When in Mumbai, Hugh Jackman turns into ‘Jackbhai’

Hugh Jackman, popular Hollywood actor and international superstar, was made to gyrate to Dhak dhak karne laga, on Friday. On the third day of FICCI Frames, Shah Rukh Khan sang the famous ditty, as Jackman and Khan turned their backs to the audience and shimmied. Earlier, an audio visual chronicling Jackman and Khan’s careers were shown to the audience. Jackman’s had shots of his stage performances, with Bappi Lahiri’s ‘I am a disco dancer’ playing in the background.

Somewhere in between, the two actors spoke about the industries they represent, possible collaborations and the impact of the studio system in both Bollywood and Hollywood. 

“Hollywood studios are incredibly intelligent. There is a belief that they may be intrusive to the creative process of making a film, but in my experience they have been very helpful in guiding me pick the right films and roles,” said the Australian actor. Jackman was responding to a statement by Karan Johar, moderator for the interaction, when Johar pointed out that in India, film families and individual producers yield more power than corporate houses, unlike in Hollywood where studios like Disney and Paramount call the shots.

Talking about the influence of Bollywood in his films, Jackman said that Baz Luhrmann, director of Australia, had included a scene in the film where Jackman had to romance Nicole Kidman in the rain, which Luhrmann later admitted was influenced by what he had witnessed in one of our desi love stories.

Shah Rukh Khan, on his part, admitted to being a huge fan of the actor, especially his turn as Wolverine in the X-Men movies.

“Though I’m not too confident of having the goods to make it in Hollywood, I’ll always be ready if you call on me to act in an X-Men film,” said Khan. In return, Jackman suggested the two star together in a “buddy cop” film.

Earlier, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan introduced Hugh Jackman to the audience, who was quick to point out that even though Aishwarya was beautiful, for him the most beautiful actress would always be his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness.

Continuing in the same vein, Jackman spoke about how when he went to the gym, he came across the thought for the day, ‘Success follows failure,’ which could only mean he would have a great day after the terrible experience of watching Australia lose to India in the World Cup quarter finals. “I didn’t know you follow cricket,” said Shah Rukh. “That’s funny,” he replied, “I was going to ask you if I could join the Kolkata Knight Riders.”

Any famous last words? “You can call me Jackbhai.”