When it comes to kin, even clichés like family comes first, become germane. That’s exactly Abhishek Bachchan’s state of mind. He puts his near and dear ones first. He takes pride in having been brought up by and around women. He considers his father, Amitabh Bachchan’s, talent sacrosanct. He takes criticism with a pinch of salt. Most importantly, being a star is secondary to him. Precedence is given to attachments and affection. And while love is paramount, he isn’t all mush. He’s level headed. Yes, he wears his emotions on his sleeve but he also knows when to fold them up. In stark contrast to his frothy onscreen image, Abhishek surprises you with his resolve, maturity and ability to be well-rounded. In a candid conversation, he confides that it’s the family bonds that make him tick.
What’s your predominant childhood memory?
I spent a lot of time on film sets. After I was born, my mother (Jaya Bachchan) stopped acting. But dad remained ever so busy. So, whenever I had a day off, I’d visit my father’s set. That was my playground. His colleagues were people I knew. That was the best way to spend time with dad. I loved the world of cinema.
Did you watch films too?
Till I was 12 or 13, I had only watched dad’s films. There were only a handful of other films that I had watched. Later, I started watching other movies. My favourite activity is watching a movie. Even today if I have a day off, I’ll watch a movie at home or go to a nearby theatre and catch the latest release. I love the idea of buying a ticket and watching a film in the dark, munching on popcorn and samosas.
How do you manage to escape the public eye at the theatre?
It’s as easy as you make it. If you walk into a theatre with a host of bodyguards, making noise and pushing people around, obviously everyone will notice. If you just sneak in quietly, sit in the back row and leave quietly, no one will disturb you. And what’s the big deal even if they do? What are people going to do to you? They are fans. They are the ones who make you. What do they want? They want to hug you, shake hands with you, they may ask for an autograph and now they may want a selfie. That’s it. Do it and it’s done. Make them happy. I don’t understand the whole fuss we actors make. ‘Oh we can’t go out here’, ‘Oh there will be public there’… blah, blah, blah. You are a celebrity, people will recognise you. Simple!
How does it feel to produce films under the home banner AB Corp Ltd?
When I came back to India from college, I worked as a production assistant. I worked my way up from there. We produced two films under AB Corp Ltd – Paa and Bbuddah… Hoga Tera Baap. I didn’t enjoy the experience. More so, because I was acting in Paa too. The actor in me wants more time in doing what I’m doing and the producer in me wants to get the day done in the budget. So there’s a disagreement there. I enjoy setting up a project, doing the budgeting, etc. It’s the execution that I’m not excited about. I intend to produce more films though. We produced Shamitabh this year. I’ll start looking for more subjects.
Shamitabh didn’t work at the box-office. As a producer, how do you take a flop?
Today the model of exhibition and distribution has changed. Previously, producers would directly deal with the distributors, which certain producers still do. But today the general practice is to sell your film to a corporate, who then distributes the film too. If you play your cards correctly, you won’t make losses. You have to sell your film correctly. You make a film you believe in. If it does well, good! If it doesn’t, you should know why it didn’t do well. I don’t know any actor, director or producer who has only made successful films. There isn’t one in the history of world cinema. It’s the circle of life. What goes up, comes down. You win some, you lose some.
The film didn’t do well but your father’s performance received a thunderous response…
It will sound weird coming from me. But he’s the best we had, he’s the best we have and he’s the best we will ever have. It’s as simple as that. I’m saying this from an actor’s perspective and not from a son’s, producer’s or a fan’s point of view. He’s just immensely talented. It’s unbelievable the kind of work he’s doing at this stage of his life. He has so much enthusiasm. He’s like a child on the set. When you’re doing something for 40 years, you can come on the set, sleepwalk and you’ll still be good. But he still has sleepless nights rehearsing for his roles. I hope I can be like that when I reach his age. His dedication is unbeatable.
Your father is number one on social media too. What do you think is the reason behind his success in every possible medium?
It’s his dedication. He has decided that this is the way he wants things to be done and he will do it. There’s a great sense of duty in him. He has set his mind on all the right things. He has a sense of wonder about things. He’s not jaded. There’s still a lot of innocence in him.
Are there any films of his which you don’t like?
Wow. Good question. No, I love everything he has done. But again he’s never done anything mad and bad.
Which films of Aishwarya do you like the most?
Her first film, Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar, was stunning. To do that kind of work in your first film is unbelievable. I loved Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam too. I’m being biased but I loved her in Guru. Actually of all the actors in the film, she was the best. There’s another film of ours that didn’t get much acknowledgment - Kuch Na Kaho. I like that one too. She was sensational in Jodha Akbar and Guzaarish as well.
You come across as a supportive husband…
She’s my wife and I love her. Why will I not be there for her? It’s a sexist mindset, which believes it’s okay for a wife to be there at her husband’s premieres but not for a husband to do the same. I wasn’t brought up like that. My mother raised me differently. I have an elder sister (Shweta Nanda Bachchan) and three cousins. My mother has two sisters. I’ve been brought up by women. So I never learnt to differentiate. If Ash can accompany me to my events, why shouldn’t I attend hers? Every husband should be supportive towards his wife. And if you care for your partner, you have to be present physically and emotionally for them.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself acting and producing films and hopefully sitting on the same couch and chatting with you.