By Subhash K Jha

Abhishek is currently flying high. In more ways than one. Having completed a chunk of the shooting of Shaad Ali's Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom in London he has now moved with the unit to Paris where they shall be parked for some time now.

"I miss home, specially since my grandmother is in the hospital. Also today (Saturday) is the release of the Umrao Jaan's music soundtrack...a big moment for all of us who have been working on this project.

Unfortunately it wasn't possible for the music company to hold over the release until my return. Nor was it practical for me to fly back to Mumbai for a day. So I just had to miss the occasion. But I'm very proud of the soundtrack.

It's very different from what we hear these days and far removed from the hip-hop that I've been identified with, but nonetheless very very charming. I'm very fond of the music. JP Saab, Anu Malik and Javed Akhtar have an extraordinary tuning."

Back in Paris, Abhishek refuses to be flattered by being chosen as Asia's sexiest man by a magazine. "I don't even know what sexy means. These are appellations best not taken seriously. But yes, I'm deeply humbled and flattered. Because I've never ever thought of myself as anywhere near sexy.

However if people have voted for me, then I respect that. But I'm certainly not going to suddenly acquire an extra swagger just because I've been called sexy. From where I come, I've seen both the highs and the lows. It's all temporary.

And the trick of survival is not to take the trappings seriously.There's no guarantee for a tomorrow in show business. Admitted my dad has proved to be a survivor. But they don't make his kind of entertainers every day."

Speaking of Dad, Abhishek returns to Mumbai just for one day for the senior Bachchan's birthday. Though no celebrations are on the cards this year, Abhishek makes it a point to be near his dad every year for his birthday.

On a less joyous note, Abhishek is somewhat alarmed by a report all over the internet that he asked the immigration in England if he should "drop his pants" during their customary investigation.

"I was aghast when I saw myself quoted with these cheap words all over the net. Firstly, I don't speak like that. Secondly, I'd never be rude to officials who are merely doing their job. It's not their intention to harass you. Considering what the world situation is, we must all co-operate and be patient. "

Speaking of rudeness, a Lucknow scholar who plays the role of Rusva (the man who wrote Umrao's biography) in Umrao Jaan is quoted as saying, "Abhishek's well-sculpted body is far outweighed by his arrogance."

Chuckles Abhishek, "I've never met this gentleman. And the proof of this fact lies in the fact that he has called my body well-sculpted."