When the rich and famous speak, people listen. When Arundhati Roy puts her weight behind the Narmada Bachao Andolan, the movement undoubtedly gathers more eyeballs. When Aamir Khan spotlights issues in Satyamev Jayate , consciences are pricked. That’s a fact. So, it the duty of celebrities to assume leadership roles in society? As indeed Roy and Khan have done? And as leaders of society, are they duty-bound to speak up, maybe set an example?

Amitabh Bachchan’s fan following crosses the generational divide; he is likely the single most-loved individual in India (sorry, Sachin). Yet, he has never been known to take a position on any issue. For this reason, his halo had sort of dulled for many. Becoming the face of Narendra Modi's Gujarat only rubbed chilli powder into these wounded feelings.

It took the self-appointed spokesperson of the nation to provide some perspective on this . Arnab Goswami in a surprisingly composed avatar but armed with a quiver full of questions on the late-night show, Frankly Speaking , bullied and badgered Amitabh on various issues, including his ambivalence on matters that matter. Without once losing his cool, the actor confessed that he preferred to play safe and steer clear of controversy for his own safety and that of his family. He said he was an artist and wanted to be left alone to do what he did, and that he was simply not capable of taking up issues. It was not for him.

That’s when the penny dropped. After all, he didn’t become an actor to become a leader in society. And not even he could have dreamed how successful he was to become. Some choose to be activists and work towards that, with or without celebrityhood. There are others we try to force into the role. Amitabh Bachchan not only cannot be forced, he positively rejects this role.

The interview certainly clarified many things. But first let me say: Amitabh, all is forgiven, please come home, back into my heart.

Deputy Editor

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW