I FEEL BLESSED AND LUCKY: ABHISHEK
As Bachchan junior completes 18 years in Bollywood, he feels an actor is on his/her own after their maiden venture, regardless of being a star kid or not
Constant comparisons with his megastar father Amitabh Bachchan is not new for actor Abhishek Bachchan. He has faced that ever since his debut in Refugee (2000). Today, as he completes 18 years in the industry, the actor says that comparisons never flustered him. Instead, he feels it’s a blessing. “I am very lucky as well as blessed that I was born into my family, to my parents and grandparents. When we talk about star kids, it will always take you to your first film. Is it advantageous [when it comes to your maiden venture]? Absolutely it is,” he says.
But after the first film, you are on your own, says Abhishek. “From then on, it’s just you because they [star parents] can’t watch your back at each and every step. You know, what’s interesting is that the Hindi film industry is a testament to people who don’t come from a film industry background being successful. Honestly speaking, there are many industry kids who have not managed to make it through,” he says.
In fact, Abhishek continues to swear by a piece of advice that late film-maker Yash Chopra gave him right at the start of his journey. “Yes, this [all the talks of stars kids etc.] reminds me of something that Yash uncle told me at the premiere of Refugee. He said: ‘son, your father has brought you to this premiere, but tomorrow morning’s first show is all you. So, work very hard because if you don’t have talent, people aren’t going to watch the second show [of your film]’,” he says.
Even after 18 years of his debut, do his parents (father and mother Jaya Bachchan) still advise him on films? “Like any other parent, they do watch my movies. And since we are all actors, there are discussions about our [respective] work. It’s always a healthy discussion and I really hope that it carries on. To have the kind of actors that I have at home including dad, mum and Aishwarya [Rai Bachchan; wife] is a blessing. Even I would like to know what they feel [about my work]. I know a lot of people, who would love to sit down with them and ask, ‘what did you think of my film?’ So, it’s a lot of fun,” he says.