In Indian society, traditional marriage principles based on caste and religion have long been deeply ingrained. However, there are compelling narratives that challenge these norms, prompting reflection. A particularly noteworthy tale revolves around Bollywood’s Shahenshah, Amitabh Bachchan. His father dared to defy societal expectations by marrying a woman from a different caste, a decision that fueled widespread disapproval and animosity towards him. This remarkable story prompts us to reconsider the rigid boundaries set by traditional principles.
His comment came when a contestant on the show was asked to answer a question related to Sarojini Naidu. While sharing information about the question, Amitabh Bachchan hesitantly said that Sarojini Naidu was a fan of his ‘Babuji’. Big B revealed, “I am a little hesitant to say this but she was also a big fan of my father. My father had an inter-caste marriage. In Allahabad, where we resided, my mother, Teji hailed from a Sikh family. During that time, inter-caste marriages were viewed as taboo.
During that time, when my father took my mother to Allahabad, people fought against him. Sarojini Naidu was the first individual to offer him consolation. He introduced him to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who lived at Anand Bhawan in Allahabad. I vividly recall the moment he presented my father, uttering, ‘Allow me to introduce the poet and his verses.’
Amitabh Bachchan mentioned in one of his blogs that his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan always believed that he (Big B) was the “incarnation of his father”. He said, “I don’t know if I’m being true to my grandfather’s incarnate presence, but there has never been a lack of effort. The blessings of the Almighty and the affection and prayers of the elders, through good fortune, have been with me throughout, and I am indebted to them and to all who have loved and respected me since then. Immeasurable!”
Amitabh Bachchan’s revelation about his father’s inter-caste marriage highlights the societal challenges they faced. Despite opposition, his father’s connection with Sarojini Naidu and Pandit Nehru reflects the power of understanding and acceptance, transcending traditional norms. In Bachchan’s journey, the support of elders and divine blessings played a crucial role, in fostering gratitude and humility.
