Overview

• In a new interview with RJ Sachin, Ajitabh Bachchan says their father deliberately dropped the caste-identifying surname Srivastava.
• He recounts that the pen name Bachchan, inspired by Teji Bachchan’s affectionate “Bachchanwa,” became the family’s formal surname.
• Ajitabh says Amitabh, born during the freedom struggle, was nearly named Inquilab, and his own intended name was Azad.
• Amitabh was the first to be officially registered as Bachchan when he was admitted to school, cementing the shift away from caste identity.
• Ajitabh notes his daughter has painted portraits titled Inquilab and Azad, and adds that Amitabh, 81, is currently hosting KBC season 17.