“The producer in me always conflicts between me as an actor and a producer.” – Abhishek Bachchan
Apart from being an actor and producer, Abhishek Bachchan is a sports enthusiast and owns a Kabaddi and football team. In a candid rendezvous with Lipika Varma, he talks about his love for sports, the ups and downs of his career, his vision as a producer, and the Bachchan family.
Abhishek Bachchan delivers an inspirational portrayal as a coach in Ghoomer, a compelling sports drama that shows the journey of an amputee female cricketer, portrayed by Saiyami Kher. The film, directed by R. Balki, has garnered extensive acclaim for its inspiring narrative. This sports drama instils the determination to conquer obstacles and emerge victorious despite life’s failures and setbacks.
I wasn’t happy with the way I was working. It has nothing to do with the films I was doing. I felt that I was getting complacent as an actor
Excerpts-
1] On Sports-
As a sports lover and enthusiast, what were some things you had to learn or prepare for your role in Ghoomer?
I had to learn to bowl with my left hand. Although I am a lefty, I play sports with my right hand and bat or bowl with my right hand. But in the film, I played as a left-hand bowler, so I had to learn how to spin and bowl with my left hand. I learned from my dear friend Rohan Gavaskar, a left-arm bowler who gave me many tips.
Who’s bowling style is your favourite?
I am a Mumbai Indian fan and always loved [Lasith] Malinga.
Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in sports?
Everybody in their schooling loves sports and feels that way. Basketball is my favourite sport; I used to play it in my school days.
You own the Jaipur Pink Panthers, a Kabaddi team, and a football team. How have you not done something on the Basketball front yet?
I would love to do something in Basketball as well. Hopefully, I will be starting it soon.
I can look up to Dad and Aishwarya as actors. With maa, I can’t think or react; it’s an emotion; she is my mother.
2] On Career-
You have seen many ups and downs during your career. What did you feel when a film was successful and vice versa?
We should always work hard. We have become very materialistic nowadays. We should not wait for results after doing a film but continue to work harder. You cannot define success as achieving something material. Some films will be a hit, while some may not be. Hit or flop is not in your hand or control, so why should you even think about it. Today, I feel when I put my head on the pillow and fall asleep instantly, it is also a form of success. I may have done something good so I can sleep peacefully. I feel that the journey is the success, not the destination. If you think about our religion in spirituality, it has taught that the journey has to be successful. So, concentrate on that.
Why did Abhishek take a break after Houseful 3?
I wasn’t happy with the way I was working. It has nothing to do with the films I was doing. I felt that I was getting complacent as an actor. You are not really working hard if all the movies are becoming hits like Dhoom, Happy New Year, and Houseful made great money. I felt I was just going along and had to become more responsible. After watching my work, I stopped before it went on and on. It is always better to know the problem halfway through and solve it.
How happy does Abhishek feel about this good career phase of his?
I am thankful and happy that I am working. You are always lucky if, as an actor, you have employment. There are many actors who are much more talented and might be looking for work. I should be happy and respect it, as well as work even harder.
Have you been unkind to yourself?
Yes, I feel your profession demands that. You put your soul out there in front of the world, which is not an easy job.
How do you take criticism?
You feel bad when your raw emotions are not appreciated, so we get defensive, possibly. Waise mujhe criticism kharab nahi lagti.
You cannot define success as achieving something material. Some films will be a hit, while some may not be. Hit or flop is not in your hand or control.
3] As a producer-
You are one of the most brilliant producers. Your first film, Paa, did well, and your Marathi film also clicked at the B.O. Ghoomer looks promising, too. Will this do well too?
Yes, I have produced a Marathi film and will do so again. I may say that I am lucky, and it’s all because of the director. I also feel it’s all about being there at the right time and at the right place.
Would you elaborate on your vision as a producer and also your learning from Balki?
Our sensibilities match a lot. I feel it’s a natural progression. Whatever your subject matter is, you have to be proud of it.
Given an opportunity to choose between producing a film and acting, what would you choose?
I am not an active producer. The producer in me always conflicts between me as an actor and a producer. I would prefer being in front of the cameras.
Dad has never given me any guidance as such. He allows me to work and comments whatever he feels after watching my work. My parents have given me the freedom to do whatever I feel like doing
4] On the Personal front- Family and Big B
RARKPK has brought smiles to the faces of Bollywood professionals. What is your reaction to [Maa] Jaya Bachchan?
I can’t react to her as an actor. Mere liye wo maa hai…it’s an emotion. Mere pariwar mein jitne bhi actors hai –Aishwarya and Dad, I can look up to them as actors. With maa, I can’t think or react; it’s just that emotion; she is my mother.
How does Amitji [Amitabh Bachchan] guide you?
Dad has never given me any guidance as such. He allows me to work and comments whatever he feels after watching my work. My parents have given me the freedom to do whatever I feel like doing. They never forced me to do anything. Yes, he appreciated my films. From his appreciation, I can only hope I am doing good work.
Does his [Big B] appreciation increase your sense of responsibility towards your work?
Definitely, when anybody recognizes your work and appreciation flows up, your responsibilities increase manifold. You work for your audiences, and their recognition is essential.
Does Aaradhya have any plans to tread on the path of her parents and grandparents?
Let her enjoy her childhood; she’s just 11 years old.
