When this reporter saw Kaalidhar Laapata, our first reaction was to go home and ask our parents what is on their bucket list. When we ask the same of Abhishek Bachchan, who headlines the Zee5 film, he says there are too many things he wants to do but refuses to tell us what exactly. “I feel if I talk about it, then it doesn’t happen.” The film, written and directed by Madhumita, is the Hindi adaptation of the Tamil film K.D (2019). It follows a middle-aged man experiencing memory loss and a sense of abandonment after overhearing his family’s plan to leave him behind during a religious gathering. He then embarks on a journey during which he meets an eight-year-old orphan, and they set out to fulfil items on his bucket list. In conversation with mid-day, Bachchan talks about what drew him to the film, why Daivik Bhagela was the right choice as his co-star, and why understanding the economics of films is important.

What was your initial reaction to the narration of the story of Kaalidhar Laapata?
I just loved the way Madhumita had written the film and the way she wanted to tell the story more than just the subject matter. I loved her approach to it; she made it very human. I loved the fact that she was going to end up saying some very profound things — things that stay with you long after the film is over. But [she said] it in such a casual manner. The conduit of all of this is a 10-year-old kid. I found that very interesting.

We’ve often noticed that you have great chemistry with child co-stars. It somehow brings out the child in you. Do you agree?
You feel that? [Laughs] They do, right? I mean, just by their countenance alone, they kind of make you very carefree because they’re so innocent and not inhibited at all. So I think that does bring out a lot of the child in you.