Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan on why he meets fans barefoot outside his house for past 41 years
PETALING JAYA, June 7 ― Every Sunday, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan makes it a point to meet his legion of fans gathered outside of his Jalsa residence in Mumbai.
The 80-year-old actor has made it his weekend ritual despite work commitments.
While standing barefoot on a raised platform and under the watchful eyes of his many bodyguards, Bachchan smiles, waves and does Namaste by folding hands in front of his chest, much to the delight of his cheering fans.
This usually goes on for over a minute and he’s been doing it for the past 41 years.
A typical Sunday for Bachchan includes saying hi to a sea of fans outside his house. ― srbachchan.tumblr.com
In a recent blog post, he shared several photos of one such audience, including photos of children.
“Poor kids,” he posted.
“They shall never know why they were subjected to this torture!”
To prevent dehydration, he’s installed four containers of drinking water for those who wait outside in the heat.
“I felt they wait for hours in this sweltering heat, so to provide them drinking water with lime to quench their thirst ... four containers, two on either side of the gate... over and above the matka (earthen pot) that is permanently there during the day and night.”
He also explained why he did the meet and greet barefoot after people have sarcastically commented: “Who goes out wearing socks and barefoot?”
“I say, ‘I DO!’ ... you got a problem with that!!?? You go to the temple barefoot ... My well-wishers are my temple !!”
