Sr Bachchan and his junior bahu can cause a civil war

The hottest pair of Bollywood's first family - the senior Bachchan and his junior bahu - can easily cause a civil war in secular India!

This was proved right yet again when Canadian stand-up comedian Russell Peter aired his view about the acting capabilities of the first daughter-in-law - Ms Rai-Bachchan.

As she's been bestowed the crown by over zealous fans, let's leave the Kapoors alone. Anyways the Kapoors have always been in a league of their own. And so was Amitabh Bachchan until the green-eyed beauty decided to add his pedigree to the only feather in her cap - the Miss World title.

Russell's words were not a prepared malicious assault. His comments came while promoting his latest flick. It was purely his opinion when he uttered, "Aishwarya is the biggest example of bad acting." He also said, "She is still good looking, isn't that good enough?" But the damage was done. 

A beautiful face and flawless skin might make a star, definitely not an actor - is an age-old truth. Sad to learn adulation of stars has reached fanatical proportions. Years ago, when a temple was built in Tamil Nadu in Kushboo's name, Bollywood tabloids blasted the South Indian culture. Wonder why they are quiet now when women activists are demanding an apology from Russell. Well, that's another topic at war - Bollywood versus regional cinema! So be it.

No Indian, media or otherwise, can be absolved from the crime of not letting an opinion be just that - an opinion.

But then, that's the pied piper effect of the Bachchan duo. They seem to lead yet another sect among the already caste-infested Indian diaspora so much so serious allegations and character assassination cases in Bollywood go without a hearing expect for the femme fatales involved who get two-minutes in the limelight recalling the sounds of boots.

No wise person will expect mademoiselle to speak up because she does not utter a word unrehearsed. And there can be no robotic comment to a truth told loud! But surprisingly, Sr Bachchan who seems off late to have taken up the role of spokesperson and chaperon of his son's wife has chosen to remain silent, too. But don't we see a pattern in his silence?

Remember, how the pregnancy was declared during the IIFA weekend that the family boycotted. That was a cheeky propaganda to be present in absentia. The same logic applies here. While the bahu has shut herself through family way, the more this issue simmers the better it is for the Bachchan brand!