Why Amitabh Bachchan Dislikes the Word ‘Bollywood,’ and the Reason Is Surprisingly Sweet

During an engaging interaction with 11-year-old contestant Pranusha Thamke from Bela Bhandara, Maharashtra, in a special KBC Junior episode, Amitabh Bachchan revealed that he dislikes the word “Bollywood.”

Indian Film Udyog: Bachchan’s Preferred Term for Indian Cinema

Pranusha, a lively young fan of K-pop and a self-proclaimed bathroom singer, shared her admiration for the Korean music industry. When Amitabh Bachchan admitted he had recently learned about K-pop, he mistakenly referred to it as a group. Pranusha quickly corrected him, explaining that K-pop is not a single group but an entire industry comprising numerous groups and artists, much like “Bollywood” in India.

This comparison prompted Amitabh Bachchan to respond with a surprising statement: “Don’t call it Bollywood, I don’t like that word.” He then suggested an alternative, asking Pranusha to refer to it as “Indian Film Udyog” (Indian Film Industry). Bachchan’s intention behind this preference appears to be rooted in promoting unity within the Indian cinema landscape, moving beyond regional and linguistic distinctions.

Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Pan-Indian Cinema

Bachchan’s sentiments reflect a growing trend in the Indian film industry where the lines between regional cinemas are blurring. South Indian stars like Allu Arjun, Prabhas, Yash, Ram Charan, and Jr. NTR have found massive success in Hindi-speaking markets with films like Pushpa, Bahubali, KGF, and RRR. Conversely, Bollywood actors such as Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn and Amitabh himself have made notable appearances in South Indian films, further showcasing this cultural integration.

Notably, Baahubali director S.S. Rajamouli’s pan-Indian approach revolutionised the industry, making it clear that Indian cinema cannot be confined to regional labels. Films like Jawan featuring Shah Rukh Khan, with South Indian actors Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi, exemplify this seamless collaboration.

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The Message of Unity

Amitabh Bachchan’s call to move away from the term “Bollywood” resonates with many in the industry who believe that cinema is a universal art form that transcends geographical boundaries. South Indian actors like Dulquer Salmaan, Ramcharan and R. Madhavan have also expressed similar views, advocating for Indian cinema to be recognised as one entity rather than being compartmentalised based on language or region.

As language barriers fade and collaborations flourish, Bachchan’s simple yet profound statement on KBC serves as a reminder that cinema, at its core, is about storytelling. Whether it’s Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, or Kannada, it’s all part of one grand narrative that is the Indian Film Udyog.

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