Abhishek Bachchan opens up on his family and his roles on OTT

Abhishek Bachchan has been on the silver screen since his debut in Refugee more than 2 decades back. However, his journey has been a roller-coaster ride with many ups and downs. Since the last five years Abhishek Bachchan has been busy with OTT platforms plus his Kabaddi League. Now, with R Balki’s ‘Ghoomer’ he is returning to the big screen. In an exclusive tete-a-tete with Adgully Bureau, the superstar shares about his experience on working in OTT platforms as well as the appreciation his roles have got him during the years.

What makes you happiest in life?
I have always mentioned that going to a theatre with popcorn, samosa and cold drinks is the happiest thing to do. I have grown up like that. During my childhood, I have traveled from theatres to film sets. Going to a theatre to watch a film is like going to a temple.

What can you say about R Balki, the director of Ghoomer?
R Balki made me a producer with Paa. Our sensibilities match very well. He has a unique perception of life. If you watch his films, you will realise his different approach towards life. I am always very curious to know about his story telling. Ghoomer is a story of a girl who loses her arm and still plays cricket. Balki’s unique touch is in the character of the ‘unlikely coach’ played by me.

How do you like the look of Abhishek Bachchan (yourself) in Ghoomer?
After a lot of discussion it was me who suggested to Balki that the look should be like him. So, if you look at my character in the film - he looks like R Balki. However, my hairstylist was upset as I had to dye my hair all white. In reality, I do not have a single strand of white hair and have not ever coloured my hair. Though, most of my friends started having grey hair long back.
During lockdown, your selections of films have got a lot of appreciation from Critics. What are your views about this?
I am happy about it. For me, my work is everything and I leave the results to my audiences. My aim is to impress the audience with my work. From Ludo, Breathe, Dasvi, Bigg Bull and Bob Biswas - the amount of work I have done during the last couple of years is a lot. I am still working - it means people want to see me. There was a time when a hero’s character was limited, it had to be written in a certain way. I have been lucky that people have accepted and appreciated me in all kinds of roles.

What are your hopes and expectations from your performance in the film ‘Ghoomer’?
I just hope that the audience should not be disappointed after watching the film. It is not only about my performance - the whole film should work with the audience. I believe Ghoomer is a brilliant film - uplifting and inspiring.

You have seen a lot of ups and downs in your life. What advice would you like to give to the youth?
Hard work is the only key to success. My grandfather, Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan used to say, “Jab Tak Jeevan Hai Sangharsh Hai”(till the time you are alive, you have to overcome obstacles in life). I feel now we have become more materialistic. Hard work is a continuous process. Success is not only about achieving materialistic stuff. Think of what is in your control. When you put your head on the pillow at night and get a peaceful night’s sleep, this is success to me. Make your journey memorable that is more important than your destination.

What do you have to say about your mom, Jaya Bachchan’s performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahanii?
I cannot comment on my mother’s work. The other actors from my family, whether it is my father Amitabh Bachchan or my wife Aishwarya - I look upto them as actors. However, to me my mother is an emotion!

Agstya Nanda your nephew is going to debut soon with Archie. Any comments on it?
I feel his eyes are full of honesty and innocence, which is rare in today’s generation. A lot of actors in today’s time are so prepared that you can see that in their eyes.

How has your professional relationship changed with your parents in the last two decades?
I have always been encouraged by my parents in all ways. They have only asked me to work. Therefore, they can always comment upon my performances, whether good or bad! They never restricted me to play certain characters, I always had the freedom to chose my work