Abhishek, Kareena Were Locked In Projector Room During Refugee Screening
2025 is memorable for Abhishek Bachchan as he marks 25 years since his debut in JP Dutta's Refugee.
It's been 25 years since Refugee released. The film marked the debut of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor, two fresh faces who would go on to become big names in Bollywood. Looking back on those early days, Abhishek recently shared a fun memory from that time. He recalled how he and Kareena once had to be locked inside a projector room during a theatre visit because fans found out they were there.
In an interview with SCREEN, Abhishek Bachchan said, 'I have vivid memories! I was filming in Manali for Shararat (2002). It was a huge set with 15 actors, so I couldn't come down to Mumbai before June 29, a day before Refugee released. Those days, promotions weren't as extensive, although I must admit Bebo (Kareena Kapoor, co-star) and I were the first ones to start the city tour. We also had an audio launch earlier, after which I went for the outdoor shoot. JP sahab showed the film to the families for the first time on 29th. Obviously, I couldn't sleep that night because there were a lot of nerves and excitement. It rained on the day of the premiere. Everybody panicked because the premiere was at Liberty Cinema (in South Mumbai), but I said it's auspicious because rain on a big day like this is considered God's blessing."
Abhishek added, 'We drove in about three-four cars because there were so many of my family and close friends. I drove to Liberty with my chachaji (Ajitabh Bachchan) and friend Sikandar (Kher, actor). All the mandirs that came on the way from my home in Juhu to Liberty, I just stopped by for a quick blessing. Before reaching, JP sahab called me and said he hadn't reached, but asked me to take care of the premiere. I panicked because it was my first time. When I reached, it was so wonderful because the entire film industry had shown up. That relaxed me because being someone who's born in the film industry, they're all your extended family. They were all there with big smiles. The walk from the Liberty gate to the stairs felt like a gauntlet. The first person I met was Mr. Yash Chopra, who gave me a big hug and great advice."
Bachchan added, 'After the premiere, there was a dinner and party. That became a long night. I drove back home with Sikandar at seven in the morning. We stopped by at Marine Drive and sat there just to take in the moment that the film was going to release. Unfortunately, I had to go back to Manali the next day so I couldn't enjoy much of it. But when I was getting ready, I got a call that the flight has been cancelled due to bad weather, so I had two more days in Mumbai. I got excited and called up Bebo. She said, 'Let's go to the theatres." So we went to Gaiety Galaxy and Chandan Cinema, which unfortunately is not there anymore. It was terribly exciting! We had to be locked in the projector room because the audience got to know we were there. I still get gooseflesh talking about it."
Abhishek Bachchan concluded, 'I think my features have remained constant. I'd like to believe everything else has changed. Because it's very important for an actor to, if not film on film, but year on year, to improve, learn something new, and do it a bit differently. That's been my quest, to a certain extent. I hope I've managed to evolve as an artiste. The audience, the tastes and the movies also change, so should the actor. I've attempted to do that, but it's up to the audience to decide whether they accept that or not."
About Refugee
Refugee, released in 2000, is a Hindi-language romantic drama written and directed by J.P. Dutta. The film marked the big-screen debut of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor, introducing them to the world of Bollywood. It also featured seasoned actors like Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shetty, and Anupam Kher in key roles.
The story follows a nameless Indian Muslim man who helps illegal refugees cross the border between India and Pakistan—covering regions that now include parts of Bangladesh—through the vast and harsh Rann of Kutch. The film is believed to be inspired by Keki N. Daruwalla's short story Love Across the Salt Desert.
Though it opened to mixed reviews, Refugee was declared a semi-hit and ended up as the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2000.
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