them teaming up again? “I never interfere in the casting of my films. Be it Rani, Aishwarya or any other actress — it’s entirely the director’s prerogative who he wants to cast in his film.” In an industry where equations change everyday, how does he manage to strike a fine balance between the big Bollywood camps and cliques? “I have no hang-ups in life. I don’t care about groups and camps. I have been brought up with certain values and ethics. I have never been egoistic about my stardom and lineage. I don’t have any qualms about breaking the ice with my colleagues. I can walk up to any actor and greet him, irrespective of what kind of equation I share with him.”
Given their busy schedules, one wonders if the Bachchans can afford to plan a family holiday. “Not really,” Abhishek says, adding, “My parents are busy with their work and so are we. We do manage to have family dinners and parties, but unfortunately our work doesn’t allow us to holiday together.” Considering the trickiest part of going on a vacation is the planning of it all, how would he rate himself as a holiday planner? “I’d give myself 4 on 10,” he says with a laugh. “But Aishwarya is brilliant when it comes to planning vacations. I’d give her a 10 on 10. Now with our hectic schedules and parenthood, we cannot pre-plan holidays. So we sneak out as and when we can.”
Sequels and remakes of classic films are trending in Bollywood. Would Abhishek like to be a part of the remakes of Amitabh Bachchan’s blockbusters?
“Honestly, I wish I could be a part of all the remakes of my fathers films. But on second thoughts, I wouldn’t want to be a part of any,” he says. “The thought of being compared to him is unnerving. I’d rather do my films than live in the fear of living up to his standards.”
Abhishek cherishes working with stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan. “I don’t get intimidated about sharing the screen with them. I live with a legend called Amitabh Bachchan. Dealing with inimitable personalities and their statures is something that I learnt at a very young age.” Abhishek continues, “I learnt from my father that it’s essential to play the character with the right attitude. Off late, to sport a certain look and have six-pack abs is the trend. I’m not a model; hence I don’t see the reason to have a six-pack abs. I can pull off a tough and rugged look of a cop in Dhoom series without taking my shirt off. Cops don’t have to move around without a shirt to flaunt their machismo. What makes the character of a cop stand out is his attitude and not his six-pack abs.”
