As Abhishek Bachchan turns a year wiser, we explore how sports became his ultimate playground- both on and off the field.
Happy Birthday, Abhishek Bachchan! The man who needs no introduction in Bollywood (hello, Guru and Dhoom!) is blowing out his candles today, but let’s skip the usual film trivia. Instead, let’s talk about his other love affair: sports.
You see, for aren’t just games. They’re a passion project, a business venture, and even a life philosophy. From owning kabaddi teams to cheering like a fanboy at football matches, he’s redefining what it means to be a sports enthusiast. So, let’s dive into why sports are the real MVP of his life.
Let’s rewind to the ’70s. A young Amitabh Bachchan was scoring goals on the football field for Delhi’s St. Columba’s School. Cut to today, and his son Abhishek is keeping that legacy alive, albeit with a twist.
Abhishek didn’t just inherit his dad’s acting chops. He got the sports bug too. Growing up, cricket matches at home were as common as Bollywood gossip. But here’s the kicker: Abhishek didn’t stop at being a fan. He turned his childhood passion into a full-blown career sideline.
Did you know, in interviews, Abhishek often credits sports for teaching him teamwork and discipline, skills he later used in film shoots? “On a set, you’re only as good as your crew. It’s like a cricket team,” he once said.
In 2014, Abhishek did something wild. He bought a team in the Pro Kabaddi League: a sport many urban Indians had barely heard of. Critics scratched their heads. Fans wondered, “Why kabaddi?!”
Turns out, Abhishek saw what others didn’t. Kabaddi wasn’t just a rural sport; it was a goldmine of untapped potential. His team, Jaipur Pink Panthers, didn’t just play, they dominated, winning the league’s first season. Suddenly, everyone was talking about kabaddi.
Chennaiyin FC wins ISL 2018
If kabaddi wasn’t enough, Abhishek doubled down by co-owning Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). Forget VIP boxes, you’ll spot him in the stands, wearing the team jersey and screaming his lungs out.
But this isn’t just about fandom. Abhishek’s invested in building a football culture in India. From grassroots training programs to viral social media banter (his Twitter duels with Ranbir Kapoor’s Mumbai City FC are legendary), he’s all in.
In 2020, when Chennaiyin FC made it to the ISL finals, Abhishek tweeted: “Proud of our boys! Win or lose, we’ll still have the best fans.” Although they lost, the man’s still grinning.
Here’s where Abhishek's love for sports gets even cooler. Through the ‘Abhishek Bachchan Foundation’, he’s funding sports education for underprivileged kids. Think scholarships for young athletes, kabaddi clinics in villages, and football gear donations.
In a 2021 interview, he said, “Talent isn’t limited to cities. If a kid in Jharkhand can become a Mary Kom, why not a Neeraj Chopra?” His goal? To make sports accessible, not elitist.
Life in the spotlight isn’t easy. Abhishek’s been open about facing criticism, box-office flops, and the pressure of being a “Bachchan.” So, how does he cope?
Abhishek’s daughter, Aradhya, is already a mini-athlete. From kicking footballs to trying gymnastics, her dad’s her loudest cheerleader.
In a cute Instagram post, he wrote: “Proud of my little champion. She’s already better at dribbling than I am!”
For Abhishek Bachchan, sports aren't just a hobby, they’re a lifeline. They’ve shaped his career, fueled his philanthropy, and even helped him navigate fame’s rollercoaster. As he celebrates another year, one thing’s clear: Whether he’s on a film set or a kabaddi mat, he’s always playing to win.
