In a heartwarming and amusing moment on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan took a lighthearted approach to a contestant’s comparison of him with the immensely popular Telugu star, Allu Arjun. Bachchan, while acknowledging the admiration, urged the contestant not to compare him to Arjun, despite his own appreciation for the actor's remarkable talent. This episode not only showcased Bachchan's wit and humility but also highlighted the respectful camaraderie that exists between the two prominent actors, who have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
The contestant, Rajni Barniwal, a homemaker from Kolkata, was a self-professed fan of both Amitabh Bachchan and Allu Arjun. As Rajni shared her admiration for both icons, Bachchan playfully teased her about her affection for Arjun. Rajni responded earnestly, saying, "Sir, I am a fan of both Allu Arjun and you." To this, Bachchan jokingly remarked, “Adding my name is not going to make any difference now.” Despite the jest, it was clear that Bachchan held a genuine respect for Arjun's craft and achievements.
Taking the opportunity to praise Allu Arjun, Bachchan stated, “Allu Arjun is an incredibly talented artist, and the recognition he has received is well-deserved. I’m also a huge fan of his. Recently, his movie was released, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you should watch it. But don’t compare me to him.” With his characteristic humility, Bachchan distanced himself from any comparisons, though his admiration for Arjun was evident.
The contestant, however, continued to express her thoughts, drawing parallels between the two actors. Rajni highlighted the similarities in their cinematic entrances and their shared style in performing comedic scenes, particularly the mannerisms where both Bachchan and Arjun famously bite their collars and blink their eyes. This observation struck a chord with Bachchan, who playfully responded by asking her to name a specific film where he exhibited such quirks. Rajni, ever the fan, promptly cited his role in the classic 1977 film Amar Akbar Anthony, where Bachchan’s iconic persona displayed similar gestures, adding another layer to the connection she saw between the two stars.
Rajni, unable to contain her admiration, also mentioned that both Bachchan and Arjun’s voices possess a certain "richness" that makes them stand out in their performances. She explained how meeting Amitabh Bachchan had fulfilled her dream, and the only thing left on her wish list was to meet Allu Arjun in person. Amitabh, ever gracious, thanked Rajni for her kind words and praised Allu Arjun’s body of work, acknowledging that Arjun had made significant contributions to Indian cinema and had earned every bit of his success.
This exchange between Amitabh Bachchan and Rajni Barniwal not only provided a delightful moment for the audience but also underscored the mutual respect and admiration between two acting giants of different film industries. Allu Arjun, who was recently promoting Pushpa 2: The Rule, had expressed his admiration for Bachchan during an interview. He shared, “Amitabh ji inspires me the most. I like Amitabh Bachchan the most because we have grown up watching his films. He had a great influence on us as we grew up. So if I have to say it in one word, I would say that I am a big fan of Amitabh ji."
In response to Arjun’s tribute, Bachchan expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the admiration from the younger actor and praising his immense talent. Arjun’s words highlighted how Bachchan’s influence transcends generations, inspiring actors and audiences alike, not just in Bollywood but across the entire Indian film industry.
This conversation, full of warmth and mutual respect, also reflected the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where regional film industries such as Tollywood and Bollywood are increasingly coming together in admiration of each other's contributions. The camaraderie between Amitabh Bachchan and Allu Arjun, as well as the admiration shared between them and their fans, proves that talent knows no boundaries. Whether in the form of a playful moment on a game show or through the heartfelt tributes of fellow actors, the bond between these two stars continues to shine brightly in the world of Indian cinema.
Bachchan’s witty and humble response, paired with Allu Arjun’s admiration for him, reflects the deep respect that the younger generation holds for the icons who shaped the film industry. For fans, this exchange was a reminder of the enduring legacy of Amitabh Bachchan and the promising future of actors like Allu Arjun, whose talent is undoubtedly paving the way for the next generation of stars in Indian cinema.
