'It'll be an honour to work with Dhanush'
… says Abhishek Bachchan in a free-wheeling chat on Kollywood, Mani Ratnam and more
Lata Srinivasan
He's just turned proud dad to a beautiful daughter and says being a father is sensational. On his whirlwind trip to the city, Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan gets candid on all things Chennai.
You have a strong Chennai connection…
I have to been coming to this city since I was a kid. My father used to come here for shooting and I spent time with him on the sets. I remember all the great studios like AVM… I still love going to the beach. I am pretty sure that if I wasn't living in Mumbai, I'd probably end up living in Chennai. One of my best friends lives here. Mani Ratnam, Rajeev Menon and other colleagues and friends are also from Chennai… I like spending time in this city. I have deep roots here.
Having worked in three films with Mani Ratnam, have you evolved with every film as an actor?
The greatest thing about Mani is that he has pushed me in a way in which even I didn't know I could be pushed. I think he gave me the confidence that as an actor I was lacking. He gave me the ability to believe that I could do a certain kind of work. But apart from what he's done for me creatively, I think as a friend he means even more. He's been like a father figure, a mentor and a person I can talk to any time, if I am confused about something or need to confide in. The greatest thing about working with Mani is that he's going to take you on a journey which you've never been on before. He's definitely going to give you work that you have never done before. If you have, then he probably won't offer you that film. He takes you on a discovery and in the process, you also end up discovering a lot about yourself.
Any movie with Mani in the offing?
As of now, I am busy doing my Hindi films and he's about to start to his new Tamil film. My Tamil isn't very good. So I don't think I'll be fit to act in a Mani Ratnam film in Tamil! But Mani knows that whenever he requires my services I am always there.
Kollywood is buzzing about your friendship with Dhanush…
I have known him since the time he got married to Aishwarya. I remember the first song that I ever saw of his was Manmada Rasa... in 2003-2004. I have also seen the films he has done with his brother, Selva. I really think he's a wonderful actor. He's always pushing the envelope. He's an artist for whom I have a huge amount of respect, not just as an actor but also for the other things that he does. I am looking forward to watching Mayakkam Enna as he speaks very highly of it.
Rumour that you'll be acting in Dhanush's Bollywood directorial debut…
It's news to me. He's a friend and if he ever decides to direct a Hindi film, I'd be more than happy to work with him. We haven't discussed anything of the sort. But if he thinks I am capable of working under his direction, it'd be an honour for me.
THE SUPERSTAR
This birthday I'd like to wish Rajini uncle good health. I'm a huge admirer of his. As someone who I have known since I was a child, I wish him good health, happiness and all things nice. I think he's one of the nicest people you'll ever get to meet and he deserves it all.
Abhishek Bachchan
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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