‘A flop is the worst feeling’

Completing 16 years in Bollywood, actor Abhishek Bachchan says that being the son of an icon has not helped him stay in the industry

If we give a flop film, people stop taking our calls; then it does not matter whose kid you are

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN, ACTOR

It doesn’t matter whose child you are — if you deliver a flop, filmmakers stop taking your calls, says

Abhishek Bachchan, (rig) the son of Indian cinematic icon Amitabh Bachchan.

Abhishek’s career graph since his debut in 2000 shows high and low points. If his performance in films like Dhoom (2004) and Guru (2007), has been applauded, he has also earned his share of criticism for some of his movie choices.

“I’ve completed 16 years in the industry and it has been a mix of highs and lows. There has been tremendous learning and I’m still hungry to do more. It’s been a great journey and it makes me happy and proud that I’m a part of this industry,” he says.

“The low phase that I went through, I think, was necessary. It teaches you a lot. I believe there is no success without failure. It keeps you grounded and makes you appreciate things,” he adds.

He admits a flop doesn’t leave one feeling good. “If we give a flop film, people stop taking our calls; then it does not matter whose kid you are. It’s true that a flop is the worst feeling in the world and destroys you as a human being,” adds the 40-year-old.

An ardent believer in the power of staying positive, Abhishek says, “If you want good things to happen in your life, you first have to believe good things are possible for yourself. Every actor is very emotional and so am I. I feel it’s important to learn to see the brighter side of life, and possess a sense of humour for that. My sense of humour has saved me many times.”

Abhishek says he is not even affected by trolls on social media, which have often hit out at him.“If you are present on a social platform, you are available on it. It’s all in jest and for fun. I just feel that once in a while, it’s nice to give back to them some of their own medicine. And it’s fun,” he says.