Amitabh Bachchan on Bachchan family’s dining habits, why he always occupies chair facing north: ‘I don’t want long life at the cost of…’

Actor Amitabh Bachchan is often seen sharing anecdotes from his illustrious career on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 16, but the latest episode flipped the script as contestant Kaushalendra Pratap Singh brought up a lesser-known story about the legendary actor. He recalled reading in a book by Amitabh’s father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, about the actor braving contaminated water during the shoot of his 1979 film Kaala Patthar. Kaushalendra also spoke about the senior Bachchan’s heartfelt wish for his son’s long life.

Kaushalendra, who hails from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and works in the coal-buying sector, referenced the Chasnala mining disaster that inspired Kaala Patthar. He shared, “I remember that you shot for Kaala Patthar after the Jharia Chasnala disaster. The disaster happened due to a dam burst, and during the shoot, contaminated water was sprayed on you to recreate the scene. I read that your health suffered because of it, but you continued shooting. This incident is well-known in our region. Your father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, also mentioned it in his book.”

Amitabh acknowledged the anecdote with a nod. Kaala Patthar, produced and directed by Yash Chopra, was based on the 1975 Chasnala mining tragedy near Dhanbad, where 375 miners lost their lives.

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Kaushalendra then shifted the conversation to a more personal note, recounting another story from Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s book about the Bachchan family’s dining habits. “He wrote about how your family always dines together and that you sit at the dining table facing North. He mentioned that sitting facing north brings truth, and he expressed that he himself sought truth while wishing you a long life. He wrote, ‘I need truth, but you (Amitabh) need ayush (a long life).’ He also wrote that when he expressed his desire to sit in your place, facing north, you told him, ‘I don’t want a long life at the cost of truth.’”

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Amitabh confirmed the story and elaborated on the bond he shared with his father. “My father would always say that I should have a long life, and that was enough for him,” he said.