Abhishek Bachchan

Did your parents give you anything special after Dhoom?
No. Why should they?

Because it was your first hit after 14 flops.
So? I always have their love, that’s the most important thing.

Has life changed after Dhoom?
Evidently, Dhoom reassured a lot of people about working with me. It gave my producers and directors the confidence to market their films better.

You play a con man in Bunty aur Babli?
Yeah, he’s a small town kid, who feels stifled by his surroundings, and leaves home to chase his dreams. Bunty is effervescent, fun loving, quick thinking and carefree. He’s still a child at heart.

Sounds a lot like you.
In a certain sense, yes. But, I don’t think as fast as he does.

Has Abhishek Bachchan ever conned anyone?
No, and nobody has ever conned me either. Thank god for that.

They compare your on-screen chemistry with Rani Mukerji to your parents’ in Zanjeer.
Really? No pressure, please.

But you’ve got to agree that the two of you share an amazing chemistry.
Well, we are good friends, and Rani is wonderful on the sets. The comfort translates well on screen. I really enjoy working with her, maybe that shows.

Is Rani a better friend or co-star?
She’s wonderful in both roles.

Have you picked up any acting tips from her?
I always try to be as spontaneous as she is. But it is not very easy.

What do you have to say about your newly-acquired image as a Casanova?
I don’t agree with it.

This is the first time you’ve acted with your father. How did the two of you interact on the sets?
Both as a father and as a co-star. He managed to mix the two better than I did. There were times when he treated me like a junior actor, and then when I did something right, he would say, ‘Good shot, son’. Actually, he can handle us working together better than I can. It’s really difficult for me because I can’t treat him as just another co-artiste. Dad will always be dad. I can never get over the awe of working with him. Most of the time, I just want to stand aside and watch.

Is there a danger of you imitating him?
Well, when I came into the industry, I was accused of imitating him all the time. My reasoning is that you do what you have to do with sincerity. Dad is a just a reference point, and I am just... me.

Ram Gopal Varma says that you are better than your dad.
(Grimaces) He’s lying. Ramu’s just being nice. I think he said that because he wanted me to finish my dubbing for Sarkar quickly.

You are a mamma’s boy, aren’t you?
Well, dad’s my best friend, and mom’s my mom. She still picks out my clothes. Though these days, sometimes I also ask dad to do the honours.

You’re kidding, right?
No, I’m telling you the truth. I’ve just never really been into clothes and dressing up.

That’s a revelation about Bollywood’s most eligible bachelor.
I don’t think you’re talking about me.