New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) After Akshaye Khanna and Rahul Bose, it's Bollywood's rising star Abhishek Bachchan's turn to lavish praises on hot and happening Mallika Sherawat, who makes a special appearance in his upcoming film "Guru".

"Mallika is fantastic. She is a fabulous co-star. We shot the song 'Mayaa Mayya' in an abandoned church in Istanbul. She danced bare feet, practiced 8-10 hours every day but not once did she complain. She was always smiling and pleasant."

Abhishek has a lot riding on his latest and much-awaited release "Guru". The 30 plus actor says he has given his 100 percent to the film, which opens in theatres Friday in India and Canada -- and hopes it turns out to be the best of his career.

"The film covers the life of a Gurukant Desai. It was challenging to play the journey of a man that starts at age 15 and goes on till 70. Am I open to playing an old man's role? Yeah, why not! Everybody grows old, I am going to be 31 and I would love to play such roles," Abhishek said at a press conference here.

The film by maverick filmmaker Mani Ratnam is apparently inspired by business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani's life.

Talking about his role, Abhishek added: "I have learnt a lot from the film. I learned how to put on weight in two weeks and how to lose it one week (laughs).

"However, on a serious note, I think if an actor gives to a character, he takes back as much from that character. In the film, my character is iconic and he is not apologetic about what he is doing. My character taught me about the right attitude and philosophies of life," said Abhishek.

After Ratnam's "Yuva", which marked a turning point in Abhishek's career, "Guru" is his second film with the talented filmmaker and he is thankful to him for giving a new dimension to his career.

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