Rumours of marital issues between actor couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have been circulating for over a year. Although the duo has never publicly addressed the speculation, they are often seen together at public functions and regularly share photos on social media.

In a recent interview, while promoting his upcoming film Kaalidhar Laapata, Abhishek spoke candidly about how ‘negative news’ impacts him and his family.

During a conversation with ETimes, Abhishek spoke about the misinformation about him making headlines on the internet and why he chooses to remain silent.

"Previously, things that were said about me didn't affect me. Today, I have a family, and it's very upsetting. Even if I clarify something, people will turn it around. Because negative news sells. You're not me. You don't live my life. You're not answerable to the people that I'm answerable to."

He continued, "People who put out such negativity have to live with their conscience. They need to deal with their conscience and answer to their maker. See, it's not just me. I don't get affected. I know what the rigmarole of this place is. There are families involved"

"It's so convenient to sit anonymously behind a computer screen and write the nastiest things. You do realise you're hurting somebody. No matter how thick-skinned they are, it affects them. How would you like it if somebody did that to you?" he recalled.

Challenging online haters directly, Abhishek added, “If you're going to say it on the internet, I dare you to come say it to me on my face. That person clearly will never have the guts to come and tell me this on my face. If someone comes and tells me things on my face, then I will feel they have conviction. I will respect that."

A long-standing relationship and a new release

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, who tied the knot in 2007, have worked together in several films including ‘Kuch Naa Kaho’, ‘Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke’, ‘Dhoom 2’, and ‘Guru’. The couple share a 13-year-old daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan.

On the professional front, Abhishek will next be seen in the OTT release ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’, also starring Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and child actor Daivik Bhagela. The film follows the story of a middle-aged man grappling with memory loss and growing loneliness. Directed by Madhumita, the film is set to premiere on ZEE5 on 4 July.