Amitabh Bachchan emotional at 84: mother Teji Bachchan's voice stirs KBC
Synopsis
Just a day before turning 84, Amitabh Bachchan was caught off-guard on live television — a recording of his late mother Teji Bachchan reciting a Harivansh Rai Bachchan poem reduced the seemingly unshakeable megastar to visible emotion, offering a rare, unscripted window into the man behind India's most enduring screen persona.
Key Takeaways
Amitabh Bachchan was visibly moved on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati on 10 October during a birthday-week special.
A recording of his late mother Teji Bachchan reciting 'Raat Aadhi Ho Gayi Hai' — a poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan — was played in the studio.
Big B said: 'Maa ki aawaaz hai yeh...
Haan, woh Babuji ki ek kavita gaa rahi hain..' Teji Bachchan passed away in 2007 ; Amitabh has spoken often about her lasting influence on his life.
Amitabh Bachchan turns 84 on 11 October and continues to work on KBC and multiple other projects.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was moved to tears on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) during a special birthday-week celebration on 10 October 2026, as a recording of his late mother Teji Bachchan reciting a poem filled the studio — just a day before he turns 84.
The Emotional Moment
The poignant scene unfolded when a recording of Teji Bachchan reciting 'Raat Aadhi Ho Gayi Hai' — a poem penned by her husband and celebrated Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan — was played on the show. Monochrome photographs of a young Amitabh with his mother were simultaneously projected on screen, accompanied by Teji's soulful voice.
Recognising the voice immediately, a visibly overwhelmed Big B paused and addressed the audience: 'Maa ki aawaaz hai yeh... Haan, woh Babuji ki ek kavita gaa rahi hain..' ('This is my mother's voice... Yes, she is singing a poem by Babuji'). The studio fell silent as the veteran actor absorbed the moment.
A Tribute from the Next Generation
Adding to the emotional atmosphere, a young child and dancer paid tribute to the megastar, saying: 'Amitabh Bachchan ji sirf ek superstar, host ya pita nahi... balki ek emotion hain, Hindustan ka emotion' ('Amitabh Bachchan ji is not just a superstar, a host or a father... he is an emotion, the emotion of India'). The tribute underscored how deeply the actor has woven himself into India's cultural fabric across generations.
Teji Bachchan's Lasting Influence
Over the years, Amitabh Bachchan has spoken at length about the profound influence his mother had on his life and career. Teji Bachchan passed away in 2007, yet her presence continues to be invoked by the actor in personal reflections and public appearances alike. The KBC moment served as a rare and unscripted glimpse into the private grief and love that the otherwise composed star carries.
At 84, Still Going Strong
Despite turning 84 on 11 October, Amitabh Bachchan reportedly continues to maintain a demanding work schedule, hosting KBC alongside multiple film and other projects in the pipeline. His longevity and work ethic remain a talking point in the Indian entertainment industry, where he is widely regarded as an institution unto himself.
As he enters his 85th year, the birthday-week celebration on KBC offered both a personal milestone and a reminder of the literary and artistic legacy that shaped him.
Point of View
Rather than the blockbuster releases, that sustain his emotional grip on audiences. Indian celebrity coverage rarely pauses to examine the private inheritance of artistic legacy; this KBC segment did, and it landed harder for it.
NationPress
10 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Amitabh Bachchan get emotional on KBC?
Amitabh Bachchan was moved to tears when a recording of his late mother Teji Bachchan reciting a poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan was played on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati during a birthday-week special on 10 October. The poem, 'Raat Aadhi Ho Gayi Hai', was accompanied by monochrome photographs of a young Amitabh with his mother.
When did Teji Bachchan pass away?
Teji Bachchan, mother of Amitabh Bachchan and wife of noted Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, passed away in 2007. Amitabh has frequently spoken about her profound influence on his personal and professional life.
What poem was recited by Teji Bachchan on KBC?
The poem recited was 'Raat Aadhi Ho Gayi Hai', composed by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the celebrated Hindi poet and Amitabh's father. The recording featured Teji Bachchan's own soulful rendition of the verse.
How old is Amitabh Bachchan turning in 2026?
Amitabh Bachchan turns 84 on 11 October 2026. Despite his age, he reportedly continues to maintain an active schedule, hosting KBC and working on multiple upcoming projects.
What tribute did a young performer pay to Amitabh Bachchan on the show?
A young child and dancer described Amitabh Bachchan as 'not just a superstar, a host or a father, but an emotion — the emotion of India,' reflecting the multi-generational reverence the actor commands in Indian popular culture.
