'Don't threaten me': Amitabh Bachchan's cryptic message on media coverage

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has sparked curiosity with a cryptic blog post in which he appeared to take a swipe at those threatening to stop writing about him. Unfazed by the possibility of losing media attention, the Bollywood superstar suggested that he no longer depends on others to share his thoughts, as he now has his own platform to communicate with readers. 

In the post, Bachchan also reflected on his relationship with admirers, saying that physical distance would never diminish his affection or respect for them. However, it was his pointed remarks about headlines and media coverage that drew attention, particularly his declaration that he was ready to respond to one move with a hundred of his own.

Amitabh Bachchan takes a dig at media coverage

The actor began his blog entry by explaining why he had decided to write earlier than usual, joking about avoiding confusion over dates and numbering.

He wrote in Hindi: “Socha, din toh badal gaya hai, 28 se ab 29 ho gaya hai, subah ka waqt hai, baithe hain laptop ke saamne toh badal ke aaj ke din ki baat likh dete hain, taaki raat ko numbering ki galti na ho…”

(I thought, the day has already changed. It is no longer the 28th, but the 29th. It is morning, and I am sitting in front of my laptop, so let me change the date and write about today's events, so that there is no mistake in the numbering at night.)

As the post progressed, Bachchan appeared to address those responsible for turning his remarks into headlines. He suggested that threats to withdraw coverage would have little impact on him, as his blog already served as a platform for sharing his views.

The actor wrote: “Kuch chhote hain, kuch bade hain, kuch sona zyada pasand karte hain! Ab dekhiye kaise iski headline banayi jaayegi! Darao mat yaar, hamare baare mein likhna band kar doge, koi samasya nahi, hamara samachar patra ab yahan chalta hai. Tum ek karoge, hum 100 karenge!

(Some are young, some are older, and some simply prefer sleeping more! Now, let us see how they come up with a headline for this! Don't threaten me, my friend. If you stop writing about us, that's absolutely fine. Our newspaper operates here now. You do one, and we will do a hundred!)

Although Bachchan did not identify anyone in particular, his remarks appeared to be directed at those who scrutinise his statements and turn them into news.

Amitabh Bachchan reflects on his bond with admirers

Elsewhere in the post, the actor struck a more personal note as he spoke about the affection he continues to hold for his admirers, regardless of the distance between them.

He wrote: “Ho rahi hai kya? If abhi batayega thodi der mein... Nirbhar hoon unpar. Ek kuch din pehle ka lifafa khola, aur jo nikla use chhaap rahe hain... Log prashansak paas mein khade milte hain, toh achha lagta hai... Ab pichhle itwaar ko unhein bikher diya... Doori ho gayi, lekin mera sneh, pyaar aur unke prati aadar nahi gaya, aur na kabhi jaayega.”

(Is it happening? If so, he will let us know shortly. I am dependent on them. I opened an envelope from a few days ago, and whatever came out of it is being published. It feels good when admirers are standing nearby. Last Sunday, however, I scattered them. The distance may have grown, but my affection, love and respect for them have not diminished, nor will they ever.)

Amitabh Bachchan ends cryptic post with a playful challenge

The actor concluded the entry on a spirited note, using a traditional expression invoking Lord Krishna while seemingly challenging those he had addressed earlier.

“Jao! Le aao apne haathi ghode... Hum bhi le aayenge! Haathi ghoda palki, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki!

Jhoomte rehna!!!!”

(Go ahead! Bring your elephants and horses... We will bring ours too! The elephant and horse palanquin, hail Lord Krishna! Keep swinging!)