Amitabh was critical, admits Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan is a relieved man. His father, Bollywood's resident icon Amitabh Bachchan, is back home with the family after a prolonged stay at the hospital.

In conversation with Subhash K Jha, Abhishek looks back at the harrowing time for his family, apologises to the media, and sheds light on how serious the Big B's illness really was. Excerpts:

First Look: Welcome back, Mr Bachchan

It has been harrowing time for you, as for the nation.

Yes, it has. On behalf my entire family and our close friends, I want to thank each and every one who prayed for my father's well-being and recovery. And I want to thank every member of the media for being so supportive. I want to apologise to the media for not being as forthcoming about my father's illness as it would have liked me to be. I was expected to come out with a daily progress report. And I quite understand the need for information. I purposely refrained from speaking about his progress until his health stabilised.

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I am superstitious about his health. I was worried. I felt until I bring Pa home and he is back to leading as normal a life as possible, and until he is on the road to recovery, it would be premature of me to speak about how he was doing. In fact, he wasn't okay for a large part of his stay in the hospital. 

You're underplaying the seriousness of his illness.

Well, he was critical for a large part of his stay in the hospital. He recovered slowly and steadily. In fact he continues to recuperate even now, when he has been discharged from hospital. Now, much to our relief and joy, he is back home with us.

He seems very comfortable.

He is back home. And he's with the family. And at this point, that's what he wanted the most. But, once again, I'm sorry if I offended media-persons by not speaking about his health. I was nervous. I was superstitious. 

If I fell short in my behaviour with others, I apologise. But at that point, my priority was to be a son to my ailing father. Until I brought him home, I didn't think it was opportune   to make any statements.

The nation's anxiety for health bulletins on Amitji was immense. Hence the media's constant attention.

Well, his fans and friends were getting daily information on his health. But, as I said, my dad's safety and comfort far exceeded my desire to be accessible to the media. I don't know whether it was right or wrong. But that was the state of mind at that point of time.

To be very honest, I wasn't even thinking of the repercussions of my behaviour. I was only concerned about my father's health and the comfort of my family. Reports that the family was being secretive were completely incorrect. It's just that when there is an illness in the family, all attention is focused on seeing him well. Other things didn't cross our mind. Next time around -- and I hope there isn't one -- I'll take note of the mistakes I made this time. I'll try to be more forthcoming.

Do you feel Amitji needs to slow down his work pace?

No, not at all. Each individual knows the limits of his body and how far to push himself. My father knows his limits and has always worked within them. I feel his capacity for hard work is far beyond the normal. I hope he gets back to his normal life. Because that's what makes him happy. And I like to see him happy.

If he's happy working at the same pace as before and if that pace continues to suit him, then I'm happy. I'm sure he'll be more caring of his health now -- and he always has been -- not just for himself, but for all of us.

His condition wasn't caused by over-work?

No, certainly not! The events during the last 20 days had nothing to do with his workload. The illness was not in his control. I know he takes very, very good care of himself. He is a very responsible son, husband, father and grandfather. He knows his duties towards his family and his audience.

As a concerned son, would you ask him to slow down?

The question isn't of slowing down. He works the way he thinks he should. He doesn't exceed his limits.

I'd like you tell us where Amitji's health now stands.

My father is in good spirits. He is still very weak and requires a lot of bed-rest. He is happy to be back home and back with the family, but he needs to rest.

The pictures of him coming out of the hospital had you wearing a Superman t-shirt.

I wore it just to cheer him up and let him know he is Superman. He guessed the connection. As soon I walked in, he said, 'Is that t-shirt for me?'

As a son I'm truly indebted to all his fans and friends for all the prayers. I promise I'll try to work as hard as possible to try and repay all the debts. I don't know whether I can repay the debt. But I'll try.

What has the whole experience taught you?