Abhishek - a busy man in Bollywood

By Subhash K. Jha Dec 3, 2006, 9:55 GMT

Mumbai, Dec 3 (IANS) If hectic schedules define stardom, then Abhishek Bachchan has got to be the biggest star of the moment.

He returned to Mumbai after receiving the Yash Bharti Award in Lucknow last week and it was time to leave again for Delhi to shoot for Shaad Ali's 'Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom'.

But busy schedules don't bother him much. Right now he is thrilled to have received an award earlier won by his parents - Amitabh and Jaya.

'I feel honoured, and very humbled. I don't think I deserve it. But since the Uttar Pradesh government in all its wisdom thought me worthy of it, I couldn't say no to it. My upbringing doesn't permit me to disrespect the will of my elders.

'I humbly accepted the invitation of Mulayam Singhji and the Uttar Pradesh government. I maintain that there're people far worthier of the honour than me,' Abhishek told IANS.

It's a packed week for Abhishek. The return of the 'Dhoom' series has him charged.

'I don't look at it as a big film. I look at it as my film. I'm glad they chose the star-cast that they did. It gave me the opportunity to work with some of my best friends in the industry. We had an absolute blast making 'Dhoom 2'. And I've very fond memories.

'While me and Uday Chopra were the hosts, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu were the new additions to the 'Dhoom' family. It was wonderful welcoming them in.'

Abhishek loved the shooting in Rio de Janeiro, Durban and Goa.

'After having seen the film, I feel the camaraderie comes through. There's no attempt to outdo one another. We had a lot of fun and that feeling is bound to show up on screen. I feel it's very important for the actors to be comfortable with one another. And our comfort level couldn't get any higher.'

Abhishek thoroughly enjoyed shooting in Rio.

'It's by far the most laid back country I've shot in. The greatest fun was to be not recognised. The anonymity was a boon. It was wonderful to walk on the beaches and have dinner at roadside cafes.

'It was very liberating to have a life that we haven't experienced for a very long time.'

But Bipasha was singled out for special treatment in Rio.

'She was mistaken for a Brazilian beauty until we let them know she's from India. We guys are protective about her. When she's with Hrithik, Uday and me, we didn't want any untoward incident.

'Needless to say, Bipasha is more than capable of looking after herself. She's a Bengal tigress. Not scared of anyone. Has a fierce temper and we're all very scared of her actually.

Abhishek is all praise for the styling.

'The stylist Anaida is the real hero of the film. The look of 'Dhoom' is its USP. I'm not dressed up like any cop in the city of Mumbai. So to that extent, it's not a realistic look.

' 'Dhoom' takes creative liberties. It's all about an attitude. Anaida has presented all the actors in a light never seen before.'

Some people feel Abhishek has been doing too many serious-toned films, and that 'Dhoom 2' is just the antidote.

But he disagrees. 'I started last year with 'Bunty Aur Babli', which was a fun film. Then I did 'Sarkar' and 'Bluffmaster'. This year I did 'Umrao Jaan' side by side with 'Dhoom 2'.

'You've to keep exciting yourself as an actor. I try to work in films I believe in. But I think I've managed a fair balance.'

After two remakes - 'Don' and 'Umrao Jaan' - and several sequels does Abhishek think there's room for another sequel?

'Remakes and sequels have always been there. Are we forgetting there was sequel to Mahesh Manjrekar's 'Vaastav' four years ago? Yes, there has been more than a normal share of sequels this year. And why not?

'Every director has the right to creative freedom. As for me, if tomorrow another 'Dhoom' film is made, I wouldn't miss it for the world.'

Final question. Who's the best in 'Dhoom 2'?

'According to me, the best performance is by Uday Chopra. As for Hrithik, who am I to comment? His talent and dedication is far superior to most people in the industry. He looks better than he ever did, if that's possible. In fact, every actor will shock the audience.'

© 2006 Indo-Asian News Service