THE INDUSTRY REACTS

DEV ANAND
His name is enough to bring in the crowds
All this is the initial hype... the initial excitement. Unless I see him perform I don’t think I should comment on his prospects. But one thing I know for sure. His name is enough to bring the crowds to the theatres. At least initially. He looks promising.

SULTAN AHMED
I’d predicted yeh beta apne baap ka naam roshan karega
I remember we were shooting at Hrishikesh for Ganga Ki Saugandh on the Lakshman Jhoola when we got the news that a baby boy had been born to Amitabh Bachchan. When congratulating him I had quipped, “Tumhara yeh beta apne baap ka naam roshan karega.” Today Abhishek Bachchan is on the threshold of his career and from what little I have seen and heard about him, I am fully convinced ke woh apne baap ka naam zaroor roshan karega. There’s absolutely no doubt about that. He has been gifted with all the qualities that make a star. He has extremely talented parents, an overpowering personality and a great sense of humour. Making his debut with a JP Dutta film is the best thing to have happened to Abhishek. I don’t think he could have asked for a better break.

INDRA KUMAR
He is a star of tomorrow
I am certain Abhishek Bachchan will become the next Amitabh Bachchan. If he doesn’t, I will be shocked. Comparisions are inevitable. I don’t think any of the star sons can escape that. Initially, he will be compared with his famous father but once he has proved himself he will have an identity of his own. Look at Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna and so many others. They have managed to carve a niche for themselves in the industry. Abhishek has the backing of talented parents and I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t click. He is a star of tomorrow.

BALKRISHAN SHROFF
He should take criticism as a challenge
I think Abhishek Bachchan has the potential to become a star. As far as comparisons and criticism go, they are part of the game. And I think he is well aware of that. He should take criticism as a challenge. Only then does he stand a chance of making it big.

RAMESH SIPPY
He’s well equipped to step into his father’s shoes
On the face of it, it appears that Abhishek Bachchan’s chances are very bright. Though not entirely unexpected, his decision to enter films seems to be a much mulled over move. It signifies that he is well-equipped and prepared to step into his father’s shoes. In years to come, he is likely to be a strong contender for the No.1 position.

YASH JOHAR
A great entertainer off-screen
He has the makings of a star. I have seen him at various functions and I have noticed he has always stood out in a crowd, thanks to his great sense of humour and wit. He is a great entertainer off-screen. He knows how to regale the audience and catch their eye. Besides, he has a great personality and I am 100 per cent sure he will slip into Amitabh's shoes in the years to come.

N N SIPPY
He comes across as a very charming person
Being the son of extremely talented parents, I am sure Abhishek Bachchan has talent in abundance. He is star material and I am certain he will be a name to reckon with. I have met him and he comes across as a very charming person. He has the gift of the gab and can hold his audience's interest for a very long time.

JAVED AKHTAR
He will do wonders as an actor
There are three things that make a star — talent, right values and discipline. Having known the Bachchan family for years, I am sure Abhishek doesn’t lack these qualities. He is a highly disciplined youngster, and an enigmatic personality. He will do wonders as an actor.

DINESH GANDHI
It all depends on how Abhishek is portrayed
Abhishek Bachchan has been very sensible about choosing whom to make his debut with. JP Dutta is a seasoned director known to make good films. He will, no doubt, extract an excellent performance from Bachchan junior. But till the project is complete, it will be difficult to make predictions about Abhishek’s potential. Especially considering Dutta’s penchant for making multi-starrers. It all depends on how Abhishek will be portrayed in the film. A multi-starrer could be hazardous for a newcomer. But then again, Abhishek must have taken such a big decision after a lot of careful thought. I'm sure he knows what he is doing.

TINNU ANAND
I wish I was launching Abhishek
I have known Abhishek for a long time. Currently, he is working with me as the executive producer of Major Sahab. And he is really good at his work. He has his head on his shoulders and does not get carried away easily. He is also unaffected by the Bachchan name. I feel that this is the right time for him to enter films and I wish I was JP Dutta and launching Abhishek in my film. I know he will succeed since he has the makings of a star. He will make it on his own merit.

ANUPAM KHER
He does remind you of the young Amitabh
When Abhishek was a student at our workshop, I found him to be really talented. An intense actor, he is very good at comedy. The best thing about him is that he is open to ideas and willing to improvise. Abhishek knows that being his father’s son is a very big responsibility and he will have to work really hard to prove himself. Though I feel it is an advantage to be the son of a very famous actor, I am sure, he will not want to be under the shadow of his father. He does remind you of the young Amitabh Bachchan at times. Even though films are not doing well at the box-office today, I think Abhishek is making his debut at the right time. I am certain that he is going to be a big star.