The Bachchans and the Gandhis once shared one of India's most high-profile friendships, with ties dating back to the close bond between poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan's wife, Teji Bachchan and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The friendship extended to the next generation, as Amitabh Bachchan and Rajiv Gandhi grew up together and remained close friends for years.
Their relationship became even more prominent in 1984 when Rajiv Gandhi persuaded Amitabh Bachchan to enter politics. Agreeing to Gandhi, Bachchan contested elections from Allahabad and he won by a handsome margin. However, his political career was short-lived and became overshadowed by the Bofors controversy. Although Amitabh was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, the allegations reportedly caused significant personal and professional distress.
Key Turning Points
Close friendship between Teji Bachchan and Indira Gandhi
Amitabh Bachchan's long-standing bond with Rajiv Gandhi
Amitabh's entry into politics in 1984
The Bofors scandal and its aftermath
Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991
Following Rajiv Gandhi's death, reports of a growing distance between the Bachchans and the Gandhi family began to surface. Over the years, several theories have emerged about the fallout, ranging from misunderstandings after Rajiv's death to political and personal differences. However, neither family has publicly disclosed the exact reason behind the rift.
(Image: X)
Mystery Behind Gandhis-Bachchans' fallout
A widely discussed claim surfaced through journalist and former MP Santosh Bhartiya's book, which alleged that a disagreement involving financial assistance after Rajiv's death may have deeply hurt Sonia Gandhi. However, neither the Gandhi family nor the Bachchans have publicly confirmed this account. Therefore, it remains an unverified claim.
Despite decades of speculation, Amitabh Bachchan has consistently avoided speaking negatively about the Gandhis. In past interviews, he has stated that there is 'no anger' or 'ill feeling' towards the family. He further added that relationships do not require daily interaction to survive and insisted that he continues to respect the Gandhi family.