Abhishek Bachchan turns 35 today. Does it feel any different from 34? He says, “Well, for starters, I’m a year older and wiser too, I hope. That apart, nothing much changes.” And how different is Abhishek in the 30s from his 20s? Has marriage to the “most beautiful girl in the world” (Aishwarya Rai) changed him? “No,” he muses. “I’m pretty much the same guy. I just have a stubble now which I didn’t in my 20s.”
Aishwarya flew down to New Zealand, where Abhishek is filming Players, to spring a birthday surprise on him. Abhishek’s reaction: “I love surprises. I love giving them even more and I’ve done that quite a few times on other people’s birthdays. This time my wife sprang one. I also love presents though I’ve never been good at asking for them or even knowing what I’d like. I’m happy with whatever I get.”Is there a favourite spot in New Zealand where the couple will celebrate? "Yup, in front of the camera and that’s where I’ll be today. I like to
shoot on my birthday," he says. He’ll be shooting quite a bit this year. After a National Award last year for Paa, producer Abhishek admits that AB Corp is going on the floors with a few regional films, a film with Amitabh Bachchan, one with him and one with both the Bachchans. "We’ve almost locked the script and you should see paa and me back on screen together soon," he promises.
A film with all four Bachchans is not on the cards now but Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan is. How does it feel to have a film titled after him? “Once you see the film, you will understand why that is the title,” he says, adding that he’s looking forward to collaborating with Golmaal series’ director, and actor Ajay Devgn. “Rohit’s first film was with me and this script is hilarious. Ajay’s sense of timing is impeccable. After all the films we’ve done, it’ll be fun doing a comedy with him.”
{{/usCountry}}A film with all four Bachchans is not on the cards now but Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan is. How does it feel to have a film titled after him? “Once you see the film, you will understand why that is the title,” he says, adding that he’s looking forward to collaborating with Golmaal series’ director, and actor Ajay Devgn. “Rohit’s first film was with me and this script is hilarious. Ajay’s sense of timing is impeccable. After all the films we’ve done, it’ll be fun doing a comedy with him.”
{{/usCountry}}Besides, Abhishek has been missing from the award nights even though Aishwarya has been felicitated for her Guzaarish act. He blames it on a packed schedule and wishes he’d been there to applaud his wife and colleagues. “Guzaarish is a beautiful film and Aishwarya brings a huge amount of dignity to her characters, she was outstanding in Raavan too. The scene before ‘Udi….’ and the song itself are my favourite moments from it. Even Hrithik (Roshan) was brilliant. It’s sad that his performance is not being awarded. Next year, I’ll be around and let’s hope they’ll be clapping for me,” he says.