E-Paper
Cover-up
Come January, Abhishek Bachchan will conduct Aaram Classes on National Bingo Night on Colors, once a week.
His father, Amitabh Bachchan, made history as a host on
Kaun Banega Crorepati
. Jr AB will soon be following into Daddy-O’s footsteps. Come January, Abhishek Bachchan will conduct
Aaram Classes
on National Bingo Night on Colors, once a week.
Excerpts of our conversation: What are these
Aaram Classes
that you’ve been promoting on Colors? They are promos of National Bingo Night, my debut as a TV host. The concept of the show revolves around learning how to chill! Hence, Aaram Classes!
What drew you to it?
It’s a one-of-its-kind show that packs in fun, celebration, guests and a game together. You can aaram se enjoy all of it at one go. And the audience will not be the mute spectator type. Viewers, both in and out of the studio, will also participate in it, ‘live’. It’s for the first time on a show that everyone watching it in and out of the studio, and the contestant, will together play the game. How could I not be a part of something so cool?
What were your mum (Jaya Bachchan), dad and wife’s (Aishwarya) reactions? Did your paa give you a piece of advice?
They were all supportive and excited. Dad advised me not to relax too much and fall asleep while the show is on. Things could get a little embarrassing. (Smiles) Jokes apart, he mentioned that TV is more difficult than films and especially if you’re hosting a reality show. Thinking on your feet is an ability that one must have.
Movies revolving around the underworld are often accused of glorifying crime. With your show, aren’t you encouraging laziness?
Ah, not at all. I don’t think anyone will get such ideas when they tune in. The USP of Bingo is… An extremely interactive format and also the fact that the audience at home is as much a participant as the one sitting in the studio or playing the game at that moment with me.
How would you compare TV to films?
They’re poles apart dude! Films make me run from pillar to post, dance at all hours, and crush bozos like I’m crushing ice. While shooting for Bingo promos, I had a chance to sleep on comfortable beds.
Wasn’t money an allure?
Nope. Whether the show appeals to your viewers and you and if you can make an impact are things that matter.
How much has TV changed since your dad’s debut as a host on
Kaun Banega Crorepati
?
It has changed. But it still works on attracting and retaining viewers’ attention.
KBC’s
success in its first two seasons is attributed to the way your father encouraged contestants. What would be your trump card?
I haven’t thought about that. Let’s see.
I’m sure you were offered more shows in the past? Of course and they were of all types, from game shows and reality show to daily soaps. I was even offered news shows. Can you believe that?
I believe a lot of your friends and colleagues from the industry would be seen on the show’s special episodes. Anyone you’d want to see in particular?
Right now, I’m only interested in how would I be on the show. I’m nervous. So, I haven’t had the time to chalk out my wishlist of guests yet.
Compared to the senior division of actors who’ve turned TV hosts, your career is still in its infancy. Isn’t it crazy, juggling your show and films?
No way! We’re well planned and organised. So my TV commitment hasn’t eaten into my film schedules.
Would you commit for a second season of
Bingo
?
It’s too early to think about that. Let’s see how the first one goes!
Did you expect
Paa
to become a hit?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t have produced it otherwise.
According to your father, you decided to produce it within a strict budget and time frame. Was it too tricky and risky?
What risk? I believed in the script and more importantly in Balki. And the schedules went as planned.
Considering that ABCL had gone through rough weather, what boosted your confidence to make it work this time?
Exactly that. Confidence in the director and the script. According to your dad, you feel that producers spend a lot on making a movie, and sell it at a much higher price, thereby reducing chances of good recovery.
What’s your business secret?
I don’t know anything special about production. After budgeting, I felt that it should be sold at that ratio too. I wanted everyone associated with this film to make profit.
What’s next at AB Corp?
Nothing’s decided.
Paa
is still in cinemas. So, we’re focusing on that now.
Raavan
seems to have been delayed, given Mani Ratnam’s illness?
My next release is
Raavan
and it’s not delayed. We’re on schedule.
Ashutosh Gowariker is known to be a tough taskmaster. Did Aishwarya prepare you for working with him on
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey
?
I’ve known Ashu from before I became an actor. He’s a dear friend. He’s not a tough task master, quite the opposite actually. He’s great fun to work with.
Apparently, Aishwarya opted out of Abhinay Deo’s
Crooked
because it’s reported that you’re planning a family.
I didn’t know that I have to clarify things about my personal life. However, since you’ve asked, no, that’s not true.
When would we hear someone addressing you as
Paa
for real?
I’m already being called Paa. Lately, after the release of the film, my audiences have started calling me
Paa
.
