Abhishek Bachchan: The Prince Charming of Bollywood

Shivangi Singh

If you were a dyslexic child, carrying loads of expectations not only from close ones but also from the entire world, how would you feel? How would you react to the constant comparison being made between you and your super successful father? Traumatic, right! But Abhishek Bachchan faced it all admirably and yet, managed to carve a niche for himself in Bollywood. When a lean and bearded Abhishek Bachchan appeared on the Silver Screen for the first time in ‘Refugee’, everyone turned speculative. Would he succeed like his parents, the extraordinary Amitabh Bachchan and the hugely talented Jaya Bachchan or turn out to be a failure like several other star sons? Most of the critics had started on a negative note for him. They were quick to point out the numerous flaws in his acting. Some felt he had his father’s built minus the magnetism. Some said he had his mother’s beautiful eyes but they were expressionless. He was considered a weak successor of a highly talented family. Perhaps the following beautiful lines penned by his legendary grandfather Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan were in his mind, as he coped up with a series of flops and disappointments. “Lehron se dar kar nauka paar nahin hoti, koshish karne walon ki haar nahin hoti.” (If you are afraid of the waves, your boat will not touch the shore. Those who try are never defeated). He tried and finally turned from an unsure and hesitant youth into a very desirable Prince Charming. After 14 flops and four years of career, Abhishek created ‘Dhoom’ on Bollywood. This Yash Chopra film ended his much touted jinx. He was appreciated in ‘Yuva’ and then came ‘Sarkar’, in which he was lauded for his intense acting, followed by a hi-spirited superhit comedy ‘Bunty Aur Babli’. Nobody had any clue at that time that the trio: Amitabh, Aishwarya and Abhishek, dancing to the tunes of ‘Kajra Re’ in the comedy are destined to be a family. Although his film "Umrao Jaan" failed to do well at the box office, it became a boon for his personal life as he started courting the extraordinarily beautiful Aishwarya Rai in the course of the film. Earlier he was engaged to actress Karisma Kapoor. The couple had announced their engagement on Amitabh Bachchan`s 60th birthday celebration in 2002. But the engagement was called off in early 2003, which deeply affected Abhishek. But now, his life was taking a fairy tale turn. This Prince Charming of Bollywood was courting a Beauty Queen. Added to it, success came in the form of ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’, ‘Dhoom 2’ and ‘Guru’. In a dream wedding, Abhishek married Aishwarya on April 20, 2007 according to traditional Hindu rites of the South Indian Bunt community, to which his wife belongs. The wedding took place in a private ceremony at the Bachchan residence Prateeksha in Juhu, Mumbai. Though the wedding was a private affair intended for the Bachchan and Rai family and friends, the frenzied involvement of the media turned it into a national celebration. After about eight years in the tinsel town and a mixed bag of performances, Abhishek Bachchan, who turns 33 this year, says his acting style is more like his mother Jaya's rather than of his iconic father Amitabh Bachchan. Although the actor suffered a setback at the box—office with 'Drona' last year, hopes for a turnaround with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's ambitious film about Delhi - Dilli 6. The fairy tale story of Junior Bachchan, as he is fondly called by the media, is still going on. He is endorsing many leading brands like Idea, Ford Motors, LG Appliances and Motorola in India. He has several big releases lined up for this year. Now, critics laud him as one of the finest star in the making… The charming Jr B Abhishek Bachchan is one of the most loved stars of Bollywood. Not only commoners but celebrities also swear by his endearing ways and perfect manners. Here are some of the beautiful things which the celebrities have to say about Jr Bachchan. Amitabh Bachchan It’s not easy to be subjected to humiliation and ridicule and still have the temerity to fight back. But he did it on his own. Jaya Bachchan Abhishek is a fabulous son, but like every other child, there have been a few exasperating moments. Abhishek has a lot of both his parents but yes, people who are close, know him to be loving and friendly like me. But he certainly has his father`s dry sense of humour. I think it`s quite a combination. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan I am enjoying every aspect of being married. I would love to spend every minute of the day with Abhishek. Rani Mukherji The thing about me and Abhishek is that we are such close pals that our chemistry works on the big screen. That’s why after Bunty Aur Babli, Karan Johar has signed us both in a film together. Esha Deol Abhishek is a lovely lovely boy. Ajay Devgan I don’t hang out with a lot of people. I hardly party. But if I confide, there are very few people... there’s Abhishek, Sanju, Suniel Shetty. We might speak to one another once a week or so, but we know we are there for each other. Hrithik Roshan I love the fact that I face healthy competition from actors like Abhishek Bachchan because it forces me to do well. I believe in doing my best - to fit into different roles and bring out the human side of every character. Preity Zinta He is one of the most cultured and funniest persons I have met. He’s delightful to work with! Priyanka Chopra Abhishek is a fantastic actor. He knows exactly what to do and how the film will turn out. When he was acting I realised how intelligent he is as an actor. Ram Gopal Varma I knew there was an incredible dignity and the hero in him. When I finally worked with him, the novelty struck me. I think Abhishek is a very, very different actor from his father. He is extremely perceptive. His understanding of life is more contemporary than mine or Mr Bachchan`s. Anupam Kher He`s a thorough professional. He has a combination of both his parents` talent, but he knows that in order to prove himself, he will always have to work very hard! Kirron Kher Abhishek is very warm and affectionate. He always participates in a conversation and is very talkative with the people he knows. TRIVIA Name: Abhishek Bachchan Parents: Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan Sister: Shweta Nanda (married to Nikhil Nanda) Wife: Aishwarya Rai (engaged: Jan 14, 2007; married: Apr 20, 2007) Grand Father: Lt Harivanshrai Bachchan Birthday: 5th February, 1976 Hair: Black Schooling: He began at Bombay Scottish School; continued at Jamnabhai in Mumbai, Modern School, Delhi and finished studying at Aiglon School in Switzerland College: Boston University Favourite Perfume: Eternity Favourite Food: Anything Indian Favourite Holiday Spot: Home Philosophy of Life: Whatever you do, do it from the heart Languages Known: English, Hindi, French Dream Role: Agnipath Height: 6`3``