Junior Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, made a place in the cluttered Indian film industry with his debut movie ‘Refugee’ back in 2000. While he has proved his mettle, the fact that he’s the son of Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan sometimes gets to him.
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In a recent interview, the ‘Bunty Aur Babli’ actor spoke about his struggles, shared his two cents on nepotism, and admitted that he looks up to his father, Big B, learning a thing or two each time.
“When I reached the premiere of my first film ‘Refugee’, it was at the Liberty Theater in South Mumbai. The entire film industry had been invited to the premiere. I remember walking through the main gate and I remember Yash Chopra was standing there. I took his blessings. He hugged me and he said something to me in my ears, which I will never forget. He said ‘Your father brought you till here. Remember that, respect it. From here you have to walk on your own feet because if tonight the film isn’t good, by tomorrow morning they’ll know and nobody will go see the film. That is, whether you like it or not, is the truth,” The Indian Express quoted him saying.
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Every year, scores of newcomers, with dreams and aspirations, land in Mahanagri, Mumbai, trying to become the next big hero. While a lot of emotion is invested here, Junior Bachchan feels that it’s strictly business here.
“It is a business, man. I speak from personal experience. I have been at the end when I didn’t get a job when I was replaced in countless films. I was getting calls from certain makers and six months later, when my films haven’t done well not only do they not pick up phone calls, they don’t call back. It is important to understand that it is not personal. If you are worth it, they will call you,” he said.
Given his filmy background, the 45-year-old actor is often asked about his views on nepotism that has somewhat plagued the industry.
“The industry has been painted as an industry which only works with its own. There’s this very apparent divide between insiders and outsiders. I understand where it comes from and it’s true to a certain extent. We tend to forget that the majority of successful people are not from the industry. We’re all outsiders that have come in and have achieved.”
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Acknowledging the privileges and lineage that Maha Nayak Amitabh Bachchan has given him, the ‘Dhoom’ actor said, “That lineage was given to me by a man who left a well-paying job in Kolkata, came to Mumbai, slept on the bench of Marine Drive for nights, entered a film contest, lost, went to All India Radio, got voice rejected, struggled and made his way.”
“He’s paid his dues and he continues to at the age of almost 80. Works 16-18 hours a day. It is not easy, man. You’ve got to stay humble. It is your work that counts.”
He goes on to say that his father made him realize that no position is complacent and hard work is the only stairway to the top. He recalls, “Since my father’s fatal accident in 1982 on the sets of ‘Coolie’, every Sunday there’s a crowd of people that come to meet him outside the house. He religiously does everything in his power to be there at 6 in the evening on Sunday to go meet the crowd.”
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He adds, “There had been times, after I became an actor that, he took me and I call it my Simba moment (referring to The Lion King film). I go there and very reluctantly wave because obviously nobody’s there going to wave at me when Mr. Bachchan is standing behind you.”
“They are there for him. One day, we came back in and I said ‘How does it feel?’ The next day, at dinner, he replied – ‘The only thought that’s going through my head is – Do you think they’ll come next Sunday?’, and that hit me. I was like wow, man. This teaches you that even in this position you cannot be complacent. You cannot take it for granted. He’s the Amitabh Bachchan. There is not a bigger star and better actor than him in the world.”
“His attitude is like I got to work hard because these guys have to come back. Inspiration at home,” he concluded.
“You cannot take it for granted.” Well said!