I am overworking Dad: Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan is juggling three mobile phones. The actor has been getting kudos for his sensitive performance in Dum Maaro Dum from the industry, the media and friends.

The superstar son is happy that despite the IPL craze, DMD has managed good numbers. AB junior, who has been travelling non stop to various cities for the film promotions, admits that it is the first time in weeks that he has actually managed to put his feet up and relax. Excerpts from the interview:

So with DMD's success, brand AB is looking strong again?
Honestly, I was very nervous before the film's release. It felt like I was giving my 10th standard exams all over again. Of course, I'm happy with the congratulatory messages I got for my performance. Also the reactions on the social networking sites have been encouraging. DMD has already covered most of its costs. Satellite has taken care of a fair percentage; the rest has come from the box office.

Eleven years into the business; are you still affected by praise and criticism?
That will always be the case. When people criticise you (I have been getting a lot of that until Dum Maaro Dum came) it shows that they still care. That is the sign of success. Indifference is what kills an actor. Extreme love and extreme hate are welcome. At least, you evoke a response. It means you still matter. What more can a performer ask for? You know that proverbial thing, love him or hate him, but you can't ignore him.

What did you personally think of your performance in Dum Maaro Dum?
One of the few luxuries an actor has these days is that he doesn't need to think about his own performance. The audience decides everything for him. There are many films of mine that have flopped; but I personally felt that I was good in them. For e.g. I liked myself in Main Prem ki Deewani Hoon. Having said this, I'm never satisfied with my own performance. I always feel I could have done better.

Did your father like you in DMD?
Dad hasn't said much to me in the last few days. He does not like me because I am overworking him. You see I am the producer of Bbuddha and I have been making dad work overtime. He is doing action after nine years; post Khakee.

Wow sounds good!
Yes, I am fed up of Amitabh Bachchan playing the ageing patriarch and joining his hands and saying sorry. For me, Amitabh Bachchan doesn't say sorry. He doesn't get mad, he gets even. He may be older today but I want to see the fire in him. An entire generation has not experienced the glory of Amitabh Bachchan on the big screen. For them he is KBC uncle. Bbuddha will change the perception. You will see glimpses of the angry young man in his role. Wait till my publicity campaign starts. It will rock.

So now you will celebrate your own personal success in Russia with the Players unit.
Yeah I guess. I love Abbas-Mustan. They are such chilled out people. Celebration is in order.

Bobby Deol said you are carrying food for all of them?
I usually carry lots of home-cooked food to my outdoor locations. This time I am carrying nothing. I have told Bobby that already. I'm on a health trip, so food is the last thing I need. I'm off chocolates, biscuits, namkeen and very soon I may turn vegetarian.

When do we get to see your six packs?
I have a six pack in place. I will only show it off for a film. Not in a photo shoot.

What's in store for you after DMD?
Well there is Players releasing before the end of this year; Bol Bachchan that goes on the floor in August followed by Ladies and Gentlemen and Department. That's a lot of work.