Superhero, cop, lover: The many shades of birthday boy Abhishek Bachchan

Whether it's breathing life into the character of a business tycoon, or playing an lovelorn husband, a righteous policeman or even a caped crusader, Abhishek Bachchan has slipped into roles effortlessly and brought them alive on screen, offering a different take each time he faced the camera for his 64 films so far. As the actor turns a year older today, here’s looking at some of his remarkable on-screen roles.

In the film, loosely based on the inspiring life of businessman Dhirubhai Ambani, Abhishek played the lead role of Gurukant Desai, a village boy with huge dreams. Helmed by Mani Ratnam, the film chronicles his journey to entrepreneurial success, supported by his wife, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

AB Jr won hearts with his portrayal of Bittu, a reformed criminal who changes his ways for his daughter but unable to be with her, develops a friendship with a little girl, who he then helps. His transformation from being a hardened henchman to a caring and responsible father in the Anurag Basu film, was noteworthy.

Back in 2004, ‘Dhoom’ turned out to be a game changer for Abhishek. Helmed by Sanjay Gadhvi, the movie had the actor doubling up as ACP Jai Dikshit, who nabbed a team of robber bikers with tact and the help of a bike expert, Ali, played by Uday Chopra.

Tarun Mansukhani’s ‘Dostana’ starring Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan, had the audience doubling over in laughter with it’s fresh take on life, love and relationships. In the film, Abhishek played Sam, who along with his friend Kunal, pretend to be a gay couple. Abhishek portrayed the character with utmost sensitivity without making it look gimmicky.

The film follows the journey of a young NRI who returns to India to accompany his grandmother to their ancestral property in Old Delhi, and is initially impressed by the streets and culture but soon understands the feuds and social issues that plague the country. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film also starred Sonam Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor in pivotal characters.

Abhishek became one of the first superheroes of Bollywood with this film that revolved around the concept of mystical energies and also starred Priyanka Chopra and Jaya Bachchan in pivotal characters. Helmed by Goldie Bahl, it had Abhishek playing Aditya, an orphaned, lonely young man who takes up the responsibility of guarding a source of cosmic energy after learning about his ancestral warriors.

Abhishek's Robbie wore his heart on his sleeves, and didn't shy away from being vulnerable in love. He is quick to deal in love but also respects his paramour's decision when he finds out that she might be in love with someone else. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the movie is a take on modern relationships.