Articles related to: Amitabh Bachchan

Friday, February 16, 2007

If rumours are to be believed, Amitabh Bachchan is likely to contest the presidential election, and if elected will be the 12th President of India! Amitabh's name is doing the rounds among the probable candidates for India's highest constitutional position.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the current Indian President would vacate the office in July, and hence there is talk about Amitabh becoming India's future President. It must be remembered here that the superstars brief advent in politics earlier had proved to be a disaster, and he himself had ruled out any involvement in politics.

Amitabh, on his hand is silent, not confirming or denying the talk. Amar Singh, Bachchan's trusted confidante was non-committal: "You can go ahead and say anything... make Amitabh Bachchan a PM or President. Big B is like a kite. Let's see how far he can fly..."

Asked about Amitabh Bachchan's name doing rounds for the President's post, TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu supported this, and questioned what was wrong if he was elected as the President. It remains to be seen if this is true.

By: Arya Aiyappan
Friday, February 16, 2007

The gunshot is fired and the mad race has begun. With five months to go before the country gets ready to welcome their new President, the grapevine goes that the maestro, Big B has also enrolled himself in the tussle for India's highest post.

A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the present President of India is vacating his office in July and speculations are going round and round as to who would occupy the chair once it falls vacant. With President Kalam's tenure nearing an end, the question regarding the prospective successor arises in every mind. The most esteemed post of the First Citizen has many contenders this time. Veteran CPI (M) leader, current Lok Sabha speaker and member of the Indian Parliament Somnath Chatterjee, Congress candidate Dr Karan Singh, Vice President of India Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Power Sushil Kumar Shinde and the Big B of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan are some of the names reverberating in the media circles.

Politics and cinema have always shared a close liaison. They have been very interdependent and mutually inclusive to the extent of sharing a good rapport of exchange. While veteran politicians are vying for the presidential post, the stalwart of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan is also reported to be planning to participate. That a fair chance should be given to one and all qualified for a post is indeed the ideal, however a post as exalted as that of the President has many responsibilities towards the nation. In fact the President is the representative of the country, the delegate chosen by the nation's elected members.

One cannot repudiate Mr. Bachchan's candidature as a free citizen of the country.The pertinent question of diplomatically handling precarious situations of urgency looms large in the background Hardly can we draw any parallel between A P J Abdul Kalam and Amitabh Bachchan. Bachchan is undisputedly the shining star in Bollywood, but entertainment has its own limitations as against the political scenario. To make the most appropriate decision at the opportune moment is as crucial as not being a mere rubber stamp. As the supreme commander of the armed forces the President is consulted for sensitive issues pertaining to defence and congenial relationships between countries. Mr. Bachchan has been the brand ambassador for many goods but being the ambassador of the country is indeed too heavy a baggage to bear.

Abdul Kalam's erudite experiences have definitely come handy but Mr. Bachcan who has been in the limelight for reasons other than diplomacy has to definitely go for a second opinion before he zeroes down on his decision. Mr. Bachchan backed by the Samajwadi party member Amar Singh and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu, had endured the bitter experiences of venturing into politics, years before. There is no denying the fact that the Bollywood icon has immense potential and one can never write him off. However we are unable to foresee the future, when Mr. Bachchan could break off all shackles and prove to be one who urges beyond his limitations.

Cinema showcases dreams and slices of reality and to hold the post of a President is no child's play, but vested with responsibilities. Records are meant to be broken and miracles do occur!