Actor Abhishek Bachchan has broken his silence over persistent rumours about his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, which have dominated headlines for over a year.
While the couple has largely chosen not to comment on speculation about their relationship, Abhishek recently opened up about how such negativity has impacted his family.
Speaking to ETimes during promotions for his upcoming film Kaalidhar Laapata, Abhishek shared, "Previously, things that were said about me didn't affect me. Today, I have a family, and it's very upsetting. Even if I clarify something, people will turn it around. Because negative news sells. You're not me. You don't live my life. You're not answerable to the people that I'm answerable to."
He criticised those who spread misinformation, adding, "People who put out such negativity have to live with their conscience. They need to deal with their conscience and answer to their maker. See, it's not just me. I don't get affected. I know what the rigmarole of this place is. There are families involved."
Highlighting the damage caused by online trolling, Abhishek recounted an incident where a particularly harsh comment on one of his social media posts prompted his friend, actor Sikandar Kher, to respond with the troll's address, daring them to repeat the insult in person.
"It's so convenient to sit anonymously behind a computer screen and write the nastiest things. You do realise you're hurting somebody. No matter how thick-skinned they are, it affects them. How would you like it if somebody did that to you?" Abhishek said.
Challenging those who attack him online, he added, “If you're going to say it on the internet, I dare you to come say it to me on my face. That person clearly will never have the guts to come and tell me this on my face. If someone comes and tells me things on my face, then I will feel they have conviction. I will respect that."
On the work front, Abhishek will next appear in Kaalidhar Laapata, a thriller directed by Madhumita. The film also stars Daivik Bhagela and Zeeshan Ayyub and is set to premiere on ZEE5 on July 4.