Bollywood titan Amitabh Bachchan, an enduring presence in Indian cinema, recently experienced a novelty in the city that’s home to stardom and stories—Mumbai’s new coastal road. With the same curiosity and enthusiasm that he has brought to the silver screen over his illustrious career, Bachchan took to social media to share his first journey through the impressive infrastructure project.
On a day like any other, one of India’s most iconic figures settled into the backseat of his car and began a ride unlike any he had taken before. The route commenced before the renowned Haji Ali and opened out, as he described it, “Half way to Marine Drive .. a Marvel!” Through the lens of his camera, followers worldwide were given a front row seat to Amitabh’s view as he navigated the freshly minted tunnel—a symbol of progress and modernity in a city perpetually on the move. The video, shared on his social media handle, which has replaced what was formerly known as Twitter, captured both the engineering feat and the cinematic eye of the actor.
The roadway, connecting the bustling neighborhoods of Worli to Marine Lines, serves as a lifeline for Mumbaikars, easing daily commutes with its operational hours from 8 am to 5 pm via Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk and extending from 8 am to 8 pm at other entry points. True to the city’s relentless spirit, the road remains open every weekday, while weekends are reserved for the completion of remaining construction, ensuring that the coastal route not only promises but also delivers efficiency and connectivity.
Amid sharing these glimpses of urban development, Mr. Bachchan did not miss a beat in continuing another kind of tradition. Every Sunday, a sea of admirers assembles outside his residence, Jalsa, hoping to capture a moment with the superstar—a ritual the actor has upheld since 1982. This time, he uploaded an image with his back to the camera, wrapped in a kurta pyjama and shawl, as he waved to the countless fans gathered beyond his gates. The simple yet profound message accompanying the photo, “Jalsa ka dwar,” cemented his personal bond with his followers.
The actor’s accessibility doesn’t halt at the threshold of his abode. It’s a thread that weaves through his work, where he’s been seen most recently in a cameo appearance in Tiger Shroff’s ‘Ganapath’. Upcoming ventures promise more screen magic, with roles in ‘Kalki AD 2898’, a film also featuring Deepika Padukone and Prabhas, along with an appearance beside Rajinikanth in the Tamil movie ‘Vettaiyan’.
It’s evident that Amitabh Bachchan’s journey—be it through the heart of Mumbai on its coastal road or in the realms of cinema, where he continues to loom large—is marked by a pursuit of excellence, a willingness to embrace the new, and an unshakable connection to the public, who have remained staunchly by his side through the epochs of his career. His inaugural ride may have ended, but the roads he continues to pave for his audience, on and off screen, are testament to a journey that still captivates and inspires, much like the city he calls home.
