The UK played host to Abhishek Bachchan at The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), which recognized the star’s cinematic achievements. In a career spanning over forty films, the critically and commercially successful actor recently took his first steps into film production with the award winning Paa in 2009. The London venue also saw Amitabh Bachchan make an unexpected appearance in support of his son, inducing near hysteria in the audience. Also in attendance were Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai who had flown in on Friday morning from Mumbai. The interview marked the launch of Tongues on Fire 12th London Asian Film Festival, running from 5 – 14 March. BollySpice was there and we have got the inside scoop!
Dressed in a black Nehru jacket, Abhishek cut a striking figure on stage throughout the ninety minute session. On the rising popularity of Bollywood in the West, and its overseas box office success, the actor says, “Indian films are being exhibited now better than before.” The star also discussed the differences between Bollywood and Hollywood, “The recent interest in Indian cinema is for what it is and not what it could become. In 3 hours you experience everything, even if we do it in rather garish costumes, we do it with great fanfare.” Clips from some of Abhishek’s biggest hits including Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Guru and Dostana were shown, and a montage of the actor on celluloid screened to the beat of ‘Rock n Roll Soniye’.
The actor relayed his initial struggles in the film industry, after his first seventeen films flopped at the box office, “I went to my father and said I’ve made a mistake. I’ve worked with directors who have only seen success and I’ve introduced them to failure.” Abhishek believes the best advice given by his screen legend father Amitabh Bachchan is, “Don’t sleep as much. Get up early and get out there”. “That’s what wakes me up in the morning,” states Abhishek. The BAFTA interview brought a touch of Bollywood magic to London – with a dash of comedy, a hint of tragedy, and in Abhishek Bachchan, a larger than life hero.
