Abhishek on a poster of Refugee (courtesy juniorbachchan)

New Delhi:

Abhishek Bachchan’s “road to 20” reached a landmark point on June 30, the same date which saw the release of his debut film Refugee 20 years ago. Released in 2000, JP Dutta-directed Refugee was also the Bollywood stepping stone for Kareena Kapoor. “Time flies when you’re having fun! Today, 20 years ago JP Dutta’s Refugee released. Marking the introduction of yours truly and Kareena Kapoor into the world of films. Your first film is always most dear and special,” read an excerpt from Abhishek’s post, who also dedicated a lengthy thank-you note to his family for being his “silent support” and his “raison d’être,” a French term, which translates into English as “reason for being” or “reason to be.” Abhishek Bachchan is the son of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. Abhishek got married to actress Aishwarya Rai in 2007, seven years after his Bollywood debut. Abhishek and Aishwarya are parents to daughter Aaradhya. Abhishek’s sister Shweta is an author and co-owns a fashion label.

Having successfully done the “unimaginable” – lasting in Bollywood for over two decades, Abhishek wrote: “It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to look back and recount the last 20 years. Any actor will tell you, getting to make a film is a huge honour. Surviving 20 years seems unimaginable. The best part is, I feel like I’m just getting started. I have so much more to prove. So much more to do and I can’t wait.”

In his shout-out to his family, Abhishek added: “However, none of this would have been possible without my family! They have been my inspiration, my strength, my silent support and my ‘raison d’être’. They allowed me the freedom to figure out whatever I needed to without ever pressurising me, burdening me with expectation. They let me know when they didn’t like a performance and showered me with love when they did. I am because of them and I hope, some day when they look back and reminisce they feel proud of me.”

Abhishek wrapped his post with a quote attributed to poet Robert Frost and Frank Sinatra song My Way: “But, now this is sounding like the end…. nowhere near it. Like I said, I’m just getting started. And ‘miles to go before I sleep’. Like the great Sinatra said – ‘The record shows, I took the blows. And did it my way!'”

Abhishek Bachchan is now ready for “take two.” Read his post here:

Time flies when you’re having fun! #RoadTo20 Today, 20 years ago JP Dutta’s Refugee released. Marking the introduction of yours truly and @kareenakapoorkhan into the world of films. Your first film is always most dear and special; Refugee was no different. An amazing experience! A newcomer could not have asked for anything else. JP sahab was the best teacher. Caring, nurturing and has since been an amazing guiding force for me. The entire cast and crew were so patient,supportive and encouraging. My love and respect for all of them is boundless. Thank you! It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to look back and recount the last 20 years. Any actor will tell you, getting to make a film is a huge honour. Surviving 20 yrs seems unimaginable. The best part is, I feel like I’m just getting started. I have so much more to prove. So much more to do and I can’t wait…. However, none of this would have been possible without my family! They have been my inspiration, my strength, my silent support and my “”. They allowed me the freedom to figure out whatever I needed to without ever pressurising me, burdening me with expectation. They let me know when they didn’t like a performance and showered me with love when they did. I am because of them and I hope, some day whey they look back and reminisce they feel proud of me. But, now this is sounding like the end…. nowhere near it. Like I said, I’m just getting started. And “miles to go before I sleep”. Like the great Sinatra said- ” The record shows, I took the blows And did it my way!” #TakeTwo . . . Pic courtesy: @fifipewz

A post shared by Abhishek Bachchan (@bachchan) on Jun 29, 2020 at 10:03pm PDT

Abhishek Bachchan is best known for his roles in films such as Guru, Bunty Aur Babli, Manmarziyaan, Raavan, Delhi-6 and the Dhoom series of films among others. His next film The Big Bull is one of the seven big Bollywood movies to be released on OTT platform Disney+Hotstar. The Big Bull was scheduled for October 23 release.