Abhishek is an established actor, but he’s still papa’s boy

Abhishek Bachchan is clearly in that stage of metamorphosis — from Sameer in ‘Dostana’ which releases today, to his character in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’ — where a look in the mirror doesn’t leave one flattered.But he’s got his attitude in place, and that’s probably what matters.

He’s dressed in a floral pink and white shirt but sports a short crop and kohl-lined eyes these days. Abhishek Bachchan is clearly in that stage of metamorphosis — from Sameer in ‘Dostana’, to his character in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’ — where a look in the mirror doesn’t leave one flattered. But he’s got his attitude in place, and that’s probably what matters.

Confident about ‘Dostana’, which releases today, he clarifies that neither is the film anywhere close to the 1984 namesake nor is the gay plot between him and John Abraham the mainstay in the story. ‘Such subplots naturally get more attention, making our jobs even more difficult,’ he sighs.

The film is a comic caper about two friends pretending to be gay while apartment-hunting in Miami. But things go haywire when both fall in love with Neha (Priyanka Chopra).

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‘’Dostana’ is the funniest film I’ve ever seen,’ claims Bachchan. ‘We had a preview and my family loved it’ What adds to it, he says, is the fun he had during the shoot. The 32-year-old laughs as he recollects shooting the ballroom dance sequence with Abraham. ‘Every time there were such sequences, we’d go over the top with jokes.’ But Bachchan gives his co-star credit for making him dance since he’s a trained ballroom dancer. The two have shared camaraderie since ‘Dhoom’ days. ‘John even taught me how to workout,’ smiles the actor, referring to his new lean look that he now sports at 84 kilos.

As opposed to Bachchan’s otherwise simple dressing, stylist Aki Narula has experimented with his look in ‘Dostana’. ‘I just loved sporting the cargos, loose jeans, summer scarves, pastels and prints that Aki had me wear for the film—they just added to the Miami mood,’ he says.

The film, though directed by debutant Tarun Mansukhani, clearly bears that Karan Johar touch (Mansukhani has assisted Johar since Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, he even played a cameo in the film). But Bachchan is quick to point out that the sense of humour is distinctly Mansukhani’s: ‘Tarun’s worked with Karan for over 10 years but the small twists and the edge in the script totally belongs to Tarun. And that’s where he stands out.’

He may sport a grim public image but what can ensure a smile on his face is the mere mention of his dad, Amitabh Bachchan. ‘He’s doing fine now. Yes, his illness was a trying time for the entire family but he’s not just a strong guy, he’s Superman.’

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Bachchan’s come into his own as an actor over the last couple of years but he is yet to learn to accept criticism gracefully, it seems. The actor went into a tizzy when informed by the media relations that the press was unhappy with his interviews. “Did I give you a boring interview?” he asks. When we say yes, he turns boisterous, jumping on to the sofa in the lobby like a two-year-old.

Let’s not even get into what couch-stomping did to Tom Cruise.