Amitabh Bachchan shares ‘3rd Rate Actor’ insult story, hails India’s journey to ‘first in the world’

Amitabh Bachchan’s passion for India goes far beyond cinema. The Millennium Star, an ardent sports lover and loyal Team India supporter, recently celebrated the nation’s emphatic victory at the U19 Cricket World Cup.

Under Ayush Mhatre’s leadership, India clinched a record sixth title, crushing England by a massive 100-run margin at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe - the largest win ever recorded in an U19 World Cup final.

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For Big B, it wasn’t just another trophy. It was proof of India’s growing dominance across the world stage.

When Stardom Stopped an Airport

What followed one of his overseas trips became an unforgettable memory. The moment Bachchan stepped off the aircraft, crowds surged toward him, turning the airport into a sea of chaos.

“People kept surrounding me, and it became difficult to even walk," he remembered.

“The chaos grew so intense that the police had to pull me out of the crowd, escort me out of the airport, and drive me straight to my hotel."

The situation escalated so much that immigration procedures had to be completed at his hotel - something he described as a first. Throughout his stay, police escorts accompanied him wherever he went.

The Insult That Stayed

Amid the frenzy of admiration, an old headline resurfaced in his memory - one that cut deep.

A senior journalist had once questioned the attention he received with the line: “WHY IS SO MUCH ATTENTION BEING GIVEN TO THIS 3RD RATE ACTOR FROM A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY?"

While Bachchan brushed off the personal attack, the remark about India left a lasting scar.

“The ‘third-rate actor’ comment was acceptable to me," he wrote.

“But calling India a third-world country hurt deeply."

From “Third World” to “Number One”

Today, the Paa actor believes the narrative has completely changed. Linking past prejudice to present triumphs, he highlighted India’s achievements across formats of cricket and beyond.

“I repeat this today for clarity," he wrote.

“U19 Cricket, India, World Champions. Blind, Women’s, Men’s cricket, all world champions. We are number one. First in the world. We are not a third-world country anymore. We are a first-world nation."

Ending on a patriotic note, he declared, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!"

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On the Work Front

The veteran actor was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, continuing to blend cinematic legacy with moments of heartfelt nationalism.