Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Abhishek Bachchan: When He Shared Screen With His Father, Amitabh Bachchan

While Amitabh Bachchan had to wait over a decade to act alongside his idol, Dilip Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan shared the screen with his idol, Amitabh Bachchan, within just five years of his debut.

"Any actor will tell you that it is a dream of theirs to act with The Amitabh Bachchan." - Abhishek Bachchan.

Abhishek Bachchan is finally - especially after 'I Want To Talk' - getting the appreciation he has always deserved. It's just that we were so busy comparing him with his father, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, that we overlooked his own capabilities. We never realized that although he comes from his father's school of acting, he stands apart from his father's shadow. This becomes even more evident when he shares the screen with his father - not for a second will you feel that he is trying to mimic Big B. And in those moments, the two are not father and son or teacher and disciple; they are simply co-actors who perfectly complement each other.

Having said that, the two Bachchans have shared the screen multiple times - and each time, it's been a treat for us. Today, as Jr. Bachchan turns 49, let's revisit some of those films in this article.

Bunty Aur Babli

'Bunty Aur Babli', released in 2005, was the first time Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan came together on the screen. Here, Jr. Bachchan and Rani Mukerji appear as the titular (Bunty and Babli) con-artist partners-in-crime, while Sr. Bachchan plays a no-nonsense police officer determined to catch them. Thanks to the dynamic between the father and son in their real life, there's added thrill throughout the cat-and-mouse chase.

(Credit: Amitabh Bachchan)

Abhishek's cheeky presence and Amitabh's unmatched demeanor - the combination hits the bull's eye effortlessly here.

Sarkar

If there's an adaptation of 'The Godfather' in India, obviously Amitabh Bachchan would play the lead role (originally played by Marlon Brando) because he is THE GODFATHER. But director Ram Gopal Varma's brilliance here is that he cast Abhishek for the son's role. And that, without an iota of doubt, elevates the film's appeal to a whole new level.

Both Amitabh (as the political heavyweight) and Abhishek (as the loyal and fierce son) give their best in 'Sarkar'. Every time they come together in a frame; it sets fire to the screen. One iconic scene is where Abhishek's character steps into his father's shoes after the latter is attacked - it's as if stating that the son will now carry his father's legacy forward.

The two reprised their roles in the following installments in the series as well: 'Sarkar Raj' in 2008 and 'Sarkar 3' in 2017.

Paa

The USP of R. Balki's 2009 comedy-drama, 'Paa', is that here both the Bachchans reverse their roles. Abhishek plays the father, while Amitabh appears as his 12-year-old son who suffers from progeria. And that's so interesting - Sr. Bachchan transforms into a child emotionally but looks older due to his (the character’s) health condition. And on the other hand, Jr. Bachchan delivers one of his finest performances as an emotionally vulnerable man who must look strong outside.

Both are incredibly convincing in their roles, which proves just how brilliant both are as actors. And the father-son chemistry in the film works beautifully, making us laugh, cry, and everything in between.

(Credit: Amitabh Bachchan)

Besides these films, the list also includes 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' and 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom'.