Abhishek Bachchan Reflects on Critics and Digital Content Evolution
In an era where the boundaries between creators, critics, and audiences are becoming increasingly indistinct, Abhishek Bachchan, the son of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, offered a thoughtful and introspective perspective on the changing landscape of content and criticism. Speaking at the prestigious Critics' Choice Awards 2026, he delved into how the digital revolution has transformed performance and public opinion.
Questioning the Relevance of Traditional Critics
Abhishek highlighted the massive surge in digital content, noting the daily consumption of millions of reels where creators emulate dialogues, dances, action sequences, and comedy from films. He observed that these creators often perform at a level comparable to, if not surpassing, the original artists, feeling empowered to view themselves as equals to their idols.
Raising a pointed inquiry about the current role of critics, he asked, "Why should a newspaper editor or a channel executive employ you as their in-house critic, as opposed to who?" He challenged both actors and critics to distinguish themselves in a crowded field by being original and unique. "What do we need to do, or be, in order to stand out from the crowd? How to ensure that we are the most deserving candidate to be chosen to act in a film, or to be an in-house film critic? Let’s see. Be original. Be unique. Offer a perspective or performance that nobody else is able to do," he urged, adding a touch of self-deprecating humor by acknowledging his cynical side.
Embracing Criticism as a Tool for Growth
Simultaneously, Abhishek underscored the vital importance of criticism in his personal and professional development, admitting that his understanding of it has matured over the years. "I think we often misunderstand criticism. We tend to see it as something negative, but it shouldn’t be. I work in a commercial art form, and if I expect people to spend their time and money on my films, then I am answerable to them. I am open to scrutiny, to judgement, and to criticism," he stated, emphasizing accountability to the audience.
From Denial to Acceptance: A Personal Journey
Reflecting on his early career in Bollywood, Abhishek confessed that accepting criticism was not always easy. "Early in my career, I didn’t always feel this way. Like most actors, I believed everything would work out perfectly. But when reality hits, it hits hard. I went through phases of denial, where I felt critics didn’t understand my work or weren’t qualified to judge it," he shared candidly.
However, his viewpoint gradually shifted as he gained experience. "I realised I was looking at it the wrong way. I began to see that critics are not my opponents. They know the way. If I believe I know how to drive, then why not listen, learn, and improve? Their feedback helped me build my journey as an actor. Only a fool would ignore that," he concluded, highlighting the value of constructive feedback in honing his craft.
