The multi-dimensional Abhishek Bachchan, who plays a cricket coach in the soon-to-be-released Ghoomer, an inspiring sports drama, talks about his love for sport, and his career as an actor and producer, as well as about how he views his mother Jaya and his dad, the inimitable Amitabh Bachchan.
You’re a left-hander, but favour your right hand for sports. Yet, in Ghoomer, you use your left hand to bowl. Was that difficult?
Yes, in real life I bowl with my right arm, though I’m a lefty in non-sports pursuits. So for Ghoomer, I had to learn how to spin-bowl with my left hand. Rohan Gavaskar, who is a left arm bowler, helped me, giving me lots of tips. I am a Mumbai Indian fan, so I always loved [Lasith] Malinga’s bowling.
Ever thought of taking up a career in sports?
I feel everybody loves sports in school, and thinks along those lines. Basketball is my favourite sport. I used to play it during my school days.
But you chose to own a Kabaddi team and you’re into football too. Why not anything on Basketball?
I would love to do something in Basketball as well. Hopefully, I will start soon.
You have seen ups and downs. How do you feel when a film does well, and when it doesn’t?
We have all become very materialistic nowadays. I feel, after doing a film, one should not wait to see how it does, but just go ahead and work harder. Some films will be hits, others won’t. That’s not within our control, so why should we even think about it? Success shouldn’t be defined in material terms. Today, when I lay my head on my pillow and fall asleep instantly, I consider it a form of success. I may have done something good, so I am able to sleep peacefully. I feel the journey itself is the success, not the destination. That’s what spirituality teaches us. So, concentrate on that.
Why did you take a break after Houseful 3?
I wasn’t happy with the way I was working. I felt I was getting complacent as an actor. All the films were becoming hits — Dhoom, Happy New Year and Houseful all made great money. I felt I wasn’t really working hard, I was just going along. I felt, I had to be more responsible. So, I halted, and spent a lot of time re-evaluating. It’s always better to understand the problem when you’re half-way through, and solve it.
Are you happy about this phase of your career?
I am thankful that I am working. You are lucky to have work as an actor. There are actors who are much more talented, who may not have work. I am happy I have work, I respect that, and work even harder.
Have you been unkind to yourself?
Yes, I feel this profession demands that. You put your soul out there in front of the world. It’s not an easy job.
How do you take criticism?
When your raw emotions are not appreciated you do feel bad. So we get defensive possibly. Waaise, mujhe criticism kharab nahi lagti.
Does Aaradhya have any plans to follow the path taken by her parents and grandparents?
Let her enjoy her childhood. She is just 11 years old.
