Abhi is the real Padma Shri, I'm his shrimati: Ash

AB Jr and wife Ash have been spending some good time together, thanks to Mani Ratnam. The two have been shooting for their film Ravana in Kolkata when TWF correspondent Sreya Basu caught up with the couple.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. Why isn't anybody telling us what Ravana is about?

Abhishek: Because, he (Ravana) is not a cool guy to mess up with (bursts out laughing).

Aishwarya: I will answer that...it's because of a few reasons. The film is Mani Ratnam's dream project. It's not a modern-day Ramayana, but Mani's own interpretation of the epic set in today's time. It's tough and the cast and crew needs to focus on it. Besides, it's not the right time to promote the film. We're still shooting. If we talk to the media about it now, it might get misinterpreted and hence send wrong vibes to the audience. The reason for me not talking to the press is my tight schedule. Mani keeps his shooting schedules so tight-knit that you hardly get time to relax on the sets. Even, our sleep is time-bound while shooting. Then, I am playing 'Sita' in both Tamil and Hindi versions, while other actors will differ in the two versions. So, I am undergoing double pressure and after long hours of 'lights, camera, sound, action', I feel totally drained out.

Q. Despite all that you made it to the Delhi-6 premiere and Filmfare Awards ?

Aishwarya: That's what love makes you do dear. I wanted to be with Abhishek-my best pal and hubby. And, Filmfare Awards is the Oscar of Bollywood. So, really couldn't afford to miss on that.

Q. So Ash is 'Sita' and Abhishek 'Ravaana' ?

Aishwarya: My name in the film is not 'Sita' (at least, as of now). But the character I play have traits of Sita.

Abhishek: Yes, I am playing 'Ravana'.

Q. In Ramayana, Sita is faithful only to Ram. Here, we see a Sita dancing with Ravana.

Abhishek: Actually, I bribed the scriptwriter so that I am allowed to romance my wife on-screen, no matter what roles we play.

Aishwarya: On a more serious note, I told you it's a Mani Ratnam film and to know the truth, one has to wait for it to release.

Q. This is your sixth film together. Any complaints against each other as co-actors?

Abhishek: Sach bolke biwi ke haathon peetna nehi hai! (Don't want to get beaten up by my wife by saying the truth) No...honestly...no complaints. Ash is the best co-actor one can get. She is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood and a name in Hollywood, still she is so down-to-earth. She makes her co-actor comfortable from Scene 1, irrespective of the fact whether he is a star or a newcomer.

Aishwarya: Abhishek and I have never been paired the conventional way-as in, man-wife, on-screen. Starting from Dhai Akshar Prem Ke to Sarkar Raj, we hardly got to be romantic on screen. I really wished someone to cast us as a romantic pair, hopefully that'll happen in Rajeev Menon's Dhun.

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Q. Is Dhun a remake of Amitabh-Jaya starrer Abhimaan?

Abhishek: The script is somewhat similar, but it's not a remake. How can one even think of remaking a masterpiece like Abhimaan! It's a musical love story.

Abhimaan is often said to be based on the lives of Amitabh and Jaya...

Abhishek: It's surprising that the media knows more about my parents than I do.

Aishwarya: I don't think it's good to mix reel and real life.

Q. What are the chances for a Abhimaan-like situation in your life?

Abhi-Ash: Zero per cent.

Abhishek: Let me clarify, we're all grown-ups and professionals. Be it pa or ma, or me or Ash, we have learnt to keep our work outside. There is no competition and can't be. We're all different individuals with our respective styles of work.

Aishwarya: We are all very secure about our professional as well as personal life.

Q. Aren't you a little upset not getting a Padma Shri like Ash?

Abhishek: Not at all. I don't think I have done anything to deserve that honour so far. On second thoughts, I have got a Padma Shri - whatever belongs to me is Ash's and vice-versa. So her award is mine as well.

Q. So you are happy for her?

Abhishek: Wish I could explain my happiness for her. I am so proud that my girl has got the honour she deserves.

Aishwarya: Abhishek is my source of inspiration. He is always so supportive. Whenever I am confused and don't know what to do, I look at him and he solves the duality in me like magic. He is the real 'Padma Shri' and I'm his 'Padma Shrimati' (giggles).

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