Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan recently took to his blog to express both pride and affection for his son, Abhishek Bachchan, following the release of the film I Want To Talk. Amid swirling rumors about Abhishek's marriage to actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh's heartfelt words not only celebrated his son's professional achievements but also offered insight and commentary on the nature of public perception.
Abhishek's performance as Arjun Sen, the lead character who confronts life-altering challenges, has been receiving acclaim, but it was Amitabh's candid reflections on both the film and the media's portrayal of his son—highlighted on November 22, the film's release date—that really caught attention.
Amitabh opened his blog post with poetic musings, noting how some films are merely enjoyable, but others invite viewers to genuinely engage with their stories. “Some films invite you to be entertained. Some films invite you to BE the film. I WANT TO TALK just does this. It picks you up gently from your seat and places you inside the screen it is being projected upon,” he wrote. The elder Bachchan's eloquent words painted a vivid picture of how the film draws audiences deeply, immersing them fully within its narrative.
While he admired Abhishek's portrayal, he shifted gears to address the rumors surrounding his son's personal life. “Let them say what they say… but this is what I say,” Amitabh quoted his father, the esteemed poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. This utterance, laden with familial wisdom, served to reaffirm the importance of subjective truths and individual needs. “The good did think of me to be good; the bad did think of me as bad; their recognition of me was colored by their own desires,” he reflected.
Continuing on this philosophical note, Amitabh suggested the judgments made about one another often reveal more about the judge than the judged. “Your need for the good and the bad was calculated; for this is how much you valued my recognition,” he stated, emphasizing the subjective nature of human perceptions and interactions.
I Want To Talk, directed by Shoojit Sircar, tells the moving story of Arjun Sen, who, after being diagnosed with terminal illness, grapples with his relationships, particularly with his daughter. The film has been noted for its thought-provoking exploration of life's fragility and the emotional connections we cherish. Abhishek's performance has been heralded as one of the best of his career, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.
Among those praising the film, other notable figures like filmmaker Imtiaz Ali have called it Abhishek's best performance yet, complementing Amitabh's earlier accolades. Ali described the film as “emotionally charging” and lauded its ability to resonate with audiences.
Despite mixed reviews about I Want To Talk's box office performance, with the film showing signs of slowing earnings after its initial release, the attention surrounding it has led to engaging discussions about life, death, and the relationships we hold dear. These conversations continue to deepen, spurred by both the film's impact and the personal stakes involved for the Bachchan family.
Amitabh Bachchan's affectionate tribute to his son and commentary on public perception serves as both reassurance and celebration for Abhishek. It highlights the complexity of familial bonds, the struggles of public figures, and the emotional weight carried by life’s narratives—both on-screen and off. This family dialogue echoes beyond the confines of their celebrity status, connecting to anyone who navigates the murky waters of both personal and public lives.
By addressing the rumors head-on with philosophical insights, Amitabh Bachchan not only defended his son but also invited reflection on how narrative, both personal and cinematic, shapes lives, perceptions, and relationships.
