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Avinash Kalla

They have cult following across India, and this is the first time that they have come together on screen. Bunty Aur Babli has created never-before euphoria, thanks to the Bachchans.

With Bunty aur Babli, that was released on May 27, the long wait for film buffs to see the towering Bachchans together in a film is finally over. It was five years ago that Abhishek Bachchan, son of Amitabh Bachchan, made his film debut with Refugee. The excitement was palpable at Delhi's Satyam Cineplex (which was one of the two theatres where a blast took place a few days ago), where Bachchans' fans put security fears behind them to throng the cinema hall.

And the excitement is not limited to their fans alone. "Dad called me every fifth minute and said: `Don't worry the film is rocking. People are talking well about the film'," says Abhishek, unable to hide his excitement.

The Big B also makes a candid confession that of all his films, Bunty Aur Babli would be closest to his heart. "It is and will be the closet film to my heart. It's a different experience altogether to be with your son. It is a fun-filled film, though we don't play father and son in the movie, it's exciting nevertheless." The legendary actor also feels his son is the best actor around. "I think Abhishek is the best actor! And of course that's a father talking to you. Ultimately it is the audience that decides whether it likes someone's work or not," he smiles. However, during the screening, it's the senior Bachchan who garners maximum applause on his `entry' in the film.

This Yash Raj Films presentation looks all set to become a smash hit, much the way all other films from the stable have performed in the past year. This Shaad Ali film seems to have got it right... the father-son duo rocks in the song sequence where they share screen space with none other than the beautiful Aishwarya Rai.

The film is about a beedi smoking deputy commissioner of crime branch who is gunning for menace-makers Bunty (Abhishek) and Babli (Rani Mukherji) as they traverse across the country.

The film's USP is undoubtedly the presence of the Bachchans. Their mutual admiration is obvious when the son says, "Mr Bachchan is God."And from what the Bachchans say, the film's shooting was fun for them and the crew. "Awesome! We got more time to spend with each other on the sets," says the Big B. And the fun translates on screen. Abhishek admits that his father's presence was a great help. "Dad was dad all the time. On the sets I would behave like `Dad, help me with this, or that'. Bunty Aur Babli has given me a chance to share the screen with him."

The son, however, makes it clear that he wasn't intimidated by his father's presence nor the expectations the film created. "No way! When you have Mr Bachchan as your co-star, then there is nothing to fear."

Quiz him on being one of the most happening stars in Bollywood after a rather disastrous start, and he says (much like his father): "Sorry, I object to words like Bollywood... it's Indian film industry, please," adding, "I don't know about the most happening thing, but I follow what Dad says: `Do your best and then leave it to God.' I was working hard then and am working hard even now."

Amitabh of course thinks that his son has "handled his career very well, especially since it has been his independent effort."

The Big B has already had an illustrious career; so what more does he aspire for? "I am not even playing lead roles anymore; I am more of a character artiste. Yaar, aise sawaal puchkar aap mujhe darra dete ho (you scare me by asking such questions)."

But remind him that at 62 he has more projects than he had when he was 30, and that he is the biggest brand even today, and he says: "If the audiences are saying that I work as a brand, then they know better than me. I am only doing my job and will continue to do it. But my family members, especially Abhishek and Shweta, are most important to me and after that it is my work. They keep me going"

All's well so far, or so it seems. But Abhishek is nervous about how the audience would judge him. "After you watch the film, will you tell me how I have fared," he asks.

But there's not a trace of nervousness in the Big B. With Ram Gopal Verma's Sarkar due for release soon, another Bachchan bonanza is in store for the fans.

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