Nearly 4.5 hours after the scheduled media interviews, which never happened, Bollywood celebrities Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachcahan made an appearance at a press conference, only to breeze out yet again under 20 minutes.
However, that short time period was enough for Kumar’s trademark sense of humour to shine, even through the reflective glass of his Ray Bans; while Bachchan, dressed in a designer Anarkali Indian attire giggled away on cue.
The duo, who were in Dubai last evening for the world premiere of their film “Action Replayy”, gave credit to their film director Vipul Shah for inspiring them to perform their roles of lovers from the 70s era, complete with the sense of style, the body language and the ease with which they excelled at the “innocent comedy” that was popular back in the day.
“Innocent really is the best word to describe this film, which is why the movie passed through the Indian censor board without a single cut,” said Kumar. “During an era where films are getting bolder, here’s a film that allows you to take the family along for wholesome entertainment.”
Bachchan, who is better known for her dramatic roles in “Devdas” and “Raavan”, revealed that “Action Replayy” was perhaps one of the handful of films that has seen her hone her comic talent. But before she could complete her thought, a playful Kumar piped in to disagree, saying: “But how can you forget “Umrao Jaan? (A film starring Bachchan that bombed miserably at the box office)”
The duo continued to playfully spar with each other through the event, narrating anecdotes from the shoot where they had to also endure a makeover to resemble a couple in their 50s.
“While Ash needed layers to look aged, all I had to do was remove my glasses and I would naturally look the part,” laughed Kumar.
Yet, when it was time to transform into a couple from the 70s era, the actors preferred diplomatic tact to naming any particular yesteryear actor they aped on the silver screen.
“Why just my father-in-law Rajesh Khanna, whose films, I might add, have been enjoyed by me? My look and style was also drawn from Sunil Dutt and Amitabh Bachchan,” revealed Kumar.
To do this, Bachchan added: “Of course, it is only natural that because two of us have famous in-laws who belong from the film fraternity, we would draw upon them for reference.”
While Kumar’s in-laws are 70s heartthrob Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, Bachchan is married into what is often referred to as the first family of Bollywood, that of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.
The evening, however, took a sombre turn when Emirates 24|7 quizzed the couple that if given the chance to back in time to alter the past, just like the premise of their film, what would they change.
And while Bachchan provided the almost rehearsed response, saying “nothing, I am happy living in the present and would only go back to maybe relive my childhood,” Kumar got quite emotional talking about his deceased father.
With a voice that almost cracked, he said: “Had I known back then what I know now, I would go back in time to detect my father’s illness before it was too late to save him.”
Shortly after, amidst an entourage of bodyguards, the starry pair was whisked away in an Audi stretch limo to Grand Cineplex for the film premiere. As the car drew up to the entrance with hordes of fans lining up, screaming for an autograph and flashing their cameras, it made one realise that no matter how a celebrity behaved behind the scenes, their famous face is firmly in place when its their turn in the spotlight.