Abhishek Bachchan is upset with those who said his father Amitabh went overboard while praising him for his performance in "Guru".

"People who grudge him a father's pride are not nice. Please don't take that moment away from him. You've the right to express your comments on him as an actor. Please leave him alone when he's playing a father," Abhishek told IANS in an interview.

"My father's opinion means the world to me. He isn't only a father but also someone whom I consider to be the best actor in the world. His positive reaction to my work is enough! As an actor, I crave to make my parents happy."

If Abhishek is scaling new heights in his professional life, everything seems to be going in the right direction on the personal front too. He got engaged to Aishwarya Rai last month and the marriage is expected soon.

When asked about his marriage date, Abhishek said: "Nothing is decided yet. I've left it to our parents to decide. We're ready any time they are."

Right now he is busy shooting his first special-effect film "Drona" in Bikaner.

Excerpts:

Q: You turned a year older.

A: Yes, 31.

Q: Is this birthday more special because you're getting married soon?

A: Birthday is a birthday. I was working through it. That's what I like to do on my birthdays. I like to spend my birthday with my family, if I can.

Q: When is the marriage going to happen?

A: Nothing is decided yet. I've left it to our parents to decide. We're ready any time they are.

Q: But it's not happening in February?

A: No.

Q: You are currently shooting for "Drona" in Bikaner.

A: It's a special-effects film. Interesting, because it's a new genre and therefore never done before by me. My mom plays my mom in the film, though she has a very brief role. We shot together and it was great fun.

Actually, we did a Bengali film "Desh" together. I spoke a bit of Bengali in the film. "Drona" director Goldie Behl is family. His sister Shristi and Goldie have grown up with me. Both mom and dad have worked for their banner. So, it's like homecoming. This is my second film with Goldie.

Q: Why did Goldie take so long to make another film after "Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai"?

A: That was his personal choice, and we should respect that. He wanted to be sure of what he wanted to make. Both Goldie and I have changed a lot as persons. The conviction will show up in "Drona". We've finished about 60 percent.

Q: "Guru" has got you unbelievable applause.

A: Unfortunately because I'm in Bikaner I'm kind of cut away from what's going on in Mumbai. But it's great to know a TOI editorial has been written about it. "Guru" is a very special film. It's so wonderful to know that our hard work has paid off. When I saw the film first, I was very inspired by the character. For the first time in my career I stopped being an actor and looked at the film as a member of the audience.

Q: How does your dad's vocal appreciation of "Guru" makes you feel?

A: If I may be allowed to sound a little pompous, let me say I didn't care what the rest of the world would say. His reaction would be more than enough for me. Did his reaction embarrass me? Not at all! Praise is what we live for.

My father's opinion means the world to me. He isn't only a father but also someone whom I consider to be the best actor in the world. To be honest, I don't care what the film's fate would've been. His positive reaction to my work is enough. As an actor I crave to make my parents happy. Thank god, I got the opportunity in "Guru".

As a son, I firmly believe I wouldn't want to come in the way of a father's praise. I'm not a father. So, I don't know what that emotion is. One day I hope to be a father. Then I'll know the same pride that my father does. As a father he's allowed to express his appreciation for his son, isn't he? And I love him even more for it.

Q: A lot of people feel he's overdoing the praise for you.

A: I think they're being very mean. Yes, he's Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. But first and foremost he's a father. People who grudge him a father's pride are not nice. Please don't take that moment away from him. You've the right to express your comments on him as an actor. Please leave him alone when he's playing a father.

Q: A lot of people are disappointed by your performance in "Dhoom 2".

A: I'm very proud of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it. As for my subdued performance, as you called it, I had to go by the way the character was established in the first "Dhoom". I was just carrying forward my character.

Q: Are you a more careful selector of parts after "Guru"?

A: I've never selected parts. Parts have selected me.

Q: Satisfied with life?

A: I don't think an actor can ever be fully satisfied. I'm very excited about the work that I'm doing.

Q: Looking forward to your role as a householder?

A: That sounds so scary. It's a new dawn, a new day, new challenges.... I'm looking forward to it. God has been very kind.