Amitabh Bachchan on Abhishek: 'He took all my shoes long ago'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan charmed audiences with a witty, heartfelt anecdote about his son Abhishek Bachchan during the Diwali special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, after fellow actor Ranbir Kapoor — appearing as a guest — posed a candid question about the father-son dynamic.
The Question That Sparked It All
Ranbir asked Amitabh to name one quality he shares with Abhishek and one that sets them apart — with a playful caveat. 'Sir ek aisi quality hai jo aap mein aur Abhishek mein common hai, aur ek aisi quality jo completely different hai... kya woh hume bata sakte hain?' Ranbir said on the show. He added with a grin that height was off the table as an answer.
Amitabh's Trademark Response
Reaching for a folk saying, Amitabh offered a response that drew instant laughter from the studio audience. 'Bahut pehle humne suna tha ki agar pita ke joote putra pehenna shuru kar de, toh fir woh putra nahi hota, woh mitra ho jata hai... Bhai saheb, unhone bahut pehle hamare joote le liye the, aur jitna jootha tha hamare paas sab unke paas pahunch gaya hai,' he said. The remark — loosely translating to the idea that a son who steps into his father's shoes becomes a friend — was equal parts humour and affection.
A Bond Built On Screen and Off
The Bachchan father-son duo have shared the screen in a string of memorable films, including Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkar, Sarkar Raj, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and Paa. Their most unconventional collaboration came in Paa, where the roles were dramatically reversed — Abhishek played the father of Amitabh's character Auro, a young boy living with progeria, a rare condition that causes accelerated ageing. Abhishek reportedly described the experience of playing his real-life father's on-screen father as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Abhishek's Admiration for His Father
Over the years, Abhishek Bachchan has consistently spoken of the elder Bachchan as his biggest inspiration. In various interviews, he has described himself as Amitabh's greatest fan, recounting memories of growing up watching his father's films and being struck by his dedication to craft and his ability to reinvent himself across decades. The Diwali special episode offered yet another public window into a relationship that is as much about mutual respect as it is about family.