Abhishek Bachchan Cites Father Amitabh as Key Inspiration at Business Summit

New Delhi: Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan stated that his father, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, remains his biggest source of inspiration both personally and professionally. Speaking at the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi, organized by India's Times Group, Bachchan said having Amitabh Bachchan "sleeping in the room above" provides him ample inspiration, adding jokingly that he has to "make do with Amitabh Bachchan" instead of looking to Hollywood figures like Robert De Niro.

Bachchan noted that his father's belief in real estate investments has influenced his own approach, though he has also pursued startups and sports ventures. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity in Bollywood, the world's largest film industry producing nearly 1,000 films annually. "The minute we compromise our Indianness, I think we lose out," Bachchan said, cautioning against mimicking Western or Korean cinematic styles.

Early in his career, Bachchan decided against financial dependence on films to avoid compromising creative choices. Recognizing the industry's volatility, he established a parallel income source for financial resilience. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs: "If you can’t afford it yourself, don’t get into it."

Bachchan reflected on the entrepreneurial spirit in his film "Guru" as central to his life, fueled by home inspiration and the younger generation's clarity. He expressed admiration for his daughter Aaradhya Bachchan, wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and the new generation, stating, "I envy the new generation; I think they’re very very sorted."