Abhishek Bachchan: Star-kid of the Century

Being a Bollywood Star – not an Actor – is not something everyone can do.

Besides acting, lip-syncing and elaborate dancing, a Bollywood Star has got to be able to satisfy a whole lot of expectations. Movies are a religion in our country, and to be called a Star then would imply that you are something like a God to a lot of people.

No wonder, there are not many Stars in the movie business. Our country produces the highest number of movies in the world—but very few movie stars in comparison.

And such is our religious mindset and the loyalty that we have towards our Stars that the concept of Star-kids really thrives here. Yes, sure, being a son/daughter of a Bollywood Star has its perks. You are born with a silver spoon, groomed by the industry’s best, and handed a launch-pad movie at the start of your career.

But that’s about it. After the release of that first movie, Star-kids are on their own. It’s up to them and the aura that they possess in the eyes of the many, many faithful fans of Bollywood to decide their fate.

Abhishek Bachchan, first-of-all, is a Star-kid. That’s the truth. Though, he has been acting for over 15 years, what we really associate with him the most is that he’s the son of You-Know-Who.  

During his career, he has done a lot of good movies and a lot of bad ones. And because of that he’s loved and hated and everything else in the middle. But what he’s not is ignored. During his unpredictable journey, against all odds, he has done what many thought he wouldn’t be able to do: he has made a name for himself—even though he shares it with his legendary father.

That’s why, according to us, he’s the star-kid of the century. Here’s his unique journey:

The launch-pad vehicle: Refugee (2000)

Abhishek Bachchan was given one of the best possible starts opposite yet another Star-kid Kareena Kapoor. In J.P. Dutta’s Refugee, he plays the unnamed agent called “Refugee” who helps people cross borders. The film was a moderate success and put junior Bachchan on the map straight-away.

Flop after flop after flop. (2000 to 2004)

Okay, let’s play a game. How many of the below-listed movies do you remember? (Hint: All of them bombed.)

Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa. Dhai Akshar Prem Ke. Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai. Haan Maine Pyaar Bhi Kiya. Om Jai Jagdish. Shararat. Desh. Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost. Kuch Na Kaho. Zameen. Run. Phir Milenge. Rakht. Naach.

Dhoom, and proving everyone wrong. (2004-2007)

After sustaining one of the longest streaks of failure in Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan finally got the sweet taste of success with Dhoom. The action-thriller had Abhishek playing an angry cop who sets his mind on a gang of bike-robbers led by John Abraham.

But that was only the tip of the ice-berg.

Abhishek Bachchan, for three consecutive years, won the Filmfare Award for the Best Supporting Actor for Yuva, Sarkar and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. He also delivered blockbuster hits Bunty Aur Babli and Dhoom 2.

The Boss Moment: Guru (2007)

Abhishek Bachchan was sensational in Mani Ratnam’s Guru, delivering the best performance of his career so far. He was so impressive that even Amitabh Bachchan was surprised with how good he was.

Another miserable streak. (2010-2012)

Aafter giving hits like Dostana and Paa, Abhishek Bachchan fell into an old trap. He suddenly stopped giving hits. In the space of two years, five of his films were failures at box-office. The list includes: Raavan, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, Game, Dum Maaro Dum and Players.

Doing the unthinkable and reinventing as comedy actor. (2012-present)

When it felt like that his career was in trouble, Abhishek Bachchan did the unexpected by starring in comedy films. Bol Bachchan, Happy New Year and the recent release Housefull 3 all have become huge successes. Nobody thought that the day would come that Abhishek Bachchan would regularly be playing a comedic role. But somehow he has made it work and that has prevented his fall.

 Kudos!