Real Surname: Srivastava
Amitabh Bachchan’s actual surname is Srivastava.
His family belongs to the Kayastha community.
Very few people are aware of this, as the world recognizes him as amitabh Bachchan.
The Role of Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Amitabh’s father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was a renowned poet.
He originally carried the Srivastava surname but later chose a different path.
To break away from caste-based identity, he started using a new name.
Origin of “Bachchan”
“Bachchan” was initially used as a literary pen name by Harivansh Rai.
The word “Bachchan” in hindi means childlike or innocent.
The nickname came from his wife (Amitabh’s mother), who often said:
“Bachchanva kidhar hai?” (Where is the child?)
Inspired by this, Harivansh Rai adopted “Bachchan” as his poetic identity.
Transition into a Family Surname
Over time, the pen name “Bachchan” became more than just a literary identity.
It transformed into a family name, marking a conscious break from caste traditions.
Harivansh Rai decided that his children would also carry the name Bachchan.
School Admission of Amitabh
The turning point came when Amitabh was admitted to school.
Instead of writing “Amitabh Srivastava,” his father registered him as amitabh Bachchan.
This was a deliberate choice to discard caste-linked surnames and create a new legacy.
A New Family Legacy
What started as a simple pen name became a permanent surname.
The Bachchan family has since been known by this name in literature, films, and society.
The shift reflected a progressive step, embracing individuality over caste identity.
About Ajitabh Bachchan
Ajitabh Bachchan, Amitabh’s younger brother, also carries the Bachchan surname.
Unlike his brother, Ajitabh stayed away from films and pursued a business career.
He once revealed in an interview how their family transitioned from Srivastava to Bachchan.
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