As the milestone of 25 years passes for the film Refugee, actor Abhishek Bachchan took a moment to look back at his cinematic debut with nostalgia and honesty. The 2000 romantic drama, directed by the acclaimed J.P. Dutta, not only introduced Abhishek to the silver screen but also marked Kareena Kapoor Khan’s entry into Bollywood. Now, a quarter of a century later, Abhishek is sharing insights into what he felt during those early days of his career and how Refugee remains a cherished chapter in his life.
In a heartfelt post commemorating the film’s anniversary, Abhishek admitted that stepping into the world of cinema was both thrilling and daunting. “I remember the first day on the sets vividly,” he said. “There was excitement, nervousness, and a great sense of responsibility. You dream of becoming an actor for so many years, and when that dream finally begins to materialize, the pressure is unimaginable.”
Abhishek went on to explain how the beginning of any career, especially in a field as exposed and scrutinized as acting, is bound to make anyone nervous. “The initial few days on set were a rollercoaster. You’re trying to get your lines right, understand the director’s vision, and prove to yourself that you belong here. It’s not easy. The butterflies in my stomach didn’t settle for quite a while,” he said with a smile.
Released on June 30, 2000, Refugee revolved around themes of love, borders, and human conflict. Set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan-Bangladesh triangle, the film told the story of a nameless young man, played by Abhishek, who helps illegal immigrants cross the border. His chemistry with Kareena Kapoor, who played Nazneen, was fresh and appreciated, and the film earned both actors recognition and a strong fan base from the outset.
Despite mixed critical reception at the time, Refugee earned praise for its music, emotional depth, and visual storytelling. The soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, became a major hit, with songs like “Panchi Nadiya Pawan Ke” and “Taal Se Taal Mila” still remembered fondly.
Abhishek recalled how much he learned from working under J.P. Dutta’s guidance. “He was extremely patient with us as newcomers. He had this way of making you feel confident even when you were second-guessing yourself. That kind of support from a director is priceless, especially when you’re just starting out.”
He also thanked his fans and the industry for embracing him, saying, “The love I received after Refugee is something I’ll never forget. It gave me the confidence to keep going, to improve, and to keep chasing better roles and more meaningful stories.”
Over the years, Abhishek Bachchan has carved his own path in the industry, with acclaimed performances in films like Guru, Yuva, Dostana, Manmarziyaan, and Bob Biswas. Yet, Refugee remains the project that started it all. He acknowledges that the film will always be special to him—not just as a launchpad, but as a life-changing moment.
As he marks 25 years since his first steps into the world of cinema, Abhishek remains grounded and grateful. “It’s been a long journey with ups and downs, but I’m still here, doing what I love. And it all began with Refugee. For that, I’ll always be thankful.”
With that reflection, Abhishek has once again reminded fans that while the glamour of Bollywood may shine brightly, the journey behind the screen is often filled with nerves, growth, and resilience.
