Filmworld
Big B says he writes 'Indian' in caste section of Census form
New Delhi, Sep 19
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared a personal anecdote, talking about his surname, and revealed what he had filled in the section of ‘caste’ during the last census.
In the episode 26 of the quiz-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ season 15, host Amitabh welcomed Madhurima to the hot seat.
Talking about the contestant, the actor said: “Madhurima from Ranchi, Jharkhand is here with us. She's a section officer in the forest, environment, and climate change department. Madhurima, I do not know your full name.â€
Replying to Big B, she said: “Sir, my name is Madhurima. I have stuck to the name Madhurima only. Sir, generally, we see that the father's name is the surname. After marriage, your surname is changed to your husband's last name.â€
“Or a woman's name has the suffix 'devi'. You don't get the respect a 'devi (goddess) deserves. It is very rare. I wasn’t in favour of the suffix 'devi'. I thought I'd add a surname directly after I got married. When I got married, my husband asked me if I wanted to adopt his surname. I told him that my name was enough! I do not need it, you see,†she shared.
The ‘Piku’ fame actor lauded Madhurima, saying, “That's wonderful. You have such lovely views, Madhurima. They exude such strength. You told us about the tradition you just started. I wish to congratulate you on it.â€
The 80-year-old actor then went on to say: “I have done that with my name many times too. My father (Harivansh Rai Bachchan) was not a man who favoured caste system.â€
“In India, a person’s surname represents his caste. My father hailed from a Kayasth family. He adopted his pen name as a poet, which was Bachchan, as his surname. That became his name,†said Big B.
He said: “After I grew up, I had to be enrolled in school. At the school, my parents were asked my surname. As written in my father's autobiography. I have mentioned this on many occasions as well. My father and mother looked at each other and wondered what to do. My mother said, ‘He should take on your surname.’ That's how I came to be Amitabh Bachchanâ€.
The ‘Mard’ actor said: “Your views are commendable. Questions are raised over one's surname and caste.â€
To this, Madhurima replied: “I agree, sir. People form groups. They make separate groups even at workplaces.â€
The actor said: “I'm sure you're aware of the census. It's a long list of people's names, ages, height and weight There's another section for caste. I did not fill that up. and I was asked what my caste was. I said I was Indian.â€
“I was told they knew that. ‘No, sir. You need to mention your caste.’ I replied, ‘I will not. I don't have a caste.’ ‘I am Indian.’ My response for the next time will be, ‘I am an Indian, and our Chandrayaan landed on the moon’,†he added.
‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’ airs on Sony.
25 seconds ago
Periya double murder case: CPM fundraising again; members asked to contribute ₹500 each.
10 hours ago
"Tiger creates panic by going into hiding; Search conducted using a thermal drone
10 hours ago
Five coaches of a passenger train derailed; Major disaster averted
12 hours ago
Young man tragically dies during Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu; Around 20 injured
16 hours ago
Controversy erupts over private firefighters' hiring amidst raging Los Angeles wildfires
16 hours ago
Trump's impact on Indian Rupee likely to be short-lived: SBI Report
16 hours ago
'We did both': US President Biden reflects on defending Ukraine, preventing nuclear conflict
16 hours ago
'US-India relationship will continue to grow', says EAM Jaishankar
17 hours ago
US Senator Tom Cotton calls for repeal of China's permanent normal trade relations status
17 hours ago
'Hearts ache': US President Biden as California wildfires claim 24 lives
17 hours ago
Misuse of official vehicle; case filed against Chief Minister Atishi for violation of conduct rules.
18 hours ago
Are you someone who finds entertainment in Candy Crush and Tinder? If so, your phone could be hacked.
20 hours ago
Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal fly kites in clear sky on Makar Sankranti