'That hurt me': Amitabh Bachchan recalls being called a third rate actor abroad

Amitabh Bachchan recently reflected on a painful memory from his early international exposure while also celebrating India’s growing global stature. The veteran actor recalled being described as a “3rd rate actor from a 3rd world country” during an overseas visit, a remark he says left a lasting impact. Bachchan shared the incident while expressing pride over India’s emphatic victory at the U19 Cricket World Cup, where the Ayush Mhatre led side secured a historic sixth title.

India defeated England by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe, registering the biggest win by runs in an U19 World Cup final.

In his latest blog post, Bachchan revisited an incident at an international airport while travelling to attend a film festival abroad. He recalled spotting a local newspaper carrying a photograph from one of his films during the flight. Unable to understand the language, he asked the air hostess about it. She told him it announced the arrival of an Indian actor in the country.

After landing, the actor found himself surrounded by crowds, making it difficult to even walk from the aircraft to immigration. The situation escalated rapidly, forcing the police to intervene. Bachchan wrote, “People kept surrounding me, and it became difficult to even walk.” He was eventually escorted out of the airport and driven straight to his hotel.

In an unusual move, his immigration formalities were completed at the hotel due to security concerns. Police escorts accompanied him throughout his stay, whether he attended official events or stepped out for sightseeing. Amid this attention, a senior journalist published an article questioning the interest around him, using the line “WHY IS SO MUCH ATTENTION BEING GIVEN TO THIS 3RD RATE ACTOR FROM A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY?”

Reacting to the headline, Bachchan said the personal remark did not trouble him as much as the reference to India. He wrote that being called a third rate actor was acceptable, but describing the country as third world hurt deeply. Linking the memory to present achievements, he asserted that India is no longer viewed through that outdated lens on a global stage.