Abhishek Bachchan recently shared a memorable and somewhat intimidating experience from his first day shooting the political crime thriller Sarkar alongside his father, Amitabh Bachchan. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Abhishek recalled how he was petrified acting opposite the legendary actor, which led to a tense moment between father and son.
The film, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, was released in 2005 and featured Amitabh in a powerful role, with Abhishek playing a significant part alongside him. The movie, often compared to The Godfather, is the first in a trilogy and has earned international acclaim, including a premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival.
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The Scolding That Shook Abhishek
Abhishek recounted how, during the first day of shooting in September 2004, he was so nervous that he struggled to deliver a simple line. “Ramu [Ram Gopal Varma] said that we’ll do some test shoots, and then I could go away and shoot Bunty Aur Babli,” Abhishek said. He described how, when Amitabh called him by the character name “Shankar” and he had to respond with “Ji?”, he was literally shaking with nerves.
After the shoot, Abhishek thought his father would leave first, but instead, Amitabh knocked on his vanity van door and asked him to come along for the ride home. The car ride was filled with silence until Amitabh finally turned to him and said, “Isiliye maine itne saal mehnat karke tumhe padhaya likhaya? Dialogue bolna aata nahi hai tumhe (Is this why I worked so hard and spent so much on your education? You can’t even say a line properly).” Abhishek described feeling as if he had “murdered someone” under his father’s gaze, saying, “He just destroyed me.”
Sarkar: A Landmark Film
Sarkar marked a significant milestone in both Amitabh and Abhishek’s careers. The film’s strong cast included Kay Kay Menon, Katrina Kaif, Tanishaa, Supriya Pathak, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and Anupam Kher. It portrayed a gripping story of power and politics and was followed by two sequels: Sarkar Raj (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017).
The film’s success extended beyond India, earning recognition on international platforms and eventually being preserved in the American Academy of Motion Pictures library, highlighting its cultural and cinematic importance.
Abhishek’s Growth as an Actor
Reflecting on the experience, Abhishek’s story reveals both the pressures and privileges of working alongside a legendary parent. Despite the initial harshness, the experience helped shape his craft and confidence. Over the years, Abhishek has carved his own path in Bollywood, earning praise for his performances and continuing to work with some of the industry’s biggest names.
As Abhishek continues to build his career, he remains open about the challenges he faced early on, including moments like the Sarkar shoot. His candidness offers fans a glimpse into the realities behind the glamour of Bollywood and the dedication required to succeed.
Meanwhile, Sarkar remains a beloved classic, remembered for its intense performances, gripping narrative, and the unique dynamic between Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan on screen.