Abhishek Bachchan has completed 23 years in the industry and is still gung ho about work. He was seen in Ghoomer recently where he played a maverick coach teaching cricket to a handicapped girl. It wasn’t the most easy of roles but the actor sailed through it all effortlessly. The audience loved his intensity in the film and he credits his director Balki for giving him apt instructions. Abhishek feels your parents are your first coaches and tries to be as good a life coach to his daughter Aaradhaya as his parents, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan were to him and sister Shewta. Excerpts from an interview with the talented actor who always speaks from the heart...
Ghoomer discusses how ‘losers’ suffer as a result of the pressure to prove themselves... What do you have to say about the emotional abuse that people have to endure?
Everyone should understand that as long as there is life, there will be struggle. If you want to achieve anything in life, you must make sacrifices. This is also a theme in our film. The most important thing is to make a sacrifice. That, I believe, is a life lesson as well. You see, in order to gain something, you must first lose something.
What was the most difficult aspect of the film?
My character was probably the most difficult aspect for me. He is the polar opposite of what a coach should be. He’s not a particularly likeable character. He’s nasty, drunk, brash, and insensitive. Nothing about him is inspirational. It fascinates me that someone who is mostly unsuitable for coaching becomes a coach. That conflict piqued my interest. I thought it would be fun and challenging to play such a character.
What makes your relationship with R. Balki special?
I already knew him from Paa. Balki and I used to do advertisements together. Long ago, I used to be the brand ambassador for Idea. There was a character named Sirji that was created by Balki. When we made Paa, I became a producer. And thanks to Balki for that. We have a very deep connection and a very beautiful understanding. I enjoyed working with him. What I love about him is his perception. Balki has a different perspective. I like his sensibilities and his unique take on certain situations in life. I like the way he sees things. In Ghoomer, for example, my character is hardly inspirational or coach material, but as you watch the film and the character grows on you, you realise what he’s made of. Balki’s genius is that he can make you care about unpopular characters.
You must have a good rapport with Saiyami Kher as you’ve previously worked with her.
It’s critical to have a good equation or chemistry with your co-star and that comfort level shows on screen. We’ve previously worked in Breathe. So we’re at ease with each other. Saiyami is a fantastic actor and she did an excellent job in the film.
You are playing an intense role. Do these kinds of roles affect you mentally?
No, this does not happen to me. Sometimes a little bit of the character you’re playing stays with you. I think actors are pretty good at switching off and detaching.
What’s your definition of a winner?
A winner in sports is someone who wins the game. But in life, you never know what you’re winning. You set goals for yourself in life. You are a winner if you succeed, or if you are able to live a healthy and happy life. In today’s world, the entire conversation has become skewed. Somewhere along the line, we became overly materialistic. Perhaps we should focus more on spirituality rather than tangential goals. We work extremely hard to purchase a bungalow and a car. That is something I believe everyone does. We want an award, we want successful films... If you realise it, I believe we will lose it all one day. When we die and leave this world, no car, bungalow, or expensive clothes will matter. So invest in your journey through life. The journey is what matters if you look within and are spiritual about it. Is it possible for you to lay your head on your pillow at night and sleep peacefully? This is also the definition of success.
...And what is your definition of a loser?
That is not a word I believe in. There’s no such thing as a loser. That word should not be accepted. You have given up if you accept. And I don’t believe in surrender. Continue to strive to be a winner.
Did sports figure in your life growing up? Have you been impacted by them?
Yes, I was a keen sportsman when I was a child. And in school and in college, I loved to play sports. Sportsmen are very inspiring individuals. If you want to be a winner, there are many sportsmen to look up to.
What changes in sports would you like to see?
We should show our support for those involved in sports. I believe that our country needs to change its mindset. Sports are still viewed as a game by the middle class. It is now a serious profession. You can make a lot of money. We will not encourage our children to participate in more and more professional sports unless we change that mindset. This is gradually changing.
What have you learnt in your life?
Never, ever give up. Stay on your path. Hold on to your dream and never give up on it.
You’ve referred to your parents as the best coaches...
It is critical to have a good mentor, a good teacher, and a good coach in your life. Your parents are your primary teachers. That is why I believe that parents make the best coaches and teachers. My parents have been extremely encouraging and loving.
Which of your parents’ (Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan) characteristics have you inherited? And what quality do you wish you possessed?
I’m not sure what I inherited, but I strive for certain qualities that I admire in both of them. I admire my father’s sense of duty and discipline. I admire my mother’s sense of loyalty. As a child, you see your parents lead by example in all of these areas,and you want to emulate them.
With their children, parents sometimes play good cop, bad cop. In these situations, what role do you take on?
I don’t believe in being a tough parent. I am neither strict nor indulgent with Aaradhya. I believe you must be loving and encouraging. That is the most important thing parents can do. To provide emotional support and to assure them that they will be loved no matter what. They will learn through experience. Today’s children are extremely intelligent. Aap situation ke anusaar react karte ho.
Do you copy your parents or have you developed your own sense of style?
There will always be change. Compared to the previous generation, this generation is different. When I was a child, my parents acted differently than how their parents acted when they were kids. The society was different from how they had grown up when I was born. The cultures were distinct. When you look at today, everything is constantly changing. You need to instil in them the right morals and values. This is more significant.
Aaradhya is reputed to be a polite youngster. Who do you credit for this, exactly?
Aishwarya. She is the one who provides our daughter with all of the care while I am away working on films.
As a parent in today’s competitive world, what advice do you have for Aaradhya, whether it’s for exams or life?
She’ll figure it out eventually. Aishwarya and I are teaching her how to be a good person. That’s what we were taught when we were kids.
Your nephew Agastya is making his debut. Any advice to the youngster, words of encouragement?
I always encourage him. Main kaun hota hoon ussey advice dene wala. Wo mujhe 50 advice de dega. Navya and Agastya know their own mind and they are wonderful role models for Aaradhya as well.
How do you feel about your mother’s performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani?
I don’t see my mother as an actress. I can see Dad and Aishwarya’s work, but I can’t see Maa’s. It’s a different story with Mom. I can’t judge her because she’s just an emotion. So it’s very emotional for me.
You’ve been in the business for 23 years. What factors do you consider when selecting films at this point in your career?
You must make films that speak to you in some way. If it affects you, you should do it, and that standard should never be altered at any cost. There is always rivalry. You must always do work that inspires you. I’ve always chosen the script; I thought this story was interesting and thought I should do it. That’s all there is to it. Finally, we forget that we are also spectators. Why should someone watch your film? The film should be enjoyable.
It is critical to have a good mentor, a good teacher, and a good coach in your life. Your parents are your primary teachers. That is why I believe that parents make the best coaches and teachers. My parents have been extremely encouraging and loving.
Which of your parents’ (Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan) characteristics have you inherited? And what quality do you wish you possessed?
I’m not sure what I inherited, but I strive for certain qualities that I admire in both of them. I admire my father’s sense of duty and discipline. I admire my mother’s sense of loyalty. As a child, you see your parents lead by example in all of these areas,and you want to emulate them.
With their children, parents sometimes play good cop, bad cop. In these situations, what role do you take on?
I don’t believe in being a tough parent. I am neither strict nor indulgent with Aaradhya. I believe you must be loving and encouraging. That is the most important thing parents can do. To provide emotional support and to assure them that they will be loved no matter what. They will learn through experience. Today’s children are extremely intelligent. Aap situation ke anusaar react karte ho.
Do you copy your parents or have you developed your own sense of style?
There will always be change. Compared to the previous generation, this generation is different. When I was a child, my parents acted differently than how their parents acted when they were kids. The society was different from how they had grown up when I was born. The cultures were distinct. When you look at today, everything is constantly changing. You need to instil in them the right morals and values. This is more significant.
Aaradhya is reputed to be a polite youngster. Who do you credit for this, exactly?
Aishwarya. She is the one who provides our daughter with all of the care while I am away working on films.
As a parent in today’s competitive world, what advice do you have for Aaradhya, whether it’s for exams or life?
She’ll figure it out eventually. Aishwarya and I are teaching her how to be a good person. That’s what we were taught when we were kids.
Your nephew Agastya is making his debut. Any advice to the youngster, words of encouragement?
I always encourage him. Main kaun hota hoon ussey advice dene wala. Wo mujhe 50 advice de dega. Navya and Agastya know their own mind and they are wonderful role models for Aaradhya as well.
How do you feel about your mother’s performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani?
I don’t see my mother as an actress. I can see Dad and Aishwarya’s work, but I can’t see Maa’s. It’s a different story with Mom. I can’t judge her because she’s just an emotion. So it’s very emotional for me.
You’ve been in the business for 23 years. What factors do you consider when selecting films at this point in your career?
You must make films that speak to you in some way. If it affects you, you should do it, and that standard should never be altered at any cost. There is always rivalry. You must always do work that inspires you. I’ve always chosen the script; I thought this story was interesting and thought I should do it. That’s all there is to it. Finally, we forget that we are also spectators. Why should someone watch your film? The film should be enjoyable.
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