Amitabh Bachchan is a name that resonates with excellence in Indian cinema. His powerful voice, towering presence, and versatile acting have made him a legendary figure. But few know that “Bachchan” is not his original surname. Born as Amitabh Srivastava, his transition to the name “Bachchan” carries a fascinating story, deeply rooted in his family’s ideals and history.
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A Childhood Shaped by Ideals
Amitabh was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, into a family that valued education and social equality. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was a celebrated Hindi poet, while his mother, Teji Bachchan, was a social activist. The family’s original surname, “Srivastava,” is traditionally associated with the Kayastha community in India. However, this was not a name that Amitabh would carry forward.
The Birth of the Name “Bachchan”
Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh’s father, chose “Bachchan” as his pen name during his early years as a poet. The name, which means “childlike” in Hindi, reflected a sense of simplicity and innocence. More importantly, it represented his desire to break away from the caste system that dominated Indian society. By adopting “Bachchan” as his nom de plume, Harivansh Rai sought to create a more inclusive identity, distancing himself from the caste-based surname “Srivastava.”
The Family Decision: From Srivastava to Bachchan
When Amitabh was born, his parents made a conscious decision to pass on the surname “Bachchan” instead of “Srivastava.” This choice was more than just a name change; it was a statement of values. Harivansh Rai’s rejection of caste-based identities was further solidified when Amitabh’s school admission required a surname. His parents agreed that “Bachchan” would be the family name, marking the beginning of a new legacy.
In his blog, Amitabh Bachchan shared the significance of this decision: “My father’s pen name became our family surname… it lent credence to his belief in a caste-free society, and thus, I was admitted to school as Amitabh Bachchan.” This marked the first time “Bachchan” was used as a surname in their family, symbolizing a break from tradition and the start of a new identity.
Rising to Fame as Amitabh Bachchan
With the surname “Bachchan,” Amitabh entered the film industry, making his debut in 1969 with the film “Saat Hindustani.” His journey to stardom was meteoric, with iconic performances in films like “Zanjeer,” “Deewaar,” and “Sholay.” The name “Bachchan” became synonymous with not just his personal identity but also a brand of cinematic excellence. As the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” Amitabh Bachchan’s legacy in Indian cinema is unparalleled, and his surname became as iconic as his screen presence.
In essence, while Amitabh was born a Srivastava, it is the name “Bachchan” that has become inseparably linked with his life and career. This name represents a legacy of poetry, a stance against caste-based identities, and a commitment to the principles of equality and social justice. As Amitabh Bachchan continues to influence and inspire, the name “Bachchan” remains a lasting symbol of his family’s enduring legacy.