All the World's a Stage

Global superstar and sports guru Abhishek Bachchan says Aiglon played a pivotal part in his life – and its influence lives on.

As one of the most successful Indian film stars of his era, Abhishek Bachchan (Belvedere, 1994) is no stranger to interviews. But ask him about his schooldays, and he pauses. “I’ve always found it very difficult to speak about my time at Aiglon, and its influence on my life,” he says. “Because they were genuinely the happiest days of my life. There are just too many memories to share.”

The Indian film industry is the biggest in the world, producing close to a thousand movies a year. Since he made his debut in 2000, Abhishek has starred in and produced more than 70 films, which have won more than 47 awards. His most recent picture, Ghoomer, was released last summer to critical acclaim, but he already has another four movies in post-production, and a new project due to start shooting shortly.

Indeed, while he might be the scion of one of the most famous acting dynasties in the world, Abhishek says his love of acting was fostered at Aiglon. “Of course, I come from a film family. But my deep-rooted respect for the stage, in particular, started in Exeter Hall [now Parsons Hall]. I did my GCSE drama practical on the Exeter stage; Mr Desmond Hann was my drama teacher throughout my GCSEs, and I’m still in touch with him. I’ve sent him DVDs of my films, and he sent some very encouraging notes.”

Along with his love of the movies, Abhishek has always had a lifelong love of sport – again, fostered at Aiglon. He was a keen basketball player and played in the first Aiglon basketball team to win the SGIS tournament. “I remember going back in the school bus, celebrating all the way, and Mr Parsons announcing at morning meditation that we had achieved this historic feat. So many memories!”

In fact, Abhishek’s love of sport continues to this day. Twelve years ago, he bought the Jaipur Pink Panthers, now two-time champions of the Pro Kabaddi League. “Kabaddi is a wonderful contact sport. It’s so exciting to watch, it’s more than 3,000 years old, and is rooted in our Hindu mythology,” he says. He also co-owns football team Chennaiyin FC, which competes in the top-flight Indian Super League and has won the finals twice.

Abhishek fondly remembers his service projects – particularly going down to the kitchen, collecting meals from head chef Mr Caron, and delivering them to local elderly people who couldn’t cook for themselves. “We all took it very seriously, and that desire to make a difference in society, to be a complete person, has greatly influenced the work I do in sports,” he says.

He has recently invested in a new Indian cricket league that aims to give underprivileged players the chance to shine. “My core intention in sports is to make a difference. India is almost like two countries: some of us are very privileged but there are a lot of us who don’t have the opportunities. Through sports, I can help give people that opportunity – to come off the streets and to play in an organised league, and maybe make a career out of it.”

But throughout his own career, Abhishek says, he’s always relied on the sense of community and teamwork he learned at school. “It’s etched in my memory: if you carry the people that you work with, study with and live with along with you, they’ll always be there to help. I still have so many friends from Aiglon.

“On expedition, if you were falling behind in the group, your friends would always come back and pick you up and take you along with them. We always went back, picked up their rucksack, and said: ‘Let’s do it.’ You never left anyone behind, and no matter how high that peak was, you never gave up.”

Originally published in the Aiglon Magazine, Issue 22.
Words by Lucy Jolin
Photography by Joe McGorty