Amitabh Bachchan on Abhishek: 'World criticises him enough, I only offer blessings'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has opened up about his approach to parenting son Abhishek Bachchan, revealing that he has never criticised the actor at home — choosing instead to offer encouragement and blessings, particularly when films fail at the box office. The candid admission came during a conversation on the popular quiz reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', where Big B was joined by actor Ranbir Kapoor.
What Amitabh Said on KBC
The exchange was sparked when Ranbir Kapoor, who grew up alongside Abhishek, reflected on father-son relationships and unconditional love. He asked the megastar whether he expressed his opinions to Abhishek directly or routed them through wife Jaya Bachchan. Amitabh's response was both candid and heartfelt.
Amitabh said: 'Alochana dekhiye karne ke liye bahut sare hazaron karodon log baithe hue hain, ji... agar ek aur ghar mein aa jayega alochak toh achha nahi lagta, ji... toh humne kabhi alochana nahi ki, humne bas kewal aashirwad diya ki koi baat nahi ye aaj film nahi chali hai, aage aur bhi filmein aayengi aur aur bhi kaam milega.'
In translation, the veteran actor explained that there are thousands and crores of people already poised to criticise Abhishek, and having one more critic at home would not feel right. His approach, he said, was always to reassure his son that a film not working today was not the end — more films and opportunities would follow.
Abhishek's Own View on Criticism
Notably, Amitabh also acknowledged Abhishek's own perspective on the matter. According to the senior Bachchan, Abhishek and others in similar positions have often felt that criticism is necessary because it helps them identify what they are doing right and wrong — and gives them a chance to correct course. 'That is how they have always viewed themselves,' Amitabh reportedly said, adding that he never told his son he had done something wrong.
This nuanced view — where the father withholds criticism precisely because the outside world provides it in abundance — reflects a deliberate parenting philosophy rather than indifference to professional outcomes.
Abhishek Bachchan's Career in Context
Abhishek Bachchan made his Bollywood debut in 2000 and has since delivered acclaimed performances in films including 'Yuva', 'Sarkar', 'Bluffmaster!', 'Guru', 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', 'Zameen', and 'Bol Bachchan'. His career has seen high peaks and prolonged dry spells, drawing sustained public and critical commentary — making Amitabh's decision to stay silent at home all the more deliberate.
This is not the first time the Bachchan family's dynamics have surfaced publicly, but it is among the more direct articulations of how Amitabh navigates the dual role of father and industry titan.
The Broader Significance
The conversation on 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' also served as a rare window into how one of Bollywood's most scrutinised families manages professional setbacks privately. For Abhishek, operating perpetually under his father's towering shadow, the acknowledgement that home remains a criticism-free zone carries considerable weight. As Bollywood increasingly faces questions about nepotism and generational privilege, Amitabh's comments are likely to reignite that debate as much as they humanise it.