Abhishek Bachchan will be a part of the charity football match in the city on March 30. He chatted with Neeti Nigam on playing against the Indian cricket team
Even bad health does not deter actor Abhishek Bachchan to work for a noble cause. He, with cricketer Virat Kohli, is all set to play the first football charity match on March 30 at Jawaharlal stadium for the Playing For Humanity campaign.
In the capital to unveil the jersey and trophy, he tells what makes him contribute to a social cause. He is also excited for Dhoom 3.
This celebrity match has an interesting combination of cricketers and Bollywood stars/models. How was the idea conceptualisedIJ
Through this match, we aim to raise funds for non-profit organisation, Magic Bus, that works for the future of underprivileged children. Virat Kohli has taken this initiative and we all support him in his endeavour. Through this match, a bunch of passionate and like-minded footballers, will make this sport popular in India.
Though Bollywood celebrities are fit but don’t you think cricketers will have an upper hand since they are used to playing on-fieldIJ
I have a weird feeling that cricketers will win the match but I assure you that we will put our best effort. While Virat’s super fit team will take care of the entertainment, my team will add a comic element to the match (laughs). We will pretend to play and audience for sure will get a slice of entertainment from this match.
Virat’s team has Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is an avid footballer. Who are you banking on and what is your strategy as a captainIJ
Football is a team sport. Every player should be as effective as a team. We have quite a few competent footballers and shockingly, we all play well.
You tweeted about Shikhar Dhawan’s spectacular performance in the recent India Australia test match.
Yes, I loved his batting. He and the entire Indian team have played a fantastic inning. They all have given so much joy and pride. Sport is a medium to uplift our morale and motivate us. I am looking forward to with playing them.
Bachchans are known for doing charitable work. How are you taking it forwardIJ
I always been a part of any charitable work that comes up my way. I believe it is my duty to help those in need.
But aren’t you flooded with offers from charitable organisationsIJ How do you chooseIJ
I don’t refuse anyone. Where there is a will, there is a way. I personally work a lot with Magic Bus because I like their modus operandi. They use sport as metaphor for life which I feel is believable.
Since you have become a father, do you do more charitable work for education of poor childrenIJ
I have always been in favour of educating children, as an answer to most of our problems is education. Every child has a right to happiness.
There is a lot of speculation on Dhoom 3. Do you expect it to turn up a bigger hit than its prequelsIJ
The idea is to make an entertaining film. How hit it becomes is up to the audience. The entire team is focussed on putting out a good project.
In the recent National Awards, good scripts have scored high over films that had bigger stars. What would you like to sayIJ
Good scripts have always ruled, not just at award ceremonies but they have also won people’s heart.
I congratulate all the winners and hope to see more such amazing work coming in.