The man, the legend and the voice of strength Amitabh Bachchan undoubtedly continues to stand tall even after decades in cinema. His monumental success wasn’t just crafted overnight but carved through years of resilience, discipline and especially through the timeless words of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan – the legendary Indian poet and writer. As the superstar turns 83, we look back at how Amitabh Bachchan’s father’s thoughts which weren’t just poetic lines but became the guiding light behind his unshakable spirit and lifelong commitment to his hardwork , turning him into one of the most respected figures in the country.
“If Things Don’t Go Your Way, It’s Still for the Best”
In an old press conference, Amitabh once recalled a life-changing lesson his father taught him. “Mann ka ho toh accha, na ho toh aur bhi accha,” his father would say. At first, he didn’t understand the meaning. When he asked, Harivansh Rai Bachchan explained him saying, “If things happen your way, that’s good. But if they don’t, they’re happening according to a divine force and that divine force will never think ill of you.”
These words stayed with him for life. They taught him patience, acceptance and belief that life’s course is always leading us somewhere meaningful even if it’s not what we planned.
“So Long as There Is Life, There Will Be Struggle”
Another important teaching came during Amitabh Bachchan’s early struggles. When he told his father, “Life is a struggle,” his father then replied with a million-dollar line, “So long as there is life, there is going to be struggle.”
That simple truth became one of Amitabh’s strongest beliefs which taught him to face hardships without any despair, as he once shared, “If we accept this, life becomes easier. Every day brings new challenges. Some will work out, some won’t but there will always be another day to start again.” These words built the mindset which helped him overcome the lowest phases of his career including financial crises and health battles.
“Agneepath”: A Poem that leads Path of Fire & Courage
Few poems in Indian literature are as powerful as Agneepath written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Its verses “Tu na thakega kabhi, Tu na thamega kabhi, Tu na mudega kabhi…” have deeply influenced Amitabh Bachchan throughout his life.
The poem became a metaphor for his own journey with its message of endurance and perseverance echoed in the way he rebuilt his career after every setback. The lines of Agneepath remind us that even when life burns, one must keep walking with strength and faith.
The Question That Changed His Perspective
In a throwback heartfelt blog, Amitabh once shared a story from his youth days when he was frustrated and angry, which led him to ask his father, “Why was I born?” His father didn’t answer immediately. The next morning, he handed Amitabh a handwritten poem that began with, “Zindagi aur zamane ki kashmakash se ghabrakar mere ladke mujhse poochhte hain, hamme paida kyun kiya tha?”
The poem explained that life has always been filled with struggle and every generation carries it forward and to which Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s response wasn’t just poetic , it was profound. It made Amitabh realize that questioning life isn’t weakness; it’s part of understanding it. From that moment, he saw purpose in persistence.
“My Father’s Legacy Is What I Carry”
In many interviews, Amitabh has humbly said, “I have no legacy. My father’s legacy is what I am interested in, and I shall always try to further it.” For him, success isn’t measured by awards or fame but by how deeply he can honour his father’s values throughout. And it shows how the connection between Amitabh Bachchan and Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s wisdom runs beyond blood, it’s a shared philosophy of courage, humility and learning.
The Eternal Inspiration of “Madhushala”
Among all his father’s works, Madhushala remains closest to his heart, as over the years he often recites its verses and finds new meanings each time. The poem’s reflections on life’s choices, confusions and contradictions have always reminded him to stay grounded and thoughtful despite fame and attention.
He once said that Madhushala isn’t just about wine, it’s about life’s journey and how one chooses to drink from the cup of experience.
Amitabh Bachchan’s story is proof that wisdom passed down through words can shape destinies. His father’s lessons on acceptance, courage and persistence became his compass through every phase of life.
As we celebrate the icon turning 83, his journey reminds us that greatness isn’t born it’s built through lessons, resilience and an unbreakable belief in one’s path.
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