Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Amitabh Bachchan's Name and Surname: A Family History
The Bachchan family has an interesting origin.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan's father, chose the surname 'Bachchan' to reject the caste system.
He originally used it as a pen name.
Amitabh was almost named 'Inquilab,' meaning revolution, because he was born during India's fight for independence.
The surname was officially adopted when Amitabh was enrolled in school.
His mother, Teji Bachchan, used to affectionately call Harivansh 'Bachchanwa,' which he later adopted as his writing name.
The family continues to honor Harivansh's choice.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan rejected his original surname, Srivastava, due to his opposition to the caste system.
Amitabh Bachchan was almost named 'Inquilab', a reference to India's independence movement.
Ajitabh Bachchan, Amitabh's brother, revealed details about the family's history.
The surname 'Bachchan' originated from Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poetic nom de plume.
Teji Bachchan gave the name 'Bachchanwa' to Harivansh Rai.
- Who
- Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ajitabh Bachchan
- What
- The origin of the Bachchan surname and Amitabh's early naming.
- When
- Recently.
- Where
- Not specified.
- Why
- To reject the caste system and during the Independence struggle.
- Original Surname
- Srivastava
- Adopted Surname
- Bachchan
- Father's Name
- Harivansh Rai Bachchan
- Amitabh's Original Name
- Inquilab
- Mother's Name
- Teji Bachchan
Sources
Amitabh Was To Be Named 'Inquilab', Brother Reveals: ‘Bachchan Surname Adopted To Reject Caste’
Amitabh Bachchan’s father almost named him ‘Inquilab’, reveals brother Ajitabh: ‘Adopted Bachchan surname to reject caste’
