Why wasn’t Amitabh Bachchan named Inquilab?

Ajitabh Bachchan revealed that Harivansh Rai dropped Srivastava and adopted the name Amitabh Bachchan.

Family Story

Every name has a story behind it, and the Bachchan family’s tale is a fascinating one.

Harivansh Rai himself was a renowned poet who left a profound impact on Hindi literature and social thinking.

The influence of his pen and thoughts is reflected in the naming of his children.

Why did the name Inquilab stick?

At a time of independence, Harivansh Rai chose the name ‘Inquilab’ for his eldest son and ‘Azad’ for the younger.

These words symbolized the struggle and hope of that era. However, as school admissions approached, the naming was reversed.

Bachchan’s Birth…

Moving from the surname Srivastava, Harivansh Rai adopted his mother’s affectionate nickname ‘Bachchan’.

It embodied innocence, the spark of childhood, and new ideas.

It first became a pen name, then was documented, and the family’s identity changed.

Condemning the Caste Line

By abandoning the name Srivastava, which indicated caste, Bachchan openly challenged casteism.

This new surname was registered on licenses, passports, and even school registers.

This made it clear that a person’s abilities matter more than their names.

Inquilab-Azad’s fate

Ultimately, the elder son was named Amitabh, and the younger one Ajitabh.

The revolutionary vision of ‘Inquilab’-‘Azad’ remained just an idea, but the echoes of freedom continued to be heard in their everyday behavior.

Bachchan’s empire

Amitabh Bachchan ushered in a new era in Hindi cinema.

The face of ‘Angry Young Man’ emerged in ‘Zanjeer,’ and the echo of ‘Sholay’ still resonates.

His father’s thoughtful surname continues to infuse his characters with social consciousness.

Bachchan still shines

At 81, Amitabh is hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati 17.

In Tamil, his charisma remains intact in films ranging from Vettaiyan to the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD and Section 84.

He also shares thoughts on life, cinema, and family on his blog.

Inspiration from Childhood

The surname Bachchan replaced Srivastava with a glimpse of childhood innocence and rebellion.

Even today, when one hears Amitabh’s name, one is reminded of simplicity, powerful acting, and a commitment to society.

Identity Beyond Name

Bachchan explained that true identity is not derived from name, but from actions.

Harivansh Rai’s bold decision still inspires us to move forward, free from caste-based constraints.