“Don’t Do This!”: Why Amitabh Bachchan Was Upset When Abhishek Banerjee Touched His Feet

New Delhi, May 5, 2026: In a candid and revealing interview that has captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike, versatile actor Abhishek Banerjee recently revisited a memorable, albeit initially nerve-wracking, encounter with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. While many might expect a meeting with the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood to be purely celebratory, for Banerjee, it became a profound lesson in professionalism and the importance of equality on a film set.

The incident took place during the initial days of shooting for their upcoming project, Section 84. Having grown up watching and admiring the cinematic icon, Banerjee admitted that he was physically overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.

A Moment of Awe and Instinct

For Abhishek Banerjee—who has carved a niche for himself with roles in acclaimed projects like Stree, Paatal Lok, and Stolen—meeting Amitabh Bachchan was not just another professional assignment; it was a career milestone.

“I was in awe. I was shivering on the set, having goosebumps,” the actor shared in a recent conversation. Driven by traditional Indian upbringing, where touching the feet of elders is considered the highest form of respect, Banerjee instinctively bent down to pay his respects to the veteran actor upon their first meeting.

However, the response was not what he expected. Instead of a blessing, the gesture drew a sharp, immediate reaction from Bachchan.

“I went for his feet, naturally. But he got very upset with me,” Banerjee recalled. “He immediately said, ‘What are you doing? Why are you doing this?’ I was so confused because Indian families teach this only—touching the feet of the elders.”

The Lesson Behind the “Scolding”

The confusion was short-lived. Following the incident, Banerjee sought clarity and spoke with the film’s director, Ribhu Dasgupta. The explanation he received shed light on why Bachchan, despite his immense stature, prefers to interact with his colleagues as an equal.

Banerjee explained, “The director told me that Amitabh sir doesn’t like this because he feels that the minute you do that, you are not a co-actor. You are already putting him on a pedestal.”

The takeaway for Banerjee was clear: Bachchan does not want to be viewed as a legendary patriarch figure on set, but rather as a fellow artist.

“I realized that he doesn’t want to be seen as an old man. He wants to be like a co-actor, a co-worker,” Banerjee noted. “He is such a professional man that he wants to see everyone as an equal, so that you don’t underperform. That is so cool.”

A Gold Standard of Professionalism

Beyond the initial shock, the incident left a lasting impression on Banerjee regarding the nature of the industry and the work ethic of the megastar. He praised Bachchan for possessing an incredible lack of ego, paired with a level of dedication that surpasses that of even the younger generation of actors.

“There is no ego in that man, but there is more professionalism than any actor I have worked with,” Banerjee emphasized. “I am including all the younger ones. Nobody in this industry is as professional as Amitabh Bachchan.”

Banerjee also shared how the tension eventually melted away when they discovered a shared personal connection—they both attended Kirori Mal College in Delhi. This common ground helped bridge the gap, allowing the professional dynamic to flourish.

A Legacy of Humility

This anecdote highlights the rare brand of humility that has defined Amitabh Bachchan’s decades-long career. By rejecting the “pedestal” that admirers often place him on, he ensures that the creative energy on set remains collaborative.

For Abhishek Banerjee, the experience served as a masterclass in more than just acting. It taught him that while respect is vital, the greatest tribute an actor can pay to a legend is to stand tall as a professional peer, ready to deliver their best work alongside them.

As fans eagerly await the release of Section 84 later this year, this behind-the-scenes revelation provides a heartwarming glimpse into the mutual respect and professional camaraderie that fuels modern Indian cinema.