'Indian films are like food thalis'

Charity and Bollywood celebrities are an oft heard of combo. But what if an actor puts his most important film on hold to be part of a charitable event? Only Abhishek Bachchan, perhaps is one who would prioritise thus.

As the Captain of the All Stars Football Club (ASFC), the actor has put the schedule of Dhoom 3 on hold to play a charity football match against the Indian cricket team.

Present in the City to promote the match that will be played at JN Stadium on March 30, Metrolife got an opportunity to have a candid chat with Ab Junior where he shared his association with sports and films.

“Sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” says Abhishek. “In 1994 I was on a holiday with my school friends.  At that time FIFA World Cup was on. I remember my dad called me one day and asked me to come to Los Angeles. He gave me a surprise by booking two tickets for the final match between Italy and Brazil. It was an exhilarating experience because it was the first football match that I saw live with dad,” shares Abhishek, who despite being an ardent lover of football used to play basketball too in his school days.

“I played basketball till I was in school. I had a dream to play for our team in the inter-school championship. I worked really hard and qualified too but an evening before the match I broke my leg. I was so upset. Although I couldn’t play that match I sat in the pavilion with my teammates. Just as the match was about to start something caught my attention. I saw a man of 6’2” sitting with the kids. It was a very emotional moment because it was my dad along with the kids who was cheering for the team,” reminisces Abhishek.

You were so passionate about sports but you didn’t opt to be a sportsperson? “No, never. I love to play but I never thought about it from a career perspective. I was pretty much sure since my formative years that I had to be part of Bollywood.”
It’s been over 13 years now since Abhishek began his career with Refugee. How has been the experience for you? “It’s been a wonderful,” replies Abhishek enthusiastically.  “I love the process of filmmaking. I love to entertain my audiences and I want to do as many movies as I can to please people who love films,” he says.
 In that case, do you love being a star or would like to prove yourself as an actor? “You can become a star when you are a good actor. As an actor I have to work on improving my craft. It will obviously improve my performance. The better I become, the better will be my connections with the audience,” explains Abhishek.

Your forayed into Bollywood with a series of romantic films like Refugee, Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya, Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. Since they flopped, you tried to change your image with films like Zameen, LOC Kargil, Yuva, Naach, Sarkar and Bluff Master to name a few? Do you believe in doing unconventional roles?
“Commercial Indian films are like food thalis that serve everything from romance to action and thriller.  So, I don’t classify films when I sign them. I don’t have a fixed mindset that I have to do some unconventional role. I do films that appeal to me and challenge me to push myself,” he explains.

Does criticism matter? “It’s a part of an actor’s life . If you are appreciated for good performance then criticism definitely comes for a bad performance.”