Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 16, 2018)

After impressing critics and audiences alike with his performance in Manmarziyaan, Abhishek Bachchan will foray into the digital arena with Amazon Prime Video’s original Breathe 2. While the first season featured R Madhavan essaying the primary role, the second season will have AB Jr taking up the top spot. The actor discusses the idea behind his move and what makes it special.

‘A PERFECT FOLLOW-UP’
Ask Abhishek what prompted him to take up Breathe 2 and he says, “The story and vision of the director and the entire team excited me. I had also immensely enjoyed watching season 1 and felt this was a perfect follow-up.” But prod him on what his role would be and he hesitates, “Unfortunately, I’m not at liberty to discuss that.”

Though over the last two years several actors like Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajkummar Rao and Vivek Oberoi have jumped on to the digital bandwagon, there still aren’t too many leading men who are open to the idea. AB has a simple message for them. “They are sadly mistaken,” he rues.

‘COMPARISONS DON’T BOTHER ME’
The first part of the thriller, which also featured Amit Sadh along with Madhavan, got rave reviews. Now, for the second part, the makers have got Saiyami Kher opposite the Housefull 3 actor. Quiz him how he plans to handle the comparisons between both the seasons and he replies, “The first part was brilliant. I’m sure everyone will already start making comparisons. Nonetheless, it doesn’t bother me. I have to do my job to the best of my ability.”

‘PLATFORM DOESN’T MATTER’
Today, more and more filmmakers are telling varied stories on the web. With so many of them working well, in terms of numbers and viewership, the Indian audience has taken to the digital renaissance rather well. AB asserts, “I feel they always have (given that respect to these shows). Viewers like to watch anything that is engaging, regardless of the platform. It’s an exciting space to be involved with as it has cutting-edge storytelling.”