Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has reflected on the relationship between music and autism while interacting with contestant Rishabh on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), sharing an anecdote about a young child whose musical ability surprised his family.
During the conversation, Bachchan spoke about how music can serve as a medium of expression and connection for some individuals with autism. Recalling a story he had come across, the veteran actor described a child who reportedly struggled with verbal communication but displayed remarkable musical talent.
Bachchan recounted that the child’s parents were concerned about his development. One night, while the family was upstairs in their two-storey home, they heard a piano playing downstairs. The music sounded like compositions by celebrated composers Chopin and Beethoven.
Curious about the source of the sound, the parents went downstairs and were astonished to find their four- or five-year-old child playing the piano with apparent precision.
The actor said the child, who had autism and was unable to speak, was playing melodies associated with some of the world’s most renowned composers.
Reflecting on the incident, Bachchan said he felt there could be a connection between autism and music. He then encouraged Rishabh to make a positive impact through his work, expressing hope that the contestant would inspire others in the country as well as pursue his own aspirations.
Bachchan’s remarks highlighted how individual abilities and forms of expression can sometimes emerge in unexpected ways. His anecdote also brought attention to music as a potential avenue for communication and creative expression for some neurodivergent individuals.
However, autism is a spectrum condition, and musical ability varies from person to person; the anecdote shared on the show does not establish a general link between autism and exceptional musical talent.