I would have to say Deepika: Shweta Bachchan on Big B's on-screen daughter

In Piku, Deepika Padukone plays Amitabh Bachchan’s on-screen daughter and seeing them together, it’s natural to be curious about the love and warmth he shares with his real -life daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda. While his son Abhishek has often spoken about his Pa, we haven’t heard much from the reclusive Shweta, who chooses to stay away from the limelight literally (she lives in Delhi). She agreed to talk about  her Pa in an interview. From her responses, it’s clear that she is reticent, almost guarded, and not-too-comfortable of the prying into her private world. In what little she lets on, she sounds every bit like the loving and proud daughter. The real life equation which Shweta shares with her dad is steeped in respect, warmth and a strong value system. The super talented father-daughter duo share their world canvas where there is a creative exchange of ideas and influences, banter laced with mutual love and respect. They speak everyday and he is the towering presence in her universe — be it her literary journey or every minute details about her kids which he wants to hear. Over to Shweta...

Your thoughts on the Piku trailer?

I’d like to see more of him in the trailer! Look forward to watching the film.

Which five words would you use to capture your dad’s essence?

You cannot capture his essence in words he is indescribable.  To me he is the length and breath of “my” entire universe.

How often do you talk and meet him now that you live in a different city?

Everyday. We are in touch everyday he texts me every morning without fail.

Who according to you is his best screen daughter?

Well, I would have to say Deepika. 

How was he while growing up? A fun dad or a disciplinarian?

When I was growing up he was working extremely hard. I started spending more time with him when I went to college. Mom was the disciplinarian.

Are you more close to him or mom? Who are you more likely to go to with a problem?

I am close to both, can go to either one with my problems.

In what ways are you like him?

We are both shy and to a certain extent introverts.

What feedback does he give you about the column? Does he critique them?

He is extremely biased and likes everything I write, whether it’s good or not.

What were his words to you when you were getting married and moving to Delhi?

That is my most precious and private moment, and I would like to keep it so.

How has your equation and rapport with him evolved over the years?

Absolutely, while growing up I didn’t see him much. As I grew older, he became a bigger part of my life. Today, I spend a lot of time talking to him, we talk about everything from his work, current affairs, music, from the mundane to the essential.

Any favourite holiday memory with dad?

He is at his best on holidays. We enjoy doing regular stuff going out for movies, lunches, shopping! Walking on the street uninterrupted.

What kind of a grandfather is he?

He is an indulgent grandfather.

How was it being a famous father’s daughter. Do you have people coming up to you to talk about him?

People come up all the time, and one never grows tired of hearing how he has touched their lives.

Any phrase he uses all the time while talking to you...

He is a man of few words.

Any piece of advice he gives you all the time...

Ahhh, where to do I start so many things....

What is it that one parenting tool that you learned from him that you have applied to your kids?

To learn from you children. He is always asking and learning he wants to know what the kids are listening to today, what kind of games they play, books they read, clothes they wear...  

As his daughter what do you feel when you see him playing father to actresses?

To be very honest, we see it him doing his job. We are used to sharing him with the world. 

He reads your columns before they go to print. Do you see his films before the release?

No, I see his films when they come out, in the hall with the rest of the world.