Saathiya 20th Anniversary: Abhishek Bachchan’s loss, was Vivek Oberoi’s gain – Times of India

Just how many classic films has Abhishek Bachchan turned down so far? Speaking about them, Abhishek had said in a previous interaction in his characteristic self-deprecating manner, “Maybe they are classics because I am not in them.”

There are two acclaimed films of this millennium that Abhishek said no to: Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan and Shaad Ali’s Saathiya. Both Ashutosh and Shaad took their offers repeatedly to Abhishek, before approaching other actors.

Saathiya came to Abhishek via Shaad Ali’s mentor Mani Ratnam who was really keen that Abhishek do the remake of Ratnam’s Alai Payuthe. But at that point of time, Abhishek was not keen on doing remakes. He still isn’t.

Vivek Oberoi who was at that point of time the rising sun of Bollywood grabbed the offer and made the best of it. As for Abhishek, he happily accepted Shaad Ali’s sophomore project Bunty Aur Babli where he got to work with his future wife Aishwarya and his father Amitabh Bachchan.

Those who were present on the set of Kajra Re in Film City when they shot with Aishwarya and father-son Bachchans. Little did anyone know that history was being created. Amitji had asked a select few from the media what they thought of the song. When some told him it’s a little dry.

“Dry?” Mr B raised his eyebrow. “You mark my words. Kajra re will be one of the biggest chartbusters in my career and in the careers of Abhishek and Aishwarya.” Need we say, he was right.