Abhishek refuses to play younger Big B
Author: Tushar Joshi

Turns down offer to play a young Bachchan in Shoojit Sircar’s next


Abhishek Bachchan got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the role of a young Amitabh Bachchan in Shoojit Sircar’s untitled film but he turned it down.

He was obviously approached because his frame and features are very similar to that of the senior Bachchan. But AB’s baby had a few reservations.

Not too excited

The script demands that Amitabh play a character that ages through the years. Says a source, “Mr Bachchan plays the role of a 40-year-old guy in the first half and later, the plot takes a 20-year leap and he’s seen as a man in his sixties.

Abhishek was approached for the role of the guy in his forties. The script was narrated to him but he wasn’t too excited.”

No pressure, please

Explaining why Abhishek turned down the role, the source adds, “He loved the script and the character. But he didn’t have too many scenes in the film.

Most of the film revolves around Mr Bachchan’s older character. Also he felt that if he had to do a film with his dad, the role had to be substantial. He didn’t want to carry the pressure of playing the same role as his dad for a role that didn’t have a lot of substance.”

It is believed that Kunal Kapoor was offered the same role after Abhishek, but he refused it as well. With both Abhishek and Kunal refusing to play the younger role, it’s left to the senior Bachchan to do the role himself.