Meet The Real Harivansh Rai Bachchan

"We have all heard Amitabh Bachchan extolling the virtues of his poet father and reciting his precious and inspiring verses quite often. But, who was the real Harivansh Rai Bachchan? This Society interview dated July 1983 tries to decode the enigma that he was."

- Seema Paul

Ever since Papa and Mama Bachchan entered their new Gulmohar Park residence, the gossip sessions at the posh journalist colony of Delhi have started to revolve around the well-known parents of an even better known son. Women have started to spice their conversation with references to Teji Bachchan to establish their society status, children excitedly recount instances in which they came face to face with the Padma Bhushan winning poet whom they recognise as Amitabh Bachchan’s father, and the media has found an interesting topic for gossip.

The Bachchan and their activities hit the deadlines last month. It seems Teji Bachchan made a frantic call to the PM at 1, Safdarjung, when her residence lights failed in the middle of an important party. The lights were restored within a record 35 minutes even though it was a major breakdown. Earlier, when a policeman was posted outside their house, Hindustan Times even carried a cartoon.

The Bachchans needed to be protected from their numerous fans. Journalists residing in Gulmohar Park often complain and crib that the Bachchans have segregated themselves from their neighbours and colony-wallahs. But, the accusation does not hold any truth. Teji Bachchan socialises and attends the colony welfare association meetings regularly. A few were held at her residence. And, the Bachchans made the highest donation—Rs 250, when the colony children decided to hold a fete. The children felt highly obliged and as a reciprocal gesture made Harivansh Rai Bachchan their chief guest.