The first family of Bollywood who are believed to be well over Rs 4,000 crores — Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — along with filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, in conversation with CNN-IBN's Bhupendra Chaubey about their forthcoming film Sarkar Raj.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Starting with Amit ji is Sarkar Raj in any way different from Sarkar?

Amitabh Bachchan: The story is about the same family in Sarkar, the story looks into the circumstances of the family. And explores another day in the lives of the Nagre family.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So in that sense, Abhishek, would it be correct to say that Sarkar Raj is a sequel exploring just another day in the lives of the Nagre family?

Abhishek Bachchan: Sarkar Raj is a sequel because it's an extension of a story based on a particular family. The sequel of Sarkar Raj does not pick up immediately where Sarkar left. The story starts from three to four years later from where Sarkar ended.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So would you say there is no correlation between the two movies as such?

Abhishek Bachchan: The film is about the same family, so you're going to see the same characters, the same house and certain fundamentals are going to be the same from Sarkar. But as Ramu puts it beautifully, it's the adventures of the Nagre family.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So Aishwarya, it's you're first movie with the two Bachchans after getting married.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Yes it is, so personally its always special when we get an opportunity to spend time together because everybody in the family is very busy and active. Even ma's a Member of Parliament, so everybody's constantly travelling. So whenever we get time to spend together it’s always precious and cherished. And after pack-up it was great that we got to spend quality time together during the making of the film.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So is it true that when you started shooting for Sarkar Raj, it was straight from you're honeymoon to the studios?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Shooting for Sarkar Raj started a couple of months after coming back, because when I came back I was immediately travelling to Karjat as I was still shooting for Jodhaa Akbar. But I think barely a month or so after I got back we started filming for Sarkar Raj.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So coming to the man who actually created this entire idea, what exactly is the message you're trying to send through Sarkar Raj or are you trying to send a message through the film, Ramu?

Ram Gopal Varma: No, I'm not trying to send any message through Sarkar Raj.

Abhishek Bachchan: Well, the message could be 'don't mess with the Nagres'.

Bhupendra Chaubey: I was intrigued to see some of the reviews that have been coming in the various sections of the media, one particular review said that Sarkar Raj is supposed to be an intense political drama being played out in the back drop of a clash between modern and traditional methods of development', so Ramu would you say you've borrowed quite liberally from real life instances?

Ram Gopal Varma: I wouldn't call it a political film, there is a sense of politics in it but the film is essentially about relationships. And when you make a realistic film, there is bound to be some reference point in existing characters and the existing issue. To that extent it's more of media's calculation about that. But I would call it a film on relationships more than anything else. And it's about power, but power is not necessarily in politics. If there is a certain issue and various people are connected to it having their own agendas and motives, there would be a power struggle. So it's more of a study on that rather than actually being on politics.

Bhupendra Chaubey: But it's a well known fact that even in Sarkar, we saw that the character portrayed by you Amit ji is based loosely around Bal Thackeray, is the same this time around too?

Amitabh Bachchan: No, I wouldn't agree with that, I don't think Ram Gopal Varma has ever had that idea. He was inspired by Godfather and in that respect there was a family where there was a figurehead, the head of the family was powerful.

Ram Gopal Varma: If I may answer that question, the point is that Balasaheb Thackeray could have been a reference in a cosmopolitan city like Mumbai, a man without having a political seat could exute so much of political influence. So if a man like Balasaheb Thackeray can exist then Subhash Nagre can exist, though the film has nothing to do with his party or him as a person, it's a completely fictional character.

Bhupendra Chaubey: What about you're character Aishwarya, you play this ambitious business woman, the CEO of a top company, many say that you're character is based on the CEO of Enron?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: I find it interesting that people have made their assumptions and reviews before even watching the movie but I would say that I take that positively because, it shows that people's minds are working and the their curiosity is channelising them to come up with all these possibilities. But the fact is that I play Anita Rajan, a girl who comes from a business house bringing in her power-plant project, introducing it to the Nagre family and hoping to set it up within the state. She is seeking their support and their help in realising her dream, this ambitious project of hers.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Amit ji, it's interesting that the release of this movie is happening at a time when there is intense controversy about you and your contribution towards Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray the politician from MNS is out to settle scores with you, he's been calling you names and what not. And now through this movie, the viewers would believe that at the end of the day you're also someone who has done a lot for Maharashtra.

Amitabh Bachchan: Yes, but there is a slight problem there as this film was shot last year so it's merely a coincidence. And in any case we're not trying to send any message at all. This is a fictional story and it just so happens that coincidentally the events have occurred which could be linked just the way you have tried to link it.

Ram Gopal Varma: And I would like to say, the movie was shot last year and Sarkar released three years back. And in Sarkar also, the film was due as much from Maharashtra, so I think it's just a fantasy.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So it's just the timing of this movie which may be making people say different things. But I want to ask you Abhishek, we've heard from Amit ji what he thinks about the controversies and allegations which have been levelled against him, but as a son were you upset when you heard that people were calling him names and that they were throwing bottles and taxi drivers were being beaten up, and Mumbai practically came to a stand still because of the feud that was taking place between Amit ji and Raj Thakeray?

Abhishek Bachchan: I think any son would react if somebody spoke against his father or if people were doing anything to hurt or disgrace his parents. But the fact of the matter is that you have to take you're steps very cautiously and legally. I think as law-abiding citizens of the country that is exactly what we did. Unfortunately I wasn't in Mumbai when these untoured incidents happened, I was on location outside Jaipur shooting for my film Diili 6.

Bhupendra Chaubey: But did you call him and find out what exactly was going on?

Abhishek Bachchan: I did not know about anything as where were stationed there was a bit of communication problem, so I got to know two or three days later. Dad called me up and told me that he had called the Police and cause that was he was meant and advised to do. And he did whatever he was asked to do and leave the rest to the law of the land. When the head of the family has made his decision about what he has done and what he wants the family to do you abide by that because you know that is the right thing to do. I think it's quite futile that after somebody has done something, for me to pick up arms and start throwing tantrums that 'how can you do this', as it makes no sense as Dad has already taken the corrective measure.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So, that's the son talking, but what about the daughter-in-law?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Well, through your or the media or the people's eyes, we do have an individual place because of the virtue of the work we do as actors. But we have absolute clarity that we are a family and that's the way we function.

Bhupendra Chaubey: But didn't it bother you in any way as a performer, as an artist. Did it upset you emotionally?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: As Abhishek very rightly just explained that as a family member one is obviously very concerned. We obviously didn't like the fact that our parent is being unnecessarily haled up or untoward things are being said or actions are being taken, it's disturbing. But at the same time we know how to conduct ourselves as a family, responsibly and to not let our individual emotions override any kind of reason. And we absolutely respect the father of the household taking the adequate measure.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Have you ever wondered Abhishek, why is it that over the last couple of years Mr Bachchan has emerged as the central piece of several controversies, do you ever think why are people targeting your family?

Abhishek Bachchan: It actually depends on how you look at it, if you look at it as targeting then that's what it becomes but I think we have a positive mind, just look at it that you're important enough to matter. To me my father is the centre of the universe and everything revolves around him. So it's only normal it comes as a part and parcel in the profession we work in, you have to accept it.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Ram Gopal Varma, how is it different, if it's different at all working with the entire Bachchan clan in comparison to the rest of the stars. Now that they are a family does that make you alter your approach in any way?

Ram Gopal Varma: No, not for me as a director. It could be the case for various people. For me as a director when I'm writing a script and I've got three individuals in mind, three highly accomplished actors over the years in whatever they've achieved. And on the set they're completely professional, doing exactly what the script or the role requires. So them being a family does not make any difference in my mind.

Bhupendra Chaubey: What kind of conversation takes place on the sets Aishwarya between the three of you particularly in this movie when the cameras are not rolling?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: It's a very intense film, and because of the genre of the film and the fact that Ramu's a very quick director one doesn't get so much down time you're chilling and taking it easy.

Bhupendra Chaubey: What do you refer to Amit ji as once the cameras are not rolling?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: I call him 'pa', but I think referring to each other has got nothing to do with what we're delivering on set .

Abhishek Bachchan: A very entertaining observation is that when an actor is doing a particular film or role, even off camera the actor starts behaving like that character may be not entirely but you do tend to take your work home as much as you try not to, so it was quite natural that after pack-up we'd all be sitting very quietly.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Please don't believe him.

Bhupendra Chaubey: But is it possible for all of you to sit in one room, not saying a word?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: No, not at all.

Ram Gopal Varma:The most amazing thing for me of Abhishek as an actor is he'll be cracking jokes before and after delivering extremely intense dialogues and what I can't understand as a director is how you can shift so easily after delivering an intense dialogue.

Bhupendra Chaubey: A few years back few people were saying that Abhishek Bachchyan was being given the long rope because of his father, he didn't know how to act or dance. And only because he was Amitabh Bachchan's son therefore he was being given several opportunities. Has that criticism now been finally laid to rest?

Abhishek Bachchan: No, but I don't look at it as a criticism, it's a fact I think I'd be a fool to try and argue on this.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So you do agree that you've got a lot of opportunities because you're Amitabh Bachchan's son?

Abhishek Bachchan: I did, I do and I continue to. And I will till the end of my career.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Would you say is there anything wrong in that?

Abhishek Bachchan: I don't think so, I'm very proud that I'm my father's son. The only thing I can hope for is that tomorrow when I do have a family of my own and if I have a son as well, hopefully he'll feel the same way if I'm able to pass on the opportunities that my father has passed on to me. I' not going to run away from the fact that I'm Amitabh Bachchan's son and Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan's grandson, I'm proud of it and I'm glad that people think that I've got a long rope because when they say that it's my father's victory because it goes to show that he's achieved so much that his audience is even willing to suffer his son.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Amit ji, how do you rate Abhishek today as an actor?

Amitabh Bachchan: I find him growing as an actor with every film, I've said this before that I find him a competent actor. He delivers what is given to him but I did find that in Guru he went much beyond my expectations.

Bhupendra Chaubey: What way did he perform in that you didn't expect him to?

Amitabh Bachchan: Well, first I looked at the role with a lot of envy because at his age to get a role that was so powerful and such a wonderful characterisation is simply great.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Did he get that role because of you, did you put in a word for him?

Amitabh Bachchan: No, in fact if I was to talk to Mani Ratnam I would talk about myself not about him (jokes). But the fact is that it was a very complex role and for someone to get that role at the start of his career and doing justice to it was very well appreciated.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Rs 4,500 crore is net worth of the entire Bachchan clan. Is that a correct figure in the first place?

Amitabh Bachchan: Who gave you this figure?

Bhupendra Chaubey: I keep reading about it Mr Bachchan including on your blog.

Amitabh Bachchan: I haven't written this on my blog.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So maybe you should go back to your blog and correct the impression which one of your readers seems to be creating.

Amitabh Bachchan: It's not been done by any of my readers. It's been done by someone from your clan. Take responsibility for it. I don't see how anyone could have arrived at this figure.

Bhupendra Chaubey: But are we going to see more and more movies, more and more projects, ads, campaigns combining the might of the Bachchan family?

Amitabh Bachchan: You know I hate this power, might and this first family thing. We are just ordinary human beings. We just happen to be in the same family and we are actors. In the profession that we are in, yes we get some opportunities to do concerts; advertisements and we get the opportunity to become a brand — which is something more recent. What's wrong with that?

Bhupendra Chaubey: There was a time through the 80s and the 90s that many thought it was the Kapoor family which used to rule Bollywood and it's correct to say that the Bachchans rule Bollywood now.

Amitabh Bachchan: We are part of the Kapoors now also, because my daughter is married to them.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Abhishek what are going to see now in the future? There is a world tour on the anvil I believe.

Abhishek Bachchan: Yes, Sarkar Raj releases on June 6, after which the next family engagement that we have is a world tour in July and august, where we will tour Canada, North America and the UK.

Bhupendra Chaubey: And your mother is also going to be a part of that?

Abhishek Bachchan: Yes, she will be coming along as well.

Bhupendra Chaubey: That means that she won't be going to Parliament and all other important political meetings. She will be missing out on them.

Amitabh Bachchan: I don't think there's Parliament during that time. When does it start?

Bhupendra Chaubey: Well actually it starts in the monsoon.

Amitabh Bachchan: Well okay, then yes we have to do some canvassing.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Aishwarya I wanted to ask you that question. Everyone knows about Amit ji and that he is a great actor, but not too much is known about the political life of your mother-in-law. She has become a very active politician now. You talk politics with her?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: It's not about talking shop at home really. We are a regular family. We do have conversations but it's not about trying to sit and source things out or trying to weed things out of each other or talking shop for the sake of it. We are a regular family with regular conversations. But I absolutely admire the way she (Jaya Bachchan) has constantly conducted herself whether it's been her choices in movies or anything else. She still acts if there is an offer from a filmmaker she wants to work with. And she follows her heart and she is a very straight person and she is somebody who says it as it is without mincing words and I think that is remarkable.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Has the failure of Ram Gopal Varma Ke Sholay been completely forgotten by you?

Ram Gopal Varma: Forgotten by me maybe but not necessarily by the viewers.

Bhupendra Chaubey: So do you think Sarkar Raj is going to provide the healing touch?

Ram Gopal Varma: See that's not for me to say. I as a director would put in the same effort and whatever capability I have in every film of mine. But what I work towards and where I put my capabilities, if that decision turns out to be wrong, then everything goes wrong.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Amitabh Bachchan, did you ever ask Ram Gopal Varma what went wrong with the remake of Sholay?

Ram Gopal Varma: He doesn't need to ask, he knows it.

Amitabh Bachchan: I think it's a wrong question to ask because we would've never gotten into it if there wasn't a common agreement between us. Whatever we discussed before going on to the sets is of course off-camera.

Ram Gopal Varma: I think it was based on Amit ji's trust on me as a director and my vision of it. He's done a fantastic job of what I have provided him with. But the failure of Ram Gopal varma Ki Aag completely belongs to me. I've already apologised for making him part of it, though its got nothing to do with his performance but only to waste his efforts.

Abhishek Bachchan: I just feel that a bit too much has been made about this and a film working or not working is not in our hands.

We can only do the best we can and I really do believe that they did put their best efforts and they worked on something they believed in that point of time. Now the belief might have been wrong at the end of the day but I really do feel that people have gone on and on and on, I mean Ram Gopal Varma is not the only director who makes unsuccessful films. Leave him alone, he's a great director, he's one of the most talented directors we have. Don't dishearten someone so much that one starts losing confidence in oneself, which can be suicidal for a creative person.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: We might not reflect that or show that but as creative people we're very sensitive and we recognise that and that's why we feel that really a lot has been made about this. So many directors, actors, technicians, your channel and in fact you as a journalist I'm sure have a bad day or a wrong time, so it happens but that does not mean you pack-up or shut down, everybody continues.

Abhishek Bachchan: I feel the greatest Ramu has chosen a fantastic way of coping with Aag and giving an answer to everybody that they've accused him of making this so-called terrible film. I think he's gone on and made a truly fantastic film in Sarkar Raj.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: I mean his actors would love to work with him again and again.

Bhupendra Chaubey: Abhishek, I want to end the show by asking you a question I always wanted to ask you, how does it feel to be the son of the legend and the husband of the most beautiful woman?

Abhishek Bachchan: I've never thought about it because at home he's my father and she's my wife and we're a very normal family but now that you've asked me I can say that it feels wonderful and I feel blessed. And you should know to treat that with responsibility.