If hectic schedules define stardom then Abhishek Bachchan has got to be the biggest star of the moment. Barely has he returned to Mumbai after receiving the Yash Bharti award in Lucknow it’s time to leave again for Delhi to shoot for Shaad Ali’s Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom. He’s thrilled to have won an award earlier won by his parents. “I feel honoured, and very very humbled. I don’t think I deserve it. But since the UP government in all its wisdom thought me worthy of it I couldn’t say ‘no’ to it. My upbringing doesn’t permit me to disrespect the will of my elders. I humbly accepted the invitation of Mulayam Singhji and the UP government. I maintain there’re people far worthier of the honour than me.”

Obviously disturbed by all the questions that have been raised about his worthiness Abhishek chooses to look at the brighter side of the honour. “I am very happy and honoured that three members of my family have received the award.”

Yup, it’s a packed week for Abhishek. The return of the Dhoom series has him charged. “I don’t look at it as a big film. I look at it as my film. I’m glad they chose the starcast that they did. It gave me the opportunity to work with some of my best friends in the industry. We had an absolute blast making Dhoom 2. And I’ve very fond memories…I had worked with the entire cast before. While Uday and I were the hosts, Hrithik, Aishwarya and Bipasha were the new additions to the Dhoom family. It was wonderful welcoming them in.”

Abhishek loved the shooting in Rio, Durban and Goa. “After having seen the film I feel the camaraderie comes through. There’s no attempt to outdo one another. All we had ourselves was a lot of fun. And that feeling is bound to show up onscreen. I feel it’s very important for the actors to be comfortable with one another. And our comfort level couldn’t get any higher.”

Abhishek most enjoyed shooting in Rio. “It’s by far the most laidback country I’ve shot in. Very casual and cool. The greatest fun was to be not recognised. The anonymity was a boon. It was wonderful to walk on the beaches, have dinner at roadside cafes…. It was very liberating to have a life that we haven’t experienced for a very long time.”

Bipasha was singled out for special treatment in Rio. “She was mistaken for a Brazilian beauty…until we let them know she’s from India. We guys are protective about her. When she’s with Hrithik, Uday and me we didn’t want any untoward incident. Needless to say, Bipasha is more than capable of looking after herself. She’s a Bengal tigress. Not scared of anyone. Has a fierce temper. We’re all very scared of her actually. Because she also happens to be stronger than all three of us.”

He pauses and then continues, “It’s always wonderful to work with friends. Bipasha and Aishwarya were the outsiders, since Hrithik, Uday and I have grown up together. Hrithik and Uday were in the same class in school. I was junior to them. But we’ve always been very close. Aishwarya and Bipasha quickly became a part of the gang.”

He’s all praise for the styling. “The stylist Anaida is the real hero of the film. The look of Dhoom is its USP. I’m not dressed up like any cop in the city of Mumbai. So, to that extent, it’s not a realistic look. Dhoom takes creative liberties. It’s all about an attitude. Anaida has presented all the actors in a light never seen before.”

We’ve heard a lot about Hrithik Roshan’s action scenes in Dhoom. What about Abhishek? “Well,” he reveals reluctantly “I’m a cop in the film. So a lot of physical action is involved. I don’t think we need to talk about the work we do. It’s better we let the work speak for itself. Dhoom is a popcorn entertainer. It’s a tongue-in-cheek entertainer.”

Some people feel Abhishek has been doing too many serious-toned films, and that Dhoom 2 is just the antidote. He disagrees. “I started last year with Bunty Aur Babli which was a fun film. Then I did a Sarkar and Dus, and a Bluffmaster! This year I did Umrao Jaan side by side with Dhoom 2. You’ve to keep exciting yourself as an actor. I try to work in films I believe in. But I think I’ve managed a fair balance.”

After two remakes — Don and Umrao Jaan — and several sequels, does Abhishek think there’s room for another sequel? “Remakes and sequels have always been there. Are we forgetting there was a sequel to Mahesh Manjrekar’s Vaastav, four years ago? Yes, there has been more than a normal share of sequels this year. And why not? Every director has the right to creative freedom. As for me, if tomorrow another Dhoom film is made I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Final question. Who’s the best in Dhoom 2? “According to me, the best performance is by Uday Chopra. As for Hrithik, who am I to comment? His talent and dedication is far superior to most. He looks better than he ever did, if that’s possible. In fact every actor will shock the audience.”