It’s been remarkable 25 years since Refugee first hit the silver screen, launching the film careers of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor, two debutants who would later become household names. As the milestone arrives, Abhishek Bachchan took a nostalgic walk down memory lane, revisiting a time that was filled with nervous anticipation, chaotic excitement and unforgettable moments.
During a recent interview, Abhishek opened up about the events leading up to the release of Refugee, directed by J.P. Dutta. At the time, he was shooting for another film Shararat in Manali and could only return to Mumbai on June 29, a day before the official release. Promotions in those days were minimal compared to today but Abhishek and Kareena had still managed to kick off what would later become a standard practice – city tours and audio launches.
With the premiere set to take place at Liberty Cinema in South Mumbai, a downpour threatened to disrupt plans. But Abhishek, feeling both anxious and hopeful, saw the rain as a divine blessing. He drove to the venue with his uncle Ajitabh Bachchan and close friend Sikandar Kher, stopping at temples along the way to seek blessings for his debut. Upon arrival, with J.P. Dutta still en route, Abhishek found himself unexpectedly in charge of overseeing the premiere.
Despite his nerves, the overwhelming presence of the film fraternity, many of whom he considered extended family, calmed him. He fondly recalled meeting legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra right at the entrance, who embraced him warmly and offered words of encouragement. The post-premiere dinner turned into an all-night celebration, ending only when Abhishek and Sikandar sat by Marine Drive at sunrise, thinking about the release of the movie.
The next day was supposed to see him fly back to Manali but bad weather led to a cancelled flight, giving him an unexpected two-day extension in Mumbai. Seizing the opportunity, he called Kareena Kapoor and the duo decided to visit theaters screening their debut film. The excitement turned overwhelming when fans recognised them at Gaiety Galaxy and Chandan Cinema, forcing the theater staff to hide them in the projector room for safety. That memory, Abhishek admitted, gives him goosebumps even today.
Reflecting on his growth since Refugee, Abhishek spoke about how, while his physical features may have remained constant, he has worked hard to evolve as an actor. He emphasised the importance of learning, adapting and improving year after year to stay connected with audiences whose preferences are always shifting. For him, the pursuit of artistic growth remains ongoing, though he humbly added that it’s up to the audience to decide whether his efforts have succeeded.
Refugee, released in 2000, was a Hindi romantic drama inspired by Keki N. Daruwalla’s short story Love Across the Salt Desert. The film told the story of a nameless Indian Muslim man who aids illegal immigrants crossing the volatile border between India and Pakistan through the challenging terrains of the Rann of Kutch.
With a supporting cast that included veterans like Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shetty and Anupam Kher, the film had a strong foundation. While reviews were mixed, Refugee emerged as a semi-hit and finished as the fifth highest grossing Hindi film of that year.
Today, with over two decades in the industry behind him, Abhishek Bachchan looks back not only with gratitude but also with pride in a journey that began with rain, nerves and a locked projector room and ultimately found its place in Bollywood history.
