Himalayan News Service

Mumbai:

I think people have very fertile imaginations. I have loads of friends, of both sexes. And I enjoy spending time with them. I’m just enjoying my life. I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong,” Abhishek said in an interview. He also refused to be compared with his father Amitabh Bachchan, saying the latter was a “phenomenon” that happens once in a lifetime. Excerpts:

The rugged look of ‘Run’ is impressive.

In the midst of several multi-hero films like ‘Yuva’ and ‘Dhoom’, it’s a solo-hero film and the responsibility is therefore multiplied. People seem to think ‘Run’ is an out-and-out action film. I disagree. ‘Zameen’ was an action film. ‘Run’ is a romantic-action film. I think the audience likes to see me in action films. But to be honest, I don’t think audiences want to see heroes being typecast. If they like a film they like the actor.

‘Run’ is a remake of a very successful Tamil film. Think it’ll work in Hindi?

It’s about a small-town boy who falls in love with a city girl, wins her and takes on the family. But the USP is the confrontations with the girl’s brother played by Mahesh Manjrekar. In most of our films the hero takes it upon himself as a challenge to win over the girl’s family.In ‘Run’, I really couldn’t care less. I play an aggressive character. I like that.

Are you an aggressive person in real life?

I think aggression is a very strong emotion. It should be used sparingly and sensibly. But I identified with my character’s single-minded determination.

Are you still single (after the break-up with Karisma Kapoor)?

What a strange question! I’ve been very busy working round the clock. I’ve been running from set to set. Whenever I get free time I go out with my parents, or friends. Life is wonderful and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

But you’re linked with Amisha Patel, Esha Deol etc?

It’s extremely flattering and embarrassing to be linked with different girls all the time. It’s flattering to be considered wonderful and desirable. It’s a good feeling that women want you...in whatever way! However, it’s embarrassing because it’s not true. You know there’s a very funny quote from Zsa Zsa Gabor where she says we actors spend half our lives trying to be famous ...and then we hide behind sunglasses. It’s wonderful to be noticed.

You’re doing a guest appearance in Manjrekar’s ‘Rakht’?

I don’t do guest appearances. I’m either a part of a film or not. And I am part of ‘Rakht’, period. Like I’m part of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Yuva’. ‘Run’ is a bigger responsibility for me. Because I have to carry the film on my own shoulders. But an ensemble cast like ‘Yuva’ and ‘Dhoom’ is so much fun.

What about Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Naach’?

Who am I to talk about Varma? His work speaks for itself. We’re been trying to work together for a very long time. I’m very excited to work with him. He encourages actors to become a part of the creative process. He’d give me the scene and ask my opinion on it. I like that.

Now you’re going to be sharing screen space with your dad for Varma’s remake of ‘The Godfather’?

I’m not entirely sure I’d be doing the film. I’ve never said I’m doing ‘Sarkaar’. I said I’d do anything Varma offers me. So far he has only discussed ‘Sarkaar’ on an informal level. But the prospect of being part of ‘Sarkaar’ with my dad is very exciting. But I wouldn’t like to compare my dad to Marlon Brando or any other international actor. Nor for that matter do I want to be compared with Al Pacino in ‘The Godfather’. Incidentally dad and I start shooting together in July for our home production, Rajkumar Santoshi’s ‘Ranveer’.

You’re also working with a woman director for the first time!

Yes! Revathi’s ‘Phir Milenge’ finished in one schedule. It was so refreshing working with her. Apart from being a great actor, she’s a wonderful director. I had a great deal of fun making this film. It’s a film very close to my heart. As a woman Revathi thinks of things that no man would. That added to the scenes. Revathi mothered all the other artistes. I was really pampered by her. I’d say, ‘I’m tired’ and she would mollycoddle me...and then send me right back to do my shot. Now I want to work with more women directors. I’ve been very lucky with my directors. They’re all my friends.

Abhishek Bachchan says he is too busy with work, and not having an affair with any of the actresses he has been linked to.