Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Abhishek Bachchan Builds a Second Career Through Sports
Abhishek Bachchan is famous for acting, but he also built a career in sports.
He helped start a kabaddi team called the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
He also became a co-owner of the football club Chennaiyin FC.
Instead of only investing money, he worked closely with players and team staff.
He even moved to Jaipur during the first Pro Kabaddi League season.
He later helped create a cricket competition involving several European countries.
His father, Amitabh Bachchan, helped spark his love of sports when he was young.
Abhishek says he chose sports because he cared about helping them grow, not only about making money.
Other Bollywood actors have also built careers outside Hindi films.
Abhishek Bachchan has developed a sports-focused career alongside his Bollywood work over the last decade.
He launched the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League and became a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC.
Bachchan says he became deeply involved in team operations, including living with players and helping prepare a rain-affected stadium.
He co-founded ETPL, described as the first ICC-sanctioned, multi-country franchise cricket competition in Europe.
His interest in sports was influenced by Amitabh Bachchan, while other Bollywood actors pursued careers in business, Hollywood, wellness and television.
- Who
- Abhishek Bachchan, along with sports partners, players and teams including the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Chennaiyin FC.
- What
- He built a second career as a sports entrepreneur, team owner and sports league builder.
- When
- Over the last decade; the article does not provide specific dates for the ventures.
- Where
- India and Europe, including Jaipur, Chennai, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
- Why
- He says his decisions were driven by a longstanding love of sports and a desire to develop underdeveloped or growing sporting markets.
- Kabaddi franchise
- Abhishek Bachchan launched the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League.
- Football involvement
- He became a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC.
- European cricket
- He co-founded ETPL, described as the first ICC-sanctioned, multi-country franchise cricket competition in Europe.
- Operational role
- During the inaugural Pro Kabaddi League season, he relocated to Jaipur and lived and trained alongside players.
- Family influence
- Amitabh Bachchan introduced him to sports and played kabaddi with him in their garden.
- International expansion
- The cricket league focused on countries including Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
- Other celebrity careers
- The article also highlights business ventures by Vivek Oberoi, Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty.