Did Amitabh Bachchan Reflect on His Political Journey?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Amitabh Bachchan reflects on his emotional political journey.
- His experience highlighted the challenges of political life.
- He emphasized the importance of understanding rural India.
- His political career was marked by a significant electoral victory.
- He faced controversies, leading to his resignation.
Mumbai, Sep 24 (NationPress) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan is reflecting on his past political endeavors. A segment from the recent episode of the quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ features the actor engaging with a contestant about his experiences in politics.
In the clip, he reveals, “I departed (from politics) in a very poignant manner. Allahabad (currently known as Prayagraj) is my birthplace. The affection from the people there was immense. I received a vote and secured the election victory. But after spending a few days in that environment, I came to understand that it is an incredibly challenging role. You must consider this aspect, acknowledge that perspective, respond appropriately, and navigate various situations. It’s extraordinarily tough.”
Nevertheless, the esteemed actor characterized his political experience as a valuable lesson, stating, “However, the insights I gained during that period, those two years were extremely significant for me. The true essence of India resides within our rural communities. It was there that I learned how these individuals live and what they engage in. They extend such respect whenever someone contests an election. They honor it in their own unique way. You might have experienced this as well.”
Big B has had a brief yet impactful involvement in politics. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and reportedly delivered a provocative address post the former Prime Minister's death. That year, he ran for the Lok Sabha from Allahabad and achieved a historic victory with a margin exceeding 1 million votes, marking one of the most significant electoral wins in India’s political timeline.
Throughout his short stint in politics, Big B concentrated on cultural and social matters, utilizing his celebrity influence to highlight public issues. However, his foray into politics soon became contentious. In 1987, allegations emerged linking him to financial misconduct related to the Bofors scandal, although he was never formally charged. The scrutiny surrounding these claims, coupled with his unease in the political arena, prompted him to resign from active politics the same year.
Post-resignation, he distanced himself from political engagements and returned to his film career, though he occasionally supported public initiatives.