Abhishek Bachchan

When Abhishek Bachchan was approached for Suniel Shetty’s Mission Istanbul, it was a no-brainer that he would agree to do the film. Abhishek will do anything for Anna Suniel and Popcorn Entertainment. Besides, Mission Istanbul’s director Apoorva Lakhia is a friend whose debut film Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost starred Bachchan Jr.

But there was a spoke in the wheel (read, Viveik ‘Ash-ex’ Oberoi’s presence in the film) big enough for Abhishek not to say yes to the film. And yet, the presence of friends meant that the Chhota B did not want to say an outright no either.

The solution? A special appearance, of course.

Producer Shabbir Boxwalla, who is currently the head of Popcorn Entertainment’s movie business says: “Abhishek was supposed to do a pivotal role in Mission Istanbul but due to unavoidable circumstances, he’ll just be doing an item number.”

At this rate, Abhishek Bachchan will be crowned the special appearance specialist of Bollywood. A look at his 11 other guest appearances!

Om Shanti Om: Abhishek sportingly plays himself — a nominated actor for Dhoom 5 who loses the award to Shah Rukh (Om Kapoor). Abhishek shot for this scene till 2am after wrapping up a full-fledged shoot during the day.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag: Abhishek’s now-predictable cameo for the Yash Raj camp, in return for their producing his first hit, Dhoom. He plays Rani Mukerji’s new-age lover.

Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag: Doing Mehbooba mehbooba with Urmila Matondkar was probably his payback for Sarkar. Plus, of course, Papa B was Babban.

Shootout At Lokhandwala: A cameo as Inspector Abhishek Gupta gave an edge to the film’s starry line-up.

Lage Raho Munnabhai: Anything for Sanjay Dutt, whom he very fondly calls “Sanju Sir”, and also for Vidhu Vinod Chopra who is now a Bachchan favourite. Abhishek plays a Manglik girl’s supportive husband.

Neil ’N’ Nikki: Just to egg on buddy Uday Chopra in a song.

Salaam Namaste: In this Yash Raj film he did a Robin Williams, playing a madcap doctor.

Home Delivery: AB pops up as a customer at the pizzeria where Boman Irani works.

Ek Ajnabee: Appears at the end, ambling alongside Lara Dutta and Daddy dearest.

Rakht: Abhi starts the trend of item boys by grooving to the song One Love. The song became a hit, not the film.

Hum Tum: Rani Mukerji’s suitable-boy husband who dies young in yet another Yash Raj film.