From Silver Screen Legend to "Tiger Song" Icon: Preity Zinta’s Kids See Amitabh Bachchan Through a New Lens
Mumbai, India – The latest season of Amitabh Bachchan‘s immensely popular television quiz show recently premiered to much fanfare, welcoming Bollywood luminaries Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, and Aamir Khan as its inaugural guests. Amidst the lively banter and engaging questions, a heartwarming revelation from actress Preity Zinta offered a fresh perspective on the enduring appeal of the veteran star, particularly among the youngest generation.
In a charming exchange with the legendary host, Preity shared that even her own children are devoted fans of Mr. Bachchan. The conversation began with a playful riddle from the actress, who turned to Big B and asked, "Sabse jyada film industry mein joh mere gharmein popular hain, aap guess kijiye woh kaun hain" (Guess who is the most popular person from the film industry in my house?). With his characteristic wit, Big B feigned modesty, replying, "Koi bhi nahi." (Nobody). A ripple of laughter swept through the studio before Preity unveiled the delightful truth: the ‘Sholay’ actor holds a truly unique and special place in her children’s hearts.
Preity Zinta’s Kids Know Amitabh Bachchan Through His Songs
What truly captivated the audience was Preity’s revelation that her children know the megastar not primarily for his iconic film roles, but for his beloved musical number, "Mere Paas Aao Mere Dosto," from the 1979 blockbuster ‘Mr. Natwarlal.’
"Aap, not for your movies, sorry mere bacche aapka woh ganna sunte hain, they tell me mom sher wala gaana.. mere paas aao mere… woh joh aap kartein hain na jingle tunes, so my kids always do that," Preity explained, her voice brimming with affection. (You! But not for your movies. My kids listen to that song of yours. They tell me ‘Mom, play the tiger song… Mere Paas Aao Mere…’. That jingle tune you do, my kids are always doing that). This charming anecdote painted a picture of a new generation connecting with a cinematic legend through the whimsical melody and playful imagery of a "tiger song," rather than the dramatic narratives of his extensive filmography.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Witty Take on Being Remembered as ‘KBC Uncle’
Preity’s candid confession sparked a wave of amusement in the studio, prompting Amitabh Bachchan to share his own insightful and humorous take on how the younger demographic perceives his illustrious five-and-a-half-decade career in cinema.
"Chaliye dhanyawaad hain kisi film se humara sambandh rakhetin hain woh.. itne bacche milte haina, woh apne mummy-daddy aakarke yaha boltein hain, sir humara chota baccha hain 5 saal ka picture dekhtein hi bolta hai Sir, KBC uncle.. yaani 50-55 saal hogaye kaam karte huye, itni filmo mein kaam kia hain kisi character kaa naam hi nahi lete hai, sirf unko KBC yaad ata hain," Big B quipped, acknowledging the shifting tides of recognition. (Well, thank you, at least they associate me with some movie! So many parents come up to me and say, ‘Sir, our 5-year-old child sees your photo and says, Look, KBC Uncle.’ Meaning, after working for 50-55 years in movies and doing so many films, nobody remembers any character’s name; they only remember KBC). His observation, delivered with characteristic self-deprecating humor, underscored a fascinating phenomenon: for many contemporary children, his identity is inextricably linked to his role as the beloved host of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati,’ overshadowing the vast body of his cinematic work.
The revelation about the "tiger song" and the "KBC Uncle" moniker offers a unique glimpse into the evolving ways in which public figures are perceived across generations. It highlights the power of popular culture beyond traditional cinematic narratives, demonstrating how a catchy tune or a universally recognized television persona can create an indelible impression on young minds.
About ‘Mr. Natwarlal’
For those unfamiliar, the delightful track "Mere Paas Aao Mere Dosto," now a favorite among Preity Zinta’s children, hails from Amitabh Bachchan’s highly successful film, ‘Mr. Natwarlal.’ Released in 1979, the movie featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Ajit, Kader Khan, and Amjad Khan. The film’s memorable music was composed by Rajesh Roshan, with lyrics penned by the esteemed Anand Bakshi, creating a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, young and old, decades later.
