This image was posted on Amitabh Bachchan's official blog.
Mumbai:
With the stir over cancellation of Pakistani artist Ghulam Ali's concert, that largely affects India's secular image, Amitabh Bachchan opted for a personal way to send out a message that an artist belongs to no 'caste or creed' and is 'universal'.
"I am Amitabh Bachchan and I do not know my caste or creed. I am universal and find no reason to bring differentiation among us all," Big B shared on his official blog.
The decision to cancel Mr Ali's concert in Mumbai after protest from political group Shiv Sena, has faced much criticism from the society, with artists saying that music knows no boundaries and the art form should be kept out of politics.
The iconic actor, who has carved a place for himself with his performances in films like Don, Black and Paa, noted that his father and late poet Harivanshrai Bachchan instilled certain values in him, which definitely includes treating all caste and creed as the same.
He shared: "My Father did best. He removed caste altogether in our birth. A non de plume became our identity and shall continue to do so ever, now. But that has never come in the way of any discretion or wiser counsel".
"'Bachchan', his non de plume or his revolution, did not signify any caste creed or side. It conveyed equality and a levelling among us all and it shall remain ever after," he added.
The actor, who will be seen on the small screen with show Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, said that surnames are used to define one's nationality, which is not wise. (Also Read: There Was Fire on the Sets of Big B's TV Show. What He Did)
"Surnames give nationality and an inkling of the where how and who, within our own backyard. This may often not be considered prudent, but in today's times, one would fall short of argument in defending either aspect," said the 72-year-old.
"I am Amitabh Bachchan and I do not know my caste or creed. I am universal and find no reason to bring differentiation among us all," Big B shared on his official blog.
The decision to cancel Mr Ali's concert in Mumbai after protest from political group Shiv Sena, has faced much criticism from the society, with artists saying that music knows no boundaries and the art form should be kept out of politics.
The iconic actor, who has carved a place for himself with his performances in films like Don, Black and Paa, noted that his father and late poet Harivanshrai Bachchan instilled certain values in him, which definitely includes treating all caste and creed as the same.
He shared: "My Father did best. He removed caste altogether in our birth. A non de plume became our identity and shall continue to do so ever, now. But that has never come in the way of any discretion or wiser counsel".
"'Bachchan', his non de plume or his revolution, did not signify any caste creed or side. It conveyed equality and a levelling among us all and it shall remain ever after," he added.
The actor, who will be seen on the small screen with show Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, said that surnames are used to define one's nationality, which is not wise. (Also Read: There Was Fire on the Sets of Big B's TV Show. What He Did)
"Surnames give nationality and an inkling of the where how and who, within our own backyard. This may often not be considered prudent, but in today's times, one would fall short of argument in defending either aspect," said the 72-year-old.
