When Mahatma Gandhi found nothing objectionable with 'Madhushala'

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Mar 04 2018 | 7:20 PM IST
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has recounted the time when his father celebrated poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan was receiving brickbats for his illustrious book of poetry "Madhushala", and revealed it was Mahatma Gandhi who came to his rescue.
The 75-year-old actor today recalled the incident at the Benares Hindu University in 1935 where his father was accused of straying the youth of the then British-ruled India by glamourising liquor.
"'Madhushala' written in 1933... Yes 1933... 85 years ago... Still bears fruits of its brilliant thought and longevity... Yet when it was first demonstrated to resounding applause and encore at the Benares Hindu University in 1935, or there about, there were the naysayers that brought threat, unsavoury proclamations, in times to come... Complaints were made to the Mahatma - Gandhi ji too...
"'There is this young man that is polluting the youth of the country by aggrandising the qualities of alcohol... Corrupting the young... And must be stopped or arrested' They complained," Bachchan wrote in his blog.
The star said Gandhi took notice of the "loud voices of dissent" and sent for his father.
"'I wish to listen to what you have been writing...' he (Gandhi) addressed, when my father was brought before him... He heard several verses from the recitation that day and spoke up..."
Bachchan wrote that after listening close Gandhi said, "But there is nothing objectionable in this...?
"Relieved, my father made a hasty exit from the great man's presence, fearing if he did not, there could be a possibility of a change of mind...

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 04 2018 | 7:20 PM IST

Next Story