Amitabh Bachchan reveals why his father took on the surname ‘Bachchan’
Actor Amitabh Bachchan is definitely known for his impeccable acting skills, but his surname which he inherited from his legendary poet father Harisvansh Rai Bachchan has also been a matter of interest. Recently, while talking to a daily, the megastar told why his father took up this surname and story behind it. He said that they took the surname Bachchan to put across a message that stereotypes of caste and creed must be abolished by the society. He speaking about Brand Dharma at the 44th World Congress of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in Kochi.
He said, “My father’s name was Harivansh Rai Shrivastav. The surname Shrivastav or any other surname in India traditionally means it belongs to a specific caste. The surname immediately puts a person into a classical stereotype. Yeh Brahman hai, yeh Dalit hai, yeh Kshatriya hai and so on. My father abhorred the system because it led to deep divisions among the people regardless of merit.”
“My father shed the caste from his name and took on the name Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Bachchan became the family surname. Bachchan was my father’s brand of rejecting the stereotypes of caste and creed. I take pride in carrying forward the legacy. I am a Bachchan,” he added.
On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan will be next seen in Badla with Taapsee Pannu. The film is based on hit Spanish thriller The Invisible Guest. It is slated to release on March 8. Also, he will be seen in Brahmastra with Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor.
