Just like his father, Abhishek Bachchan too is politically correct. Ask him anything and the reply comes crisp and edited. He does not evade any questions (including ones about Aishwarya Rai), but the answers are always rehearsed and matter-of-fact.

At a media promotion over the weekend for his soon-to-be-released film Guru, Abhishek has a surprise visitor in his sister Shweta. She pops in to say hello while mum Jaya and her kids Navya Naveli and Agastya wait in a shiny Mercedes outside. The doting uncle steps out to give his nephew and niece a friendly box, only to make them squeal in delight.

Dressed in jeans and a white shirt, with several stone pendants around his neck and rings — and yes, that hairband — Bachchan junior informs that Jaya and Shweta stopped by on their way to the hospital to visit his ailing grandmother, Teji.

“She’s okay, but at her age she needs hospital care. We visit the hospital everyday,” he says, moving on to talk about his latest film with Mani Ratnam.

How difficult was it journeying from a villager to a visionary?

Guru is one of those films that I know I will never get again. Mani sir sets such high standards for himself as a director that the rest of us have to work harder to achieve his vision. Ultimately, he gets what he demands.

As I grew older in the film, I was asked to put on weight. It was tough because we didn’t shoot the film in the same sequence as it unfolds, so I also had to shed that weight within days. For instance, I had to put on 11 kgs within two weeks for the older look.

So I was constantly gorging on ice creams and pizzas and checking the scales. The week after that, I had to shed all the weight just as quickly!

Is the film is inspired by Dhirubhai Ambani’s life?

Most filmmakers seek inspiration from real-life characters. There could be a reference point. I am sure Mani sir also had a reference point, but ultimately the character is his interpretation.

The film is about a villager who wants to be the biggest entrepreneur in the world. We’ve shot it in Istanbul (Turkey) and all over India. Though Bombay is the setting, we barely shot here as we had to recreate Bombay of the yesteryears on a set in Chennai.

Aishwarya Rai is your co-star in Guru and there is tremendous buzz about your relationship with her.

I don’t see any reason why an actor should talk about his personal life. Fans don’t want to know about my personal life.

I have yet to meet a fan who wants to know what colour pyjamas I wear, what I eat or who I date. Fans only want to know what film you are doing and the role you are playing in it.

You’ve been wearing several stones around your neck and in rings…

That’s because my mother gave it to me and wants me to wear it. What do these stones signify?I have never asked her. It’s something that makes her happy. Whatever makes my parents happy, I do it, no questions asked.

Why the hairband?

I have grown my hair as my role in Shaad Ali’s Jhoom Barabar Jhoom demands it. My stylist gave it to me to keep my hair in place; otherwise it will fall all over my face!

How many do you have?

Only one! I am not making a fashion statement; it’s only an accessory to keep hair off my face.

What’s next after Guru?

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, followed by Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar 2. I have also recently finished shooting a portion of Goldie Behl’s Drona.

Your last film Dhoom:2 had everyone raving about Hrithik Roshan.

All I can say is Dhoom:2 was a great film and I was working with friends. Plus, there was so much for me to learn.

Would you do television?

Yes, if it excites me. I am an actor and my job is to entertain. TV is another medium of entertainment.

Would you watch or be part of Shah Rukh Khan’s KBC3?

Why not? It’s my favourite programme. I used to watch KBC all the time.

What’s happening about the proposed world tour along with your father?

We are still in negotiations for it.