“There is nothing to settle with Ramu” – Abhishek Bachchan

There is a sigh of relief for Abhishek Bachchan. His Dum Maaro Dum may not have set the box office on fire but it certainly has fetched one of the better responses, both commercially as well as critically, when compared to his last few films like Game, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se and Raavan. Now that there is an element of resurrection coming in, Abhishek can be found in a joyous mood while shooting for Players in Russia. In an exclusive conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Abhishek talks about his state of mind after the release of Dum Maaro Dum as well as his immediate plans. Not just that as he also comments on his perceived relationship issues with Ram Gopal Varma, whose Department he is not doing anymore.

Abhishek, I know the world has to say different things about Dum Maaro Dum but I guess you must be quite delighted with the way your performance has come for some mighty appreciation. Is that something which was anyways expected for you or is there now a sense of 'Come on, bring it on'?

I am overjoyed with the reactions to the film.

When I look at your films over the years, I guess this is four years after Guru (2007) that there has been such all around positive feedback, right?

(Says animatedly) Really? I thought the reactions to Paa, Sarkar Raj and Dostana were also very good.

Of course there is always the risk of someone getting typecast but tell me honestly Abhishek, would you now actually want more 'ACP Kamath' kind of characters coming your way?

Sure, why not? But unfortunately ACP Kamath will have to take a seat; ACP Jai Dixit (Dhoom 3) is next in line (smiles)!

Coming to the box office reception for the film, though Dum Maaro Dum took one of the best opening response for your films when compared to your last few outings, personally are you content or even you have that tiny thorn in your heart since you were expecting more?

I am very happy with the opening of the film. There is a substantial jump from the opening of my last two films so I am very relieved and happy. We all always expect the best; so do I. But as of this moment I have no complaints with the performance of Dum Maaro Dum. Quite the contrary!

I guess you must be pretty much looking forward to moving on though. After all in the snow of Russia, you must be having some great time with the team made of Players.

The shoot for Players is going very well. Abbas-Mustan are wonderful directors and a dream to work with. Also the unit and actors are great fun.

I guess next couple of years could well be the most hectic of all for you, isn't it? After all you immediately start shooting for Ladies & Gentleman with Aishwarya this Summer.

I enjoy doing a lot of work, always have. I love making films and hope that never changes.

Around the same time, I guess you begin work on Bol Bachchan as well, right?

Yes.

There have been speculations around Bol Bachchan being a remake of old Golmaal (Amol Palekar, Utpal Dutt) with you playing the central protagonist. Is that true?

I am not at liberty to talk about the film as of now. I think you should ask the producers.

And what happens to Dostana 2? Speculations just seem to be never ending!

This question will be best answered by Tarun Mansukhani, the writer and director of Dostana 2. He is still in the process of writing the film. As soon as he is done, I am sure we will start. I look forward to it.

On a different note Abhishek, it is a known fact that you are not doing Department anymore. However a complete silence from you led to further speculations building up around not just the film but also your relationship with Ramu. You want to settle it on records once for and all?

Ramu is a very talented director. He's very close to me and is someone I have nothing but respect and affection for. Also, there is nothing to settle! And if at all I have to settle something between Ramu and me, I will do it with him. I don't see why I have to do it publicly or on this gracious platform that you have provided me with.