Big B talks about life before modern conveniences, adapting to changes
Mumbai, June 8
Bollywood's "Shahenshah" Amitabh Bachchan has written a note talking about witnessing the dramatic evolution of technology across generations.
"...An enlightened day .. filled with the knowledge unknown to me , simply because we came from the era of the 1942's , when due to the circumstances we grew up in, due to limited means .. and the ignorance of inventions and its making ... (sic)."
"When you have lived through that period of the unknown , or the limitations that it produced , it is difficult for the new generation to assimilate what we mean .. at times .. they are right .. but so are we ..(sic)"
The megastar took to his blog and looked back at a time when telephones, refrigerators, and air-conditioners were luxuries beyond reach. He also spoke about the wonder and excitement that accompanied each new invention.
"When you don't know what a telephone is and you do not possess one .. when you do not know what a frigidaire is and do not have one .. when you do not know what air-conditioning is and do not have one .. and when the possession comes after your means improve, it is baffling and perplexing for this generation to wonder our excitement and exclaim, if we are sane or not..."
Acknowledging the gap in understanding between generations, he noted that while today's youth may find such excitement hard to relate to, they too will one day experience similar amazement as technology continues to advance.
"But soon, and that can happen most shortly , the way tech progress storms its way through, this very generation shall be facing similar astonishment to new and fresh adventurous discoveries ..(sic)."
The icon added that even at his age, he remains eager to "play catch up" and embrace the modern world rather than simply watch it pass by.
"It is the desire and the absolute determined thought word and deed for us at this age to play 'catch up' .. .. many may not wish to .. perhaps just sit back and allow the World to go by... (sic)"
"Many however still wish to be educated on this modernisation process, not necessarily to have the ability to contribute to it , but have the will to luxuriate in the present circumstance .. YES ... NO .. two of the most expressions to be expressed.."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm from Gen Z and honestly, I find this perspective so refreshing. We take so much for granted - ordering food with a tap, video calling grandparents, streaming movies instantly. Big B's humility in wanting to "play catch up" at his age is inspiring. More seniors should be like him instead of just complaining about how everything was better before!
I think there's something beautiful about the simplicity of that era too. Yes, technology is wonderful, but sometimes I wish we could slow down like they did. My mother tells me how they used to sit and talk for hours without phones. But I'm glad Mr. Bachchan is embracing change rather than fighting it - that's the real shahenshahi spirit! 👑
While I respect AB's nostalgia, I think we should be careful not to romanticize the past too much. Those "limited means" he mentioned meant real hardship for many Indians who couldn't afford basic necessities, not just missing out on cool gadgets. But I agree with his core point - every generation has its own excitement and challenges with technology. Balance is key.
As someone who moved to India from the US, this resonates deeply. Both countries have seen such transformation, but it feels different here - like you can almost touch history. Mr. Bachchan's observation about how we'll soon be the ones feeling outdated is spot-on. I already feel behind with all these new apps and AI stuff! 😅
It's lovely how Amitabh ji writes with such honesty. But sometimes I wonder - while we're all running to "catch up" with the
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