Abhishek Bachchan’s kicked about his action innings this year

If there’s one thing that actor Abhishek Bachchan’s missed the most in the past two years, then it’s doing some hardcore masala action flicks. But the star’s all set to make up for it this year with as many as five action thrillers including the forthcoming Dum Maaro Dum, Game, Players and later Dhoom 3 under his belt in which one will see him at his dare-devil best.

And though the Bollywood star says that it’s hard to compare genres and point out a fave amongst them, Bachchan does admit that action is definitely a genre that he enjoys doing. “I loved doing the films that I did and they are all very special for me, but yes at the same time, it’s interesting to do films that are out and out action thrillers. It’s good to have that balance between films that you do as an actor and films that you sometimes do as a ‘hero’,” says Bachchan, adding, “But the attraction ultimately lies in the story. That’s the real pull and genre is only incidental.”

However there’s no denying that shooting for these action thrillers is what sets his adrenaline pumping. “Right from my school days, I’ve always been very athletic. I love adventure sports and there’s certainly a great thrill involved in pulling off these action sequences,” says the actor, who’s recently performed a rather risky car-stunt in Players. “My earlier films pushed the envelope intellectually, with these films I’m pushing it physically!” It’s hard not to miss the muscled-bod, biceps et al, showing already. Point it out and Bachchan, who’s been working out diligently, laughs, “I’ve always had them, but I just kept them well-hidden.” On a serious note he adds, “I’ve always been fit, but yes after Guru, I’m now getting back into a super-fit mode, because again, it’s my role that requires it.”

But on screen is not only where action’s happening in Bachchan’s life at the moment. Off it too it’s been pretty ‘action-oriented’ especially on the red carpet for the Oscars which he recently attended with wife Aishwarya Rai. Sharing the row with Hollywood film-maker Steven Spielberg was exciting too. “Oh yes, it was definitely a cherished moment. It was a great honour too, especially getting to meet Steven Spielberg,” he adds. So any Hollywood films expected soon? “Well, there’ve always been scripts,” reveals Bachchan. “But then again the attraction is not Hollywood but a good story. So, when everything will fall into place, Hollywood will happen too.” Keeping fingers crossed? “For good work, always!” he smiles.