Abhishek Bachchan hits out at those who've criticised dad Amitabh Bachchan for going overboard in praising his Guru performance...

You turned a year older yesterday. Is this birthday more special because you're getting married soon?

A birthday is a birthday. I was working through it. That's what I like to do on my birthdays. I like to spend it with my family if I can.

When is your marriage with Aishwarya Rai going to happen?

Nothing is decided yet. I've left it to our parents to decide. We're ready any time they are.

Is it not happening in February?

No.

You are currently shooting for Drona in Bikaner...

It's a special-effects film. Interesting, because it's a new genre. The film will have lots of special effects. And my mom plays my mom in the film, though she has a very brief role.

We shot together and it was great fun. Director Goldie Behl is family. His sister Shrishti, Goldie and I have grown up together.

How does your dad's vocal appreciation of Guru make you feel?

If I may be allowed to sound a little pompous, let me say I didn't care what the rest of the world would say. His reaction would be more than enough for me.

Did his reaction embarrass me? No, not at all. Praise is what we live for. My father's opinion means the world to me. He isn't only a father but also someone whom I consider to be the best actor in the world. To be honest I don't care what the film's fate would've been. His positive reaction to my work is enough. What more could I ask for? As an actor I crave to make my parents happy.

Thank God I got the opportunity in Guru. As a son I firmly believe I wouldn't want to come in the way of a father's praise. I'm not a father. So I don't know what that emotion is.

One day I hope to be a father. Then I'll know the same pride that my father does. As a father he's allowed to express his appreciation for his son, isn't he? And I love him even more for it.

Many feel he's over-doing the praise for you...

I think they're being very mean. Yes, he's Mr Amitabh Bachchan. But first and foremost he's a father. People who grudge him a father's pride are not nice. Please don't take that moment away from him. You have the right to express your comments on him as an actor. Please leave him alone when he's playing a father.

A lot of people are disappointed by your performance in Dhoom 2?

I'm very proud of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it. As for my subdued performance, as you called it, I had to go by the way the character was established in the first Dhoom. I was just carrying forward my character.

Are you satisfied with life?

I don't think an actor can ever be fully satisfied. I'm very excited about the work that I'm doing.

Looking forward to your role as a householder?

That sounds so scary. It's a new dawn, a new day, new challenge....I'm looking forward to it. God has been very kind.