With the stir over cancellation of Pakistani artist Ghulam Ali’s concert here marring India’s secular image, megastar Amitabh Bachchan opted for a cryptic way to send out a message that an artist belongs to no ‘caste or creed’ and is ‘universal’.
“I am Amitabh Bachchan…and I do not know my caste or creed…I am universal and find no reason to bring differentiation among us all,” Big B shared on his official blog.
The scrapping Ali’s concert in Mumbai after the Shiv Sena’s protest has faced flak from the society, with artists saying music knows no boundaries and the art form should be kept out of politics.
The cine icon, who has carved a place for himself with his performance-oriented films like “Don”, “Black” and “Paa”, noted that his father and late poet Harivanshrai Bachchan instilled the values of treating all caste equal in him.
He shared: “My Father did best…he removed caste altogether in our birth…a non de plume became our identity, and shall continue to do so ever, now..But that has never come in the way of any discretion or wiser counsel”.
“‘Bachchan’ his non de plume or his revolution, did not signify any caste creed or side…it conveyed equality and a levelling among us all…and it shall remain ever after”.
The actor, who will be seen on the small screen with show “Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi”, said that surnames are used to define one’s nationality, which is not wise.
“Surnames give nationality and an inkling of the where how and who, within our own backyard…this may often not be considered prudent, but in today’s times, one would fall short of argument in defending either aspect,” said the 72-year-old.