Amitabh Bachchan’s Cyber Fraud Caller Tune to Be Discontinued from Today Amid Public Backlash
Amitabh Bachchan's Cyber Fraud Caller Tune to Be Discontinued from Today Amid Public Backlash
The government’s cybercrime awareness caller tune featuring Amitabh Bachchan has officially been discontinued starting Thursday, following a surge in public complaints. Sources confirmed to NDTV that the pre-recorded message — part of a national campaign to raise awareness about online fraud — has reached its end.
The caller tune, which played automatically whenever users made phone calls, had sparked criticism for delaying urgent communications, especially during emergencies. Many users expressed frustration over the tune acting as an unnecessary barrier in high-pressure situations.
In recent weeks, the campaign also drew backlash online, with trolls targeting the Bollywood legend for his continued presence in such public service messages. Responding to the criticism, Mr. Bachchan clarified on social media that he was simply following government instructions. When a user sarcastically told him to “stop saying it on the phone,” he responded:
“Sarkar ko bolo bhai, unhone jo kaha humne kar diya”
(“Tell the government — I only did what I was asked to.”)
When another user commented on his age, the veteran actor fired back with wit:
“Ek din bhagwan na karein who jaldi aaye, ap bhi sathiya jaayenge. Parantu humarein yaha kahawat hai – jo satha, who patha”
(“May that day not come soon, but you too will grow old. We have a saying — with age comes wisdom.”)
This isn’t the first time Mr. Bachchan has faced criticism over such initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a similar caller tune in his voice led to a public interest litigation demanding its removal after he and his family tested positive for the virus.
With the cybercrime awareness campaign now concluded, telecom users can expect regular call connectivity without the now-controversial message.
