Synopsis
Abhishek Bachchan shares his experiences of working with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, emphasizing the director's ability to draw out powerful performances from actors. He highlights the importance of authenticity and confidence in acting, while also reflecting on his recent transformative role in 'I Want to Talk'.Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Bachchan speaks highly of Mani Ratnam's directing style.
- He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in performances.
- Working with Ratnam has been a significant learning experience.
- Abhishek discussed his physical transformation for ‘I Want to Talk’.
- He believes in the impact of cinema on viewers.
Mumbai, Jan 31 (NationPress) Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is set to appear in the upcoming film ‘Housefull 5’, has shared insights about his collaboration with the renowned storyteller and National Award-winning director Mani Ratnam.
Recently, a retrospective celebrating Mani Ratnam was organized in Mumbai, where the film ‘Raavan’ was screened. During a panel discussion, Abhishek elaborated on the director's unique working approach.
He noted that Mani Ratnam challenges actors to reach their full potential, resulting in performances that resonate deeply with viewers. Abhishek has collaborated with him on two occasions, in ‘Yuva’ and ‘Raavan’.
Reflecting on his experiences, Abhishek stated, “He always emphasized two main points. First, he urged me to be more liberated. He sensed that I was restraining myself during our work on Yuva. In Raavan, he encouraged me to ‘let it out’, which boosted my confidence. He places you in challenging situations and guides you in a manner that feels authentic. To convey a performance effectively, it must be believable and, for it to be believable, it must feel real.”
He continued, “The essence of his work lies in its grounding in reality, which enhances its impact. If Mr. Mani Ratnam selects you for a role, it means he recognizes a potential within you that you may not acknowledge yourself. He cultivates that belief in you as an actor.”
Previously, Abhishek Bachchan, who was recently featured in ‘I Want to Talk’, revealed that he did not use any prosthetics and actually gained weight for the role. He discussed the transformative journey of portraying a character with a noticeably different physical form during the film's music launch.
Pointing to a poster showcasing himself with a prominent belly, Abhishek remarked, “I’m not in this shape anymore. However, it has been a profound learning experience. It’s been life-changing. I hope we have managed to create a significant impact during the two to three hours you spend in the cinema or while watching the film.”
