Abhishek Bachchan on 25 years of Refugee: ‘Kareena Kapoor and I were locked into projector room because audience got to know we're visiting the theatre'

Indian Express

7 hours ago

2025 is memorable for Abhishek Bachchan as he completes multiple professional milestones this year. June 30 will signify 25 years of Abhishek Bachchan as his debut film, JP Dutta's Refugee, released on that date back in 2000. The romantic drama also served as the launch vehicle for Kareena Kapoor. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Abhishek discusses the week in which Refugee premiered, how he's changed over the last 25 years, and what he missed about working on a film set in the early 2000s.
Do you remember what you were up to on this day exactly 25 years ago, when Refugee was on the verge of release?
I have vivid memories! I was filming in Manali for Shararat (2002). It was a huge set with 15 actors, so I couldn't come down to Mumbai before June 29, a day before Refugee released. Those days, promotions weren't as extensive, although I must admit Bebo (Kareena Kapoor, co-star) and I were the first ones to start the city tour. We also had an audio launch earlier, after which I went for the outdoor shoot.
JP sahab showed the film to the families for the first time on 29th. Obviously, I couldn't sleep that night because there were a lot of nerves and excitement. It rained on the day of the premiere. Everybody panicked because the premiere was at Liberty Cinema (in South Mumbai), but I said it's auspicious because rain on a big day like this is considered God's blessing.
We drove in about three-four cars because there were so many of my family and close friends. I drove to Liberty with my chachaji (Ajitabh Bachchan) and friend Sikandar (Kher, actor). All the mandirs that came on the way from my home in Juhu to Liberty, I just stopped by for a quick blessing. Before reaching, JP sahab called me and said he hadn't reached, but asked me to take care of the premiere. I panicked because it was my first time. When I reached, it was so wonderful because the entire film industry had shown up. That relaxed me because being someone who's born in the film industry, they're all your extended family. They were all there with big smiles. The walk from the Liberty gate to the stairs felt like a gauntlet. The first person I met was Mr. Yash Chopra, who gave me a big hug and great advice.
After the premiere, there was a dinner and party. That became a long night. I drove back home with Sikandar at seven in the morning. We stopped by at Marine Drive and sat there just to take in the moment that the film was going to release. Unfortunately, I had to go back to Manali the next day so I couldn't enjoy much of it. But when I was getting ready, I got a call that the flight has been cancelled due to bad weather, so I had two more days in Mumbai. I got excited and called up Bebo. She said, 'Let's go to the theatres.' So we went to Gaiety Galaxy and Chandan Cinema, which unfortunately is not there anymore. It was terribly exciting! We had to be locked in the projector room because the audience got to know we were there. I still get gooseflesh talking about it.
Thanks for painting such a clear picture of that whole week. In the 25 years since, what's changed within you?
I think my features have remained constant. I'd like to believe everything else has changed. Because it's very important for an actor to, if not film on film, but year on year, to improve, learn something new, and do it a bit differently. That's been my quest, to a certain extent. I hope I've managed to evolve as an artiste. The audience, the tastes and the movies also change, so should the actor. I've attempted to do that, but it's up to the audience to decide whether they accept that or not.
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And is there something that's changed within the film industry?
It's a very different industry from when we first started. It's far more mechanical in the sense that it's very professional. Twenty-five years ago, it was more about relationships and doing films because someone had asked you to. 'Chal jayega' was the way. Today, it's a lot more regimented and organized. But there's a great charm to how it happened in the old days. I miss that quite a bit, especially whilst making a film. There was a family atmosphere. Now, the AD (Assistant Director) is on to you: Lunch break finished, get back in. That's also great because it makes us efficient and cost-conscious. But I feel somewhere, we've traded the fun family-ness of that time.