For countless Hindi film lovers, Amitabh Bachchan stands as an unrivaled cinematic legend. But for actor Jaideep Ahlawat, the superstar’s films were not just entertainment — they were woven into the very fabric of village life. Appearing on the upcoming episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Ahlawat shared a memory so unusual and heartfelt that even Bachchan himself appeared visibly surprised on stage.
Jaideep revealed that in his village, the arrival of a newborn child marked not only family celebrations but also a ritual screening of Bachchan’s classics — Deewar, Zanjeer, and Don. “Whenever a baby was born,” he recalled, “the festivities included playing your films. Because of this tradition, I must have seen each of those movies at least a hundred times.” The anecdote left the audience delighted, showcasing how deeply Bachchan’s performances had permeated generations.
The tradition did not end with films. Ahlawat shared that the audio cassette of Sholay served as the cultural soundtrack of his childhood. During major festivals such as Holi and Diwali, villagers gathered and listened to the complete cassette — dialogues, music, and every dramatic pause — from beginning to end. For Jaideep, Bachchan’s work was not merely cinema; it was communal celebration.
The same episode also features actors Manoj Bajpayee and Sharib Hashmi, on the show to promote The Family Man 3. Manoj, too, brought with him a cherished memory — his first encounter with Amitabh Bachchan nearly 28 years ago, during the screening of Satya. Recalling the moment with a mix of humour and awe, Manoj shared how a well-known film journalist tricked him out of his car to force a meeting he was trying desperately to avoid.
Nervous and overwhelmed, Manoj fled into a washroom and locked himself inside. When he finally stepped out, he found Abhishek Bachchan waiting to greet him. Moments later, the legend himself appeared. “Time just stopped,” Manoj said. “Amitabh sir held my hand and was talking to me, but I couldn’t hear anything. My mind went completely blank.” Summoning courage, he asked, “Sir… may I hug you?” Bachchan agreed, embracing the young actor warmly.
Decades later, on the KBC stage, Manoj asked for — and received — another hug, turning the moment into an emotional full-circle for both actor and audience.
