Amitabh Bachchan quit politics in an emotional state, says it was a ‘difficult task’

In 1984, after the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan took an unexpected turn in his career by stepping into politics. Representing the Indian National Congress (INC), he contested from his hometown, Allahabad (now Prayagraj) and registered a historic victory with a margin of over one million votes- a record that still stands among India’s most decisive election wins.

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Why His Journey Was Cut Short?

Despite such a grand entry, Bachchan’s political innings lasted only a few years. By 1987, he chose to walk away, with his exit coinciding with the turbulence caused by the Bofors scandal. For decades, the reasons behind his decision remained largely unspoken.

Revealing the Truth on KBC 17!

On the latest season of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, the superstar finally shared what truly prompted him to quit. In a clip now circulating widely online, Bachchan admitted that the responsibilities of a politician proved overwhelming.

Big B said, “I left (politics) in a very emotional state. My birthplace was Allahabad (now Prayagraj). The people there loved me a lot. I got a vote and won the election. But when I spent a few days there, I realised that this is a very difficult task. You have to look at this side, look at that side, listen to that side, how to answer this, how to do this. It’s very difficult."

A Lesson in Grassroots India

Though brief, his tenure left a lasting impact on him. Bachchan recalled how his time in politics opened his eyes to the realities of rural India.

“The experience I had at that time, the two years I spent there, were very precious for me. Because the real life of India lives in our inner villages. From here, I came to know how the people there live, what they do. And they give so much respect whenever someone comes to fight in the election. They respect it in their own way," he reflected on the show.

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The Shadow of Bofors

Bachchan’s political career was further clouded by his alleged link to the infamous Bofors scandal in 1987, a case involving defence deal irregularities. Although his name was eventually cleared, the controversy accelerated his decision to withdraw from politics and return to the world of cinema.