'Playing Paa to Big B is difficult' : Abhishek Bachchan

While he campaigns for ' Walk when you talk' in Kolkata, Abhishek Bachchan tells Sreya Basu about his ' Sirjee' avatar, Aishwarya and of course, Amitabh Bachchan

You have played ' Sirjee' in about five commercials for Idea cellular, the latest being campaigning for ' Walk when you talk' . So, how has been the experience?

Absolutely fabulous…in all the IDEA ads, it' s not just about selling a product, but spreading a message as well…in one ad we worked on communal harmony, in another we talked about the need for spreading education to the grassroots. Now with ' walk and talk' , it' s the health issue we are targeting at. So, it feels nice that you are the brand ambassador of a product that is not just concerned about making money, but has a humanitarian side too.

But in the ' Walk and talk' ad, it is shown that people are talking on the mobile even while crossing the road, and the statutory warning shown below is too small to be noticed by public…

Actually the font size was kept optimum to the point we were allowed. There is also a scene in the ad where it is shown that a lady parks her car, get out of it, and then talks over the phone, while walking. Anyway, since you say so, next time we will keep the warning font larger and will give the credit to you (smiles).

Despite being a brand ambassador for Idea for quite a few years now, this is the first time that you are present at a GSM launch and that too in Kolkata. Why' s that?

See, Kolkata is my second home and I always love coming back here. All my family members get unconditional love and support every time they come to Kolkata. And of course, the food here is one of my weaknesses. So, when Idea decided to launch its GSM service in Kolkata and rest of West Bengal, I said: ' I have to go there and launch the service myself' .

When did you last renew your contract with Idea?

What contract! They are family…there' s no contract.

Let' s talk about your other ad…the LUX soap one with Aishwarya…How' s the response? People love to see you two together.

Yeah.

So, how' s it like shooting for a soap ad with your wife?

Aishwarya' s relation with the LUX people is quite an old one and when they wanted us to come together for the product, we couldn' t say ' No' . Besides, the story of the campaign is cool…they didn' t want us to play Abhishek-Aishwarya, but a normal couple-which we are!

Are you aware that you are the second man to shoot for LUX, the first one being Shah Rukh Khan?

Yes. We are the privileged ones (smiles).

You are playing father to Amitabh Bachchan in Paa…

And let me tell you, playing Paa to Amitabh Bachchan is very difficult. I mean, look at him! He is a living legend…he plays role of a 12-year-old with as much ease as he plays his age on-screen. I doubt if any other actor has ever portrayed such diversified role as he has done and is still doing! Before the camera rolled, we were like buddies…at times, I bossing over him jokingly. But once the camera rolled, he completely took over. He is the boss, from every angle, any day, anytime.

--IBNS