ABHISHEK's interview

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Posted: 20 years ago

Ram Gopal Varma says he's a better actor than father Amitabh Bachchan -- something Abhishek, who claims to be Bachchan senior's biggest fan, refuses to believe.

"I know Ramu is a huge fan of dad. He just wants me to have the courage to face the camera with dad," says Abhishek, dismissing the comment from the director who is making "Sarkar" with the father-son duo.

"Initially, it was terrifying to share screen space with Amitabh Bachchan. I'm still nervous," Bachchan told IANS, adding that he is beginning to learn more and more from watching his dad perform before the camera.

After a spate of flops punctuating his initial film career, Bachchan junior seems to have found his groove. The coming year sees Abhishek in a range of films.

There is "Bunty Aur Babli" with father Amitabh and Rani Mukherjee, Anubhav Sinha's "Dus", Rituparno Ghosh's "Antar Mahal" in Bengali, Ram Gopal Varma's "Sarkar", Sanjay Gadhvi's "Dhoom 2" and an as yet-untitled Karan Johar film.

Excerpts from the interview:

The awards season seems to have been wonderful to you?
And it feels wonderful! Recognition always rocks.

But I still refuse to believe that my performance in "Yuva" was better than the others in the category, especially dad's.

You certainly did deserve recognition for "Yuva".
I look upon the awards as the recognition for what I did in "Yuva". Awards do matter.
But again, it doesn't mean Akshay in "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" or Zayed in "Main Hoon Na" weren't equally good.

What prompted you to take your father onstage to receive your Filmfare award?
No matter how much you prepare for the moment when the award is announced, your mind goes blank. I've practiced my thank you speeches in front of the mirror from the time I was a child.

When I saw my dad's name in the nominations, I knew he deserved it. Besides being his son, I'm his biggest fan. And I refuse to believe anyone can be better than him. I think the award was rightfully his.

I took my father to stage because I thought that was the right thing to do. More than being happy to win the award, I was happy that my mom and dad were there to share that moment with me.

How do you feel when Ram Gopal Varma says you're a better actor than your dad?
Aw! I think Ramu is just trying to encourage me. He wants to boost my confidence.

Ramu is a huge fan of dad and he just wants me to have the courage to face the camera with dad.

Initially, it was terrifying to share screen space with Amitabh Bachchan. I'm still nervous. But now I'm enjoying the experience far more than when we started.

Earlier, we'd reach for the shooting for "Bunty Aur Babli" or "Sarkar" together. What followed in front of the camera was definitely not fun.

You mean you felt inadequate?
Yes, of course! But now, I look forward to learning from him. Just his sheer knowledge of the craft is awesome. Just the fact that I have the liberty to walk up to him and ask for help in doing a shot, is very, very liberating.

I like the fact that I have both the actor Amitabh Bachchan and my father in the same frame as me. As a bonus, I get to spend the entire day with both.

Is it a learning process for you?
Just watching him at work is revealing in itself.

By watching him, I've realised what a bad actor I am. When you see him do a shot, you immediately know there's no way you can be as good as him.

Maybe it isn't possible for any actor to be better?
No way. Just forget about it. There's no way one can come even close to this man's performance.

So you're enjoying sparring histrionics with the mighty Bachchan?
I don't think I can spar with Pa. I just get the opportunity to stand in the same ring as him and he allows you to have some fun.

But he's a very generous co-star.
Immensely; by far, the most generous co-star I've worked with. For me, co-starring with him is the most exciting happening of the year and my career so far.

Next release?
"Bunty Aur Babli" with dad and Rani. You just have to wait and see what we've done in it.

Then I've Anubhav Sinha's "Dus", Rituparno Ghosh's "Antar Mahal" in Bengali, and Ramu's Sarkar. Later, during the year I start Sanjay Gadhvi's "Dhoom 2" and a Karan Johar film.

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Actually "Antar Mahal" is your second Bengali film?
Yes, I did "Des" where I played my own mom's son. But in neither "Des" now "Antar Mahal" did I have to speak any Bengali.

"Antar Mahal" was a great experience. Just 15 days' work and creatively very satisfying. Actually, I've quite a spectrum of directors coming up this year. I'd like to believe I'm growing and improving with every film I do.

What about fun off-camera?
The most exciting part of my life is the shooting. I love the idea of just doing so many films with so many directors.

- By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

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Rida

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Posted: 20 years ago

hey thankx alot shama di it seems as if ur posting the interviews of one of my fav actors thankx alot once again u rock👏

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Posted: 20 years ago

ur welcome guys!!! He's my sweetheart!!! ❤️

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Posted: 20 years ago

Cool !! Thanx Shama !!!

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Posted: 20 years ago

thankx for the kewl interview Shama

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Posted: 20 years ago

'Abhishek on his Pa...'

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 04th, 2005 - 1030 hrs IST

Know what is the coolest thing about Abhishek Bachchan? While most star kids make Oscar speeches about wanting to wriggle out of the jumbo shadows of their illustrious parents, AB baby is different. He wants to remain his Pa's son all his life and openly admits that! Abhishek, we love you for that!

"I say that quite simply because I believe that he is the best we have. I didn't talk to him for 4 days after watching the trial show of Black...because I didn't know how to react to that performance and the man behind it" Abhishek tells us.

So what was it like to share frame with him in Sarkar? "I simply blanked out!...I did" he reaffirms. "There was no reaction, no emotion, I froze" says the actor. "You know, like most think, it isn't about a son watch his father act, it is about being handcuffed to a great emotive talent. It used to often happen that while acting, I used to look at him and mouthing my lines. You just want to keep looking and observing him" remarks the dapper looking star.

Finally what were the challenges of working in Sarkar? "Actually, not many" he surprises us a bit. Working with the maverick maker RGV and AB could give anyone jelly knees, we remark. "I look at it the other way around, when you have a RGV behind the camera and an Amitabh in front of it, there is little that can do wrong. All I did was, be careful about not becoming that 'wrong" Abhishek leaves us with a wisecrack.

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Posted: 20 years ago

Abhishek Bachchan has given a performance in Kuch Naa Kaho that borders on not being a performance. You actually have a tough time distinguishing between Abhishek and Raj because of the way he's portrayed him and the performance his director has extracted from him. The young, happy-go-lucky and extremely zestful Raj is someone who discovers who he is and what he wants through the course of the film. Looking back on the entire Kuch Naa Kaho experience, Abhishek relives the process of making one of his favourite films.

Tell me about when you first met Rohan Sippy…
A long time ago… in a place far, far away..! I used to meet Rohan as a kid because our fathers used to work together, so on and off in Kashmir, attending each other's birthday parties and all but then I wasn't in regular contact with him. We were both in the same boarding school in Switzerland and he was slightly senior to me and that was when we were in regular contact. Then he went off to college and then came back to Bombay and we'd keep meeting and promise to get together and play basketball but never did. Then one day when I was back from college and working I got a call and he said 'I want to come and narrate a script to you,' and I thought he just wanted my reaction to it. He narrated the script of Kuch Naa Kaho and I was shocked. I thought it was a fantastic film and said yes. That's how our association started.

How did you feel when he came to you with the script?
It was weird when he first came to me because I knew him on a personal front and not on a professional front, so for this friend to be asking me something professional for work was something to contend with at first, but it was cool.

What attracted you to the story of Kuch Naa Kaho?
See I heard the script as a script and had no idea he wanted me to play the role of Raj. I loved the script and thought it was hilarious, it had a wonderful concept and was very beautifully written and was very witty. I liked that the comedy was not slapstick which we in Indian cinema are used to seeing and doing, which is very loud and here in this film it was primarily a very sophisticated type of comedy more to do with dialogue than with action. So I loved that and remember while he was reading it to me I was thinking I wish I could do a film like this because it's really funny. When he offered it to me the main thing for me was to just work with him because I thought it would be wonderful to work with somebody I knew and could talk to about anything because he understood where I was coming from and he had the same sensibilities as me, so I just wanted to work with him because although the script was brilliant I was just very keen to work with someone like Rohan.

You've delivered a very natural performance in this film, and I mean natural in the respect that the audience believes in the character and that this could be someone you know. You've breathed life into who Raj is, how did you manage to pull that off?
When I first saw the rushes after he had finished editing and one thing I told him was that watching this you could actually make out that the actor and director understand each other. You could see they complemented each other, because I've always believed actors don't have much to do in films because filmmaking is a director's medium and we're just an extension of what the director wants and does and are basically puppets. And I think in KNK Rohan and I have been in perfect sync and I'd like to believe I've done what he has asked of me and if the audience feels that way too then I've done my job, but because we knew each other so well trying to give him what he wanted because he knew so very well what it was he wanted and he knew how to explain it to me, it definitely made my job easier. I mean I can't judge the performance but it was definitely easy to work with him because he has a clarity and understanding that allows him to let us know precisely what he wants from a performance, which to any actor is a great asset.

How close is the character of Raj to who you are in real life – is their an overflow from screen to reality? The same wacky sense of humour perhaps?
Yes, there definitely is a similarity and partly on purpose from Rohan's behalf and partly because of the way it just happened. To Rohan's credit, he was so clear about how Raj would behave that he had written it in such a way that it came very naturally to me. In a way I would like to believe Rohan fashioned Raj from what he saw as me in everyday life. I know for sure he would come up to me and say 'remember that day we were talking like this and you reacted in such a way, and that's the kind of reaction I want you to give and to play it like that', so he understands me so well that a lot of Raj's mannerisms and style is very much me, which to me shows how much he understands me as a person.

In the behind the scenes footage it seems you've lived the character. There's a lot of Raj off camera who is uncontrolled and while shooting and the camera is on, it seems you retreat into a restrained version of Raj who was making wild jokes and dancing a minute ago and then is within a scene the next. How did this 'reality' of Raj come to be and what's the reason behind so much insane footage 'off camera' and in outtakes?
I think the comfort levels were fantastic on this film, we were all so comfortable with each other that this must be the reason. This was my second film with Ash, the cinematographer Mani, I had worked with before because he was the second unit cameraman for Major Saab, and with Rohan being a friend there really wasn't a work atmosphere to the environment we were put in. We really enjoyed going to the sets every morning and having fun and sometimes we had a bit too much fun making this film, but I think that's one of Rohan's fortes as a director that he doesn't make you feel as you're working and he prompts the actors to not take themselves too seriously at times and makes it a casual and relaxed place to be in. He makes you feel very normal about being in front of the camera which is great because you're not conscious that you're acting.

There are certain scenes in the film for example when Raj talks about reincarnation or when he bursts into his antics to achieve his goal, that show a mastery of comedy. You literally muster together comedy while holding a deadpan serious look on your face revealing an Abhishek we haven't seen on screen before, how did you do that? Were those scenes difficult to do?
Those were actually the easiest scenes because Rohan would come and explain those scenes to me before the take and his comedic timing is brilliant and I tried to copy it. I couldn't get it exactly but I tried! Usually you get a scene and you read it and think 'oh my god, I can't do this!' but on this film before I even read the scene he would come and narrate it to me and completely convince me. When you see someone doing it so convincingly you just have to copy them and you know you can do it, so that's how those scenes became what they are.

What is your favourite scene in the film?
My favourite scene? Haha! Many! (thinks). It's very hard to choose which is a favourite scene, I like a lot of it because there's something very sweet about the scenes and the moments he's created are beautiful. I don't really have a favourite scene, I like the whole film. But where the toughest scene is concerned it has to be the one in the bar… that was the most difficult one to do. It's the first time you see an unpleasant side of someone who's usually a very happy and sweet guy. It's the first time you see Raj hurt and trying to hit out at someone, he doesn't really want to but he's so upset that he has to. Now it's very easy in a scene like that to get drunk and be really obnoxious because it takes place in a bar but we decided we weren't going to do that. We wanted to try and play it in such a way that was layered with hurt but still trying to be polite while still making the point, which was a difficult balance to reach. That was very tough, it was the most difficult scene to do.

What is your favourite song in the film?
This is my first album that I can't choose my favourite song because honestly they are all fantastic. If I try and pick one that I had the most fun in shooting, then in that respect for all of them I have such wonderful memories and moments of shooting them, but I particularly had a great time shooting the club song. We were shooting on the set in something like 55 degrees because there were 1000 lights, it was the peak of Summer and we were at Filmalaya Studios, so everything was against us but we all decided we were going to do this. There were around 500 people and it was so bad that after every take we'd have to change our clothes because they'd be soaking wet, but everyone just decided to have fun and we went completely crazy. So that was a lot of fun to shoot, but song-wise I think all the songs are exceptional.

When you saw the film, what could you say you honestly and objectively thought of it? How do you feel looking back on the experience that is Kuch Naa Kaho?
Apart from the time we spent on the film, the amount of hard work we've put into it, it makes it difficult to look at a film objectively. I mean I've done films with new directors before and have worked with my friends but the other night we were watching the film and going through the outtakes and it brings back so many fond memories that remind you how close you are to this film. After a long time it'll be felt that you've aided and been part of realising somebody's dream and that's what I felt after this film. I mean, I didn't think of Rohan as a friend and someone I've known since I was a child but looked at it like: here's a director and you can see through the film that he's happy with what he's got and you've helped him in whatever miniscule way and you've been a part of his dream, and that's the biggest thing for me.

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Posted: 20 years ago

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN
On 'Phir Milenge', 'Dhoom', 'Rakht', 'Naach'

Source: Trade Guide [Taran Adarsh], July 28th, 2004 - 0930 hrs IST

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He's rocking. After YUVA, Abhishek Bachchan seems to have finally found his groove. What's more, his groovy, sexy 'One Love' number from the to-be-released RAKHT has got him the tag of the thinking woman's 'sex symbol', a label he sheepishly dismisses.

2004 already has had three Abhishek releases - RUN, HUM TUM and YUVA - and the coming few months will witness the A.B. film festival continue with Revathy's PHIR MILENGE, Yash Chopra's Sanjay Gadhvi-directed DHOOM, Mahesh Manjrekar's RAKHT and Ramgopal Varma's NAACH.

Over to Abhishek:

"I have never played a lawyer before and this particular character of Tarun in PHIR MILENGE is such that looking at him you'd never know he's a lawyer. He's a cool, happy guy, very cheerful. He's a good-hearted guy who is happy with everyone. Basically, Revathy's brief to me was 'When I see Tarun, I don't want to see a lawyer.'

"I think the moment a film has a social issue as its theme, people shouldn't assume that it's going to be some serious, preachy film. PHIR MILENGE is not a docudrama. The idea is not to bore anybody or give sermons.

"I absolutely enjoyed working with Revathy. She's very fast, in the sense that I think I finished my work in just 12 days! After a hard day's work, a lady director is more likely to be sympathetic towards you and let you go home. I certainly want to work with more lady directors.

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"I don't have any scenes with Salman. But, yes, working with Shilpa was fun. She's a warm person, very easy to work with and I think the kind of warmth and dignity she needed to bring to her character, she has done that extremely well. Besides, after a long time I was working with someone who didn't need a paatla to stand on! She is tall and so that was not a problem.

"I play ACP Jai Dixit who's out to nab a group of bank robbers in DHOOM. This is my second film with the Yash Chopra banner, the first being HUM TUM. I have grown up in their house, so it was absolute fun. DHOOM is a fast paced, thrill ride where the audience wouldn't be able to predict what's going to happen next…

"Suniel Shetty is like an elder brother and when he offered me the song in RAKHT, I couldn't decline the offer. I absolutely enjoyed doing that song though I'm not too sure if I will do more. As for guest appearances, I don't believe in special or guest appearances. Either you are a part of the film or you are not and I'm a part of RAKHT.

"Ramgopal Varma is wonderful for actors. He makes you so much a part of his films, the entire process that you are very excited about working with him. I feel proud to be acting in NAACH."

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Posted: 20 years ago

By IndiaFM News Bureau, August 24th, 2004 - 0930 hrs IST

Yuva re-discovered Abhishek Bachchan. Films like RGV's Sarkar, Ranveer and Bunty aur Babli have given the talent-pot reason to cheer. With Revathy's Phir Milenge and Yash Chopra's Dhoom, the Bachchan boy has a double bill this Friday.

In an interview with IndiaFM, AB baby chats about the much-acclaimed Phir Milenge co-starring Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty.

Junta simply loved Lallan Singh in Yuva. What is your response to this stupendous audience reaction?
Every actor wants to be loved and appreciated. I am no different either. We actors are here to entertain people to our best. And when positive reactions pour in, it sure is a definite high.

Since Yuva gave Abhishek fans Lallan, what does Revathy's Phir Milenge have to offer?
Phir Milenge is not essentially about one particular character. To me it is larger than that. The one reason that I did the film stems from the belief that we actors have a social responsibility towards the society. So when Revathy approached me with the script, I was more than willing to associate myself with a cause like AIDS.

You play Tarun in the film. Tell us bout your character.
That's right. I play the character of Tarun Anand. He's a lawyer by profession. Not seriously ambitious, he's the 'take it, as it comes' variety. But life takes a sharp turn when he meets Tamanna [Shilpa Shetty]. He begins to campaign her cause and the relationship that sprouts from professional grounds blossoms into a beautiful friendship.

The Salman Khan- Shilpa Shetty- Abhishek Bachchan team is a fresh casting. What kind of work vibes did you people share?
Unfortunately, I don't share any scenes with Salman, so never really got to work with him. But as we all know, he's a complete rock-star! Shilpa, I think is a tremendous artist. Her performance in the film is a career defining one. We were the only three Hindi speaking people in the crew, which was essentially from the south. But must say, we gelled very well and I made some good friends.

Revathy comes across as a sensitive director. How was your experience of working with her?
Revathy apart from being an accomplished actress has been a fabulous director. She makes the kind of films she believes in. Her's is an all-women crew, which was a first for me, hence very interesting. Also, being a female, she gets the woman's perspective on things, which is very refreshing.

Besides Phir Milenge, the promos of Rakht and Dhoom are also doing the rounds. How did these films happen?
Rakht, I did for anna [Suniel Shetty]. He's one man I would do anything for. One day, he called me and said that he was making a movie, and would I like to be a part of it. I said, anything for you, anna. And that's how my special appearance in the film happened.

What is the case with Dhoom…
Action is a genre I haven't experimented for some time. So, when the film was offered to me, I simply grabbed it. The first biker film to come from India, Dhoom has some breath-taking stunts. Moviegoers should watch out for some surefire dare-devilry!

The Rakht track 'One love' has got very popular. What do you think of it?
Shaan has sung this track. It is a fun, peppy number. I have worked with Bipasha earlier in Zameen. Vaibhavi [Merchant] has choreographed the track. She's been a friend for sometime now. We just let our hair down and had a blast. Guess that comes through in the song. And it feels good to know that people seem to enjoy it.

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Posted: 20 years ago

#10

EYE CANDY ZINDABAD!!!!!😆

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