Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 3: As India embraced the new year, megastar Amitabh Bachchan took a moment to remember the eminent personalities who passed away in 2024, each of whom had played a pivotal role in shaping the nation. From Ratan Tata to Manmohan Singh, India bid farewell to several distinguished figures from various fields.
Sharing an evocative post on social media, Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to these “heroes” with an image titled “Our heroes in heaven.” The illustration featured doodles of Ratan Tata, Shyam Benegal, Zakir Hussain, and Manmohan Singh, accompanied by the powerful message: “A Parsi, a Muslim, a Sikh, and a Hindu passed away in 2024, and the whole nation mourned and remembered them only as Indians!”
The post resonated with many, reinforcing the theme of India’s unity in diversity. Bachchan, known for his insightful reflections, wrote, “…the picture says it all.” His tribute garnered heartfelt reactions from social media users, with many praising the thoughtfulness of his words. One user commented, “One nation, One religion ~ Humanity,” while another wrote, “How thoughtful.”
Among the individuals remembered were:
- Manmohan Singh: The former Prime Minister of India passed away on December 26, 2024. Known for his role in India’s economic reforms in the 1990s, Singh served as the 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His leadership during significant economic transitions earned him admiration, both in India and internationally.
- Zakir Hussain: The legendary tabla maestro and son of Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15, 2024. His fusion of traditional tabla rhythms with global influences left a lasting impact on music worldwide.
- Shyam Benegal: The renowned filmmaker and director of acclaimed films such as Ankur, Mandi, Nishant, and Junoon passed away on December 23 at the age of 90. Benegal was instrumental in shaping Indian cinema, addressing social and political issues with depth and sensitivity.
- Ratan Tata: The industrialist-philanthropist, who passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86, was a giant in India’s business world. As the chairman of Tata Trusts, he made significant contributions to philanthropy. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on India’s industrial landscape.
Each of these figures represented a diverse aspect of Indian society and left behind a legacy that transcended their respective fields. Amitabh Bachchan’s tribute beautifully encapsulated the unity that binds the country together, irrespective of differences.