Amitabh Bachchan’s father almost named him ‘Inquilab’, reveals brother Ajitabh: ‘Adopted Bachchan surname to reject caste’

During a chat with RJ Sachin, he shared that their father Harivansh Rai belonged to the ‘Kayastha‘ community. The name ‘Bachchan’ was given by his wife, Teji Bachchan. “She would call him, ‘Bachchanwa kidhar hai?’ He liked that and began using it as his writing name,” Ajitabh shared. Later on, when the Sholay actor was admitted to school, his official registered surname was ‘Bachchan’, to began a new family legacy and reject caste-based identity.

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Ajitabh continued, “My brother was five years older, and my father wanted to name him Inquilab, because he was struggling for Independence. My name was to be Azad. I was born in Independent India.”

In fact, Ajitabh’s daughter, who is a painter, has even created portraits depicting ‘Inquilab‘ and ‘Azad’. Interestingly, Big B also did films like Inquilab and Main Azaad Hoon, in the early days of career. Their father Harivansh Rai Bachchan passed away at 95, in 2003. On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan is currently hosting the 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati. On the other hand, the 81-year-old was last seen in his Tamil debut Vettaiyan. .