Abhishek Bachchan On His Marriage, Separation Rumours With Aishwarya Rai

Rumours of a marital discord between Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have dominated the entertainment industry headlines for over a year now. All this time they chose to remain tight-lipped about speculation around their separation, but Abhishek Bachchan recently opened up about how putting out “negative news” is a new trolling trend.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, co-stars of films such as Kuch Naa Kaho, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, Dhoom 2, and Guru, tied the knot in 2007. They are parents to their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

In an interview with Etimes, Abhishek Bachchan weighed in on the misinformation about him making rounds on social media and why he chooses not to issue any clarification.

“Previously, things that were said about me didn’t affect me. Today, I have a family, and it’s very upsetting. Even if I clarify something, people will turn it around. Because negative news sells. You’re not me. You don’t live my life. You’re not answerable to the people that I’m answerable to.”

He added, “People who put out such negativity have to live with their conscience. They need to deal with their conscience and answer to their maker. See, it’s not just me. I don’t get affected. I know what the rigmarole of this place is. There are families involved. I’ll give you a very good example of this whole new fad of trolling.” 

Abhishek Bachchan further shared an anecdote about a particularly hurtful comment left by a troll on one of his social media posts. His friend, Aarya actor Sikandar Kher was so outraged after reading that comment that he responded by publicly posting Abhishek Bachchan’s address and challenging the social media user to say it to his face.

“It’s so convenient to sit anonymously behind a computer screen and write the nastiest things. You do realise you’re hurting somebody. No matter how thick-skinned they are, it affects them. How would you like it if somebody did that to you?” he recalled.

Challenging online haters to face him in person, Abhishek Bachchan added, “If you’re going to say it on the internet, I dare you to come say it to me on my face. That person clearly will never have the guts to come and tell me this on my face. If someone comes and tells me things on my face, then I will feel they have conviction. I will respect that.”

Abhishek will next be seen in Kaalidhar Laapata. Directed by Madhumita, the film also features Daivik Bhagela and Zeeshan Ayyub in pivotal roles. It will premiere on ZEE5 on July 4.