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News18
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Abhishek, Kareena Were Locked In Projector Room During Refugee Screening
Last Updated: 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. First Published:
India Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
When Abhishek, Kareena were locked in projector room during Refugee premiere
It's been 25 years since 'Refugee' introduced Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor to Bollywood, marking the beginning of their careers in cinema. Reflecting on his debut, Bachchan recently took a stroll down memory lane and recalled a special moment when he and Kareena had to be locked inside a projector room at a theatre to save themselves from the a conversation with SCREEN, the actor recounted the events leading up to the film's release on June 30, 2000. '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. In 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," Bachchan added that the night before the premiere was filled with nerves and excitement. "JP sahab showed the film to the families for the first time on June 29, 2000. Obviously, I couldn't sleep that night. 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." The 'Big Bull' actor recalled how the entire industry turned up to support him. '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)... The first person I met was Mr. Yash Chopra, who gave me a big hug and great advice," he added. advertisement What followed was a memorable post-premiere night. '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," he to bad weather, Abhishek's flight back to Manali got cancelled, giving him two extra days in Mumbai. That's when an unforgettable fan encounter happened. '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.'Reflecting on his journey since, he added, 'I think my features have remained constant. I'd like to believe everything else has changed... 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.''Refugee', directed by JP Dutta and inspired by Keki N Daruwalla's short story 'Love Across the Salt Desert', explored the lives of illegal migrants crossing the India-Pakistan border through the Rann of Kutch. Though it received mixed reviews, the film was declared a semi-hit and was the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2000.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Abhishek Bachchan remembers getting locked in projector room with Kareena Kapoor during 'Refugee' premiere ; Prayed at every temple
Twenty-five years since his cinematic debut, Abhishek Bachchan took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on the release of 'Refugee', the film that launched both him and Kareena Kapoor into Bollywood. Sharing heartfelt and amusing anecdotes from that time, Abhishek revealed that he and Kareena were once locked inside a projector room at Gaiety Galaxy because fans discovered they were in the theatre. Rain, Blessings, and First-Night Jitters Speaking to SCREEN, Abhishek remembered how the premiere night of Refugee felt surreal. 'It rained on the day of the premiere, and everyone panicked. But I saw it as a blessing,' he said, recalling the anxiety of watching his film with industry veterans at Liberty Cinema. He had been filming Shararat in Manali and reached Mumbai just a day before the premiere. 'I stopped at every temple on the way for blessings,' he shared with a smile. Meeting filmmakers like Yash Chopra on the red carpet and feeling the warmth of his extended industry 'family' helped ease his nerves. After the premiere, a celebratory dinner stretched into the early hours. 'I sat at Marine Drive at dawn with Sikandar (Kher) just soaking it all in,' Abhishek recounted. Projector Room Hideout With Bebo Abhishek's favorite memory, however, came two days after the premiere when bad weather cancelled his flight back to Manali. 'I got excited and called up Bebo (Kareena),' he said. 'We decided to visit theatres showing the film.' Their visit to Gaiety and Chandan Cinema stirred unexpected fan frenzy. 'We had to be locked inside the projector room because people realised we were there,' he said and added that he still get goosebumps when he thinks about the incident. Reflections After 25 Years Reflecting on his growth as an actor, Abhishek said, 'I think my features have remained the same, but I hope I've evolved as an artist.' He emphasized the need for actors to adapt with changing audience tastes, adding, 'Improvement is a journey. I've tried to do it with each passing year.' 'Refugee' may have had a modest box office run, but for Abhishek, it marked the unforgettable beginning of a lifelong passion. Abhishek Bachchan's SHOCKING New Avatar in 'Kaalidhar Laapata' | OTT Comeback with a Twist
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Abhishek Bachchan on 25 years of Refugee: ‘Kareena Kapoor and I were locked into projector room because audience got to know we're visiting the theatre'
2025 is memorable for Abhishek Bachchan as he completes multiple professional milestones this year. June 30 will signify 25 years of Abhishek Bachchan as his debut film, JP Dutta's Refugee, released on that date back in 2000. The romantic drama also served as the launch vehicle for Kareena Kapoor. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Abhishek discusses the week in which Refugee premiered, how he's changed over the last 25 years, and what he missed about working on a film set in the early 2000s. Do you remember what you were up to on this day exactly 25 years ago, when Refugee was on the verge of release? 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. 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. 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. Thanks for painting such a clear picture of that whole week. In the 25 years since, what's changed within you? 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. Also Read — Abhishek Bachchan wants to get back into commercial space now: 'Last out-and-out entertainer I did before Housefull 5 was 10 years ago' And is there something that's changed within the film industry? It's a very different industry from when we first started. It's far more mechanical in the sense that it's very professional. Twenty-five years ago, it was more about relationships and doing films because someone had asked you to. 'Chal jayega' was the way. Today, it's a lot more regimented and organized. But there's a great charm to how it happened in the old days. I miss that quite a bit, especially whilst making a film. There was a family atmosphere. Now, the AD (Assistant Director) is on to you: Lunch break finished, get back in. That's also great because it makes us efficient and cost-conscious. But I feel somewhere, we've traded the fun family-ness of that time.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Here's how exhibitors are dividing two different climax versions of 'Housefull 5' in the theatres so that both get equal screens, Gaiety-Galaxy owner spills details
'Housefull 5' is set to release in theatres on June 6. However, the film has created history as it will be the first ever Indian film to have two different climaxes and both the versions will be released in different theatres - called 'Housefull 5A' and 'Housefull 5B'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a one of a kind strategy which might really benefit the movie if the content is good as people might watch the film twice for two different climaxes. Manoj Desai, executive director, G7 multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir cinemas, told Etimes, "I personally spoke to producer Sajid Nadiadwala and we've decided that a different version of the film will play at Galaxy and a different version at Gaeity. Thus, both the theatres will have a unique experience. It will benefit the theatres and the movie both. I'm quite happy with this unique strategy which we've never seen. This is a first! Gaiety will have four shows of Housefull 5A while Galaxy will screen for shows of Housefull 5B." Meanwhile, Bollywood Hungama has quoted a source saying on this matter, "The idea is to have equal shows for both versions. So, if Housefull 5A has been allotted two screens and 10 shows, the same would also apply to Housefull 5B. But in some cases, that won't be practical to do especially if the theatre can provide an odd number of shows, that is, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc. Then, Housefull 5A will have the edge.' The portal further reported, that in some single screen cinemas like Chitra, Roxy, Kasturba, Citylight, Inox Nakshatra, PVR Le Reve, Regal, MovieTime Suburbia, Gold Cinema Santacruz, Gold Cinema Thane, are playing 3 shows of Housefull 5A and 2 shows of Housefull 5B." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Thus, there will be equal number of shows of both the versions. 'Housefull 5' is releasing in about 5000 screens but in the south it will face a tough competition from Mani Ratnam's 'Thug Life' starring Kamal Haasan which is releasing on June 5. Thus, it may get some lesser screens in the south regions but word of mouth and content will further decide the fate of both these movies.
