Amitabh Bachchan recalls being 'eve-teased' at Miranda House, says it taught him empathy for women
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan revisited a candid college memory on the popular quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati, sharing how a playful encounter at Delhi University's Miranda House gave him an early, firsthand understanding of what women experience when subjected to teasing. The anecdote, shared during a special episode alongside actress Madhuri Dixit, left the studio audience in splits.
What Happened at Miranda House
Recounting the incident, Bachchan described his very first visit to the all-women's college, where girls seated on a hostel balcony called out remarks about his walk. In his own words: 'Main aapko batana chahta hoon is waqt thodi si sensitive baat hai.. Jis din hum pehli dafa Miranda House mein ghuse to balcony pe baithi jitne hostel ki ladkiyan thi bole aay hay kya chaal hai..' — meaning, the moment he stepped onto campus, the students on the balcony commented, 'Hey, look at the way he walks.'
The Moment of Empathy
Rather than brushing the memory aside as a lighthearted moment, Bachchan drew a deeper reflection from it. He said: 'Aur tab hum ko pata chala ki ek mahila ke dil mein kya hota hai jab is tarah se uski ched-chaad hoti hai' — translating to, 'That was when I understood what goes on in a woman's heart when she is subjected to this kind of teasing.' He elaborated that such an experience is impossible to truly grasp until it happens to you personally.
Madhuri Dixit's Reaction and Bachchan's Punchline
Actress Madhuri Dixit, who was present on the special episode, couldn't resist asking what he had done in that moment — 'To kya kiya aapne?' True to his trademark wit, Bachchan delivered the punchline: 'Bhag gaye aur kya' — 'I ran away, what else.' The quip drew laughter from the audience and Dixit alike.
Why the Anecdote Resonated
The story stood out not just for its humour but for the broader point Bachchan made — that empathy often requires lived experience. His candid admission that he 'didn't know what to do' in that moment, and that the incident made him reflect on women's everyday experiences, struck a chord with viewers. This comes at a time when conversations around street harassment and gender sensitivity remain prominent in India's public discourse. Notably, Kaun Banega Crorepati regularly features celebrity guests who share personal anecdotes alongside contestants, and Bachchan's reminiscences frequently draw significant attention across social platforms.