Abhishek Bachchan is one of those actors who has always come off as a sincere artiste. All of Junior Bachchan’s performances might not have hit the mark, but they have certainly managed to make some impact, and this is a lot more than one can say about many artists working today.
What has overshadowed his acting and the effort he puts into them is the lineage he comes from. Because if you are a superstar’s son, you will always be measured against them, and Amitabh Bachchan’s superstardom. And effect are such that only a handful of personalities working in the film industry can claim to have that same kind of connection with the audience.
Being Junior Bachchan has its shares of pros and cons, pretty much like anything in the world. However, Abhishek has always been graceful about the comparisons and fans’ expectations off and on the camera. But that is a topic for another article, here, we will quickly look at some of AB’s most memorable, charismatic performances.
Abhishek Bachchan Movie Phir Milenge (2004)
In the same year, Abhishek was seen in a starkly different role, that of a lawyer fighting for a client with AIDS (played wonderfully by Shilpa Shetty). Helmed by Revathi, Phir Milenge also saw Salman Khan in an extended cameo. Now I am aware that this is a mostly forgotten film unless someone brings up its songs into a discussion, but Phir Milenge (inspired by Hollywood’s Philadelphia) was ahead of its time. It was a subtle, nuanced and heartbreaking movie about love and equality. Abhishek as Shilpa’s lawyer friend was credible — funny, earnest, and all the things you needed him to be.
Yuva (2004)
In Mani Ratnam’s ambitious, messy but watchable Yuva, Abhishek dons the swagger of Lallan Singh. A small-time goon who wants to rule the country, or at least his city. Abhishek wore Lallan’s confidence with a charming ease.
Lallan was someone who was passionate and dreamed big dreams but had no clue how he could achieve them. This unique blend of unease and worthiness was something that the actor possessed very easily.
Despite being a multi-starrer, Abhishek managed to find his own place in the sun, a commendable achievement for someone. Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, Rani Mukerji, Vivek Oberoi, and Kareena Kapoor also featured.
Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
In his next, the year after, Abhishek Bachchan sparkled as conman Bunty, who was lovable, street-smart and emotional. The actor had an electric chemistry with co-star Rani Mukerji.
The songs were fantastic, and so were the antics the duo got up to in the Shaad Ali directorial. And of course, a special mention for Junior B’s performance in Gulzar’s iconic “Kajra Re,” the actor had all my attention despite the stunning Aishwarya and the incomparable Amitabh swaying to the music.