A video showing Amitabh Bachchan seemingly scolding paparazzi outside his bungalow has recently gone viral, sparking discussions among fans and media observers. The incident, captured by onlookers, shows the veteran actor addressing the photographers stationed outside his residence, though the exact words spoken are not entirely clear in all versions of the circulated clip. Some reports suggest that Bachchan told the paparazzi "Mat Nikalo!", which roughly translates to "Don't take [photos]!".
While the specific context of the incident remains somewhat ambiguous, it's worth noting that the Bachchan family, particularly Jaya Bachchan, has had a historically strained relationship with the paparazzi. Jaya Bachchan has often been vocal about her discomfort with the constant intrusion of photographers into their personal space, and has, on multiple occasions, expressed her displeasure with the media's aggressive behavior.
In one instance, Jaya Bachchan scolded paparazzi outside Aditya Chopra's house while she was there with her daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda to mourn the loss of Pamela Chopra. Videos surfaced online showed Jaya instructing the paparazzi to maintain distance with a stern tone. She was heard saying, "Bohot ho gaya abhi, peeche jaaiye (It's enough now, go back now),". Similarly, in 2022, she reportedly chased away paparazzi from her Diwali bash at Jalsa, scolding them for behaving like intruders.
Amitabh Bachchan, while generally more reserved in his public interactions with the media, has also seemingly become more protective of his family's privacy. The recent incident outside his bungalow could be interpreted as another instance of the family pushing back against what they perceive as unwarranted intrusion.
It is important to note that Amitabh Bachchan has maintained a long-standing tradition of greeting fans outside his residence every Sunday for the past 42 years. This "Sunday darshan," as it's known, draws large crowds and demonstrates the actor's willingness to connect with his admirers. In August 2024, he even introduced his grandson, Agastya Nanda, to the gathered fans.
Therefore, the recent scolding incident may not reflect a complete aversion to public engagement, but rather a desire to control the circumstances and maintain a degree of privacy around his personal space. The incident has opened up a debate about the boundaries between public figures and the media, and the extent to which celebrities are entitled to privacy in an era of constant surveillance and social media sharing.