In a recent conversation, Abhishek Bachchan shared a deeply personal and moving insight into the resilience and courage that defines his character, Arjun Singh, in his upcoming film I Want to Talk. Reflecting on the challenges his character faces in the film, Abhishek drew inspiration from a profound lesson his daughter Aaradhya once learned during the pandemic.
Abhishek recalled a moment when Aaradhya, then a young child, was reading a children's book with a line that struck a chord with him. The book’s character described the most courageous word in the world as “help,” because asking for help signifies the willingness to carry on and face challenges head-on. He said, “That means you are not ready to give up. I will do whatever it takes to carry on.”
Abhishek sees this as a core trait of his character, Arjun, who, despite facing tremendous struggles, refuses to give up. "He is not afraid to ask for help," the actor explained. "He is not afraid to go into the hospital. He is not giving up." The actor highlighted how Arjun embodies resilience, even when faced with a lifetime of hardships. "Somebody who has dealt with the things that he has dealt with and continues to deal with, it’s very easy to be fed up after 31 odd years and say 'bahot ho gaya hai, abhi aur nahi karna hai' (I’ve had enough, I don’t want to go on). But no, the fact that he is still at it, still trying... is what makes him truly courageous."
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, I Want to Talk is slated to release in theatres on November 22, 2024. The film also stars Johnny Lever and Ahilya Bamroo and is produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Shoojit Sircar under Rising Sun Films.