In a career spanning two decades, actor Abhishek Bachchan has tried his hand at a variety of things, not restricting himself to one genre. And quite early on, he got comfortable with carrying a film on his shoulders as well as sharing screen space in an ensemble cast. His latest release, Ludo, fits in the latter category.

At the outset, he expresses his apprehension over stories that do the rounds about any actor’s ego involving screen time coming in the way when part of a multi-starrer project. He says, “Sadly, we label this as an actor’s ego. I understand why the media would label it as such; it’s more sensational, and is the easiest way to explain a situation. It’s actually not that.”

Bachchan adds that every actor is looking out for themselves, and want to do their best to be seen. “It comes from that desire to excel in whatever you are doing... When other actors are involved, it’s survival of the fittest. It’s a basic instinct in human beings. I don’t think it purely stems from insecurity. Yes, one has heard of such stories. It takes an actor of immense self-assurance and security in what they are doing, to not even allow thoughts like that to come to your mind,” explains the 44-year-old.

Having been part of multi-starrers such as Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007), Bol Bachchan (2012) and Dhoom franchise, the actor says that ego has never been a problem for him. “I don’t allow that to come into my work. I’ve been around for 20 years, learnt a lot of things. Things like ego are only going to destroy your work, and won’t get you anywhere,” he shares.

Talking about Ludo, which has fetched him good reviews, the actor says he didn’t get much screen time with everyone, since his track had only him and child actor Inayat together.

“I am very comfortable with and enjoy doing an ensemble piece. I have done a lot of multi-starrers, and if not all, they have been with highly accomplished actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan or my father (Amitabh Bachchan). It’s a pleasure to be around and learn from them. The silver lining is that when you are in the same frame with these people, you live off reflected glory to some extent. They are so good, they make you look good,” Bachchan says.