If we were in Abhishek’s shoes, we would be eternally grateful to Mani Ratnam. It was this genius film-maker who tapped the hidden potential of the actor, when almost every one else had given up on him after about 12 duds. Yuva might have not really worked at the box office, but it gave a new lease to Bachchan, who shone as the rustic Lallan in the film, and was well appreciated.
Yuva, a political thriller even though starred Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Esha Deol, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherji, it was Abhishek who stood out. And obviously Abhishek had a lot to learn from the man. "Mani is a very keen observer of life and people. He's always watching even when the camera isn't on. That's scary. If Lallan is effective it's because of the way Mani wrote the character. He encouraged me to play Lallan the way you see the character. I got Yuva at a time when I really needed it. It boosted my confidence as an actor. I've evolved with Mani," Abhishek had admitted at that point of time. Yuva made critics and other film-makers sit up and notice Abhishek.
It was Mani Ratnam’s next with Abhishek, Guru , that further emphasised on the magic that the director-actor duo shared. Guru, said to be loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani, had Abhishek playing the title role brilliantly well. “I am very very proud of Guru. I am very proud that I got the opportunity to work with Mani Sir again,” said Abhishek. If sources are to be believed, the forthcoming film, Raavan lives up to the magic that this duo has created.
As a director and as a friend Mani has created a special place in Abhishek’s life. “Once you work with him, you will be in awe of him because of the talent he brings to the table. The minute he says cut, he turns into a dear friend. I really feel a strong bond with him. But in front of the camera, you don’t have to work to give him the respect - it just comes… He is truly just the best,” said Abhishek.
Lucky Abhishek. Not everyone is fortunate enough to get a superstar father and a genius of a mentor.
With inputs from news agencies
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