How Amitabh Bachchan’s father chose ‘Bachchan’ surname inspired by mother’s affectionate ‘Bachchanwa’

Ajitabh Bachchan, younger brother of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, recently shared the story behind their family name. He revealed that their father, celebrated poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, deliberately replaced the original surname “Srivastava” with “Bachchan” as a statement against India’s caste system.

In an interview with RJ Sachin, Ajitabh explained that Harivansh Rai first used “Bachchan” as a pen name. The word, meaning “child-like” in Hindi, was a term of affection used by his mother. “She would call him, ‘Bachchanwa kidhar hai?’ He liked that and began using it as his writing name,” Ajitabh recalled. Over time, the pseudonym became the family’s official surname when Amitabh was enrolled in school, marking a conscious rejection of caste-based identity.

Ajitabh also revealed fascinating details about the names originally intended for him and his brother. “My brother was five years older, and my father wanted to name him Inquilab, because he was struggling for independence. My name was to be Azad. I was born in Independent India,” he said. He added that his daughter, a painter, has even created portraits reflecting the names “Inquilab” and “Azad.”

Ultimately, Amitabh became the first in the family to formally use “Bachchan” as a surname. It has remained the family identity ever since, representing a blend of literary legacy and a bold statement against caste distinctions.

At 81, Amitabh Bachchan remains one of the most active figures in Indian cinema. He is currently hosting the 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, a show he has helmed for over twenty years. On the film front, he was recently seen in his Tamil debut Vettaiyan and is preparing for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD as well as the courtroom drama Section 84. Beyond acting, Amitabh maintains a personal blog where he shares reflections on life, cinema, and family.

The story of the Bachchan surname stands as a reminder of Harivansh Rai’s literary vision and social consciousness, and it continues to resonate through Amitabh’s enduring career and family legacy.