# Gen-Z Just Flipped *Baghban*'s Script: Is Amitabh Bachchan the Real Villain? Imagine watching a Bollywood classic you grew up with, only to have TikTok teens declare the "evil son" a total **green flag**—while calling the heroic dad the problem. That's exactly what's happening with 2003's *Baghban*, and even actor Samir Soni is cheering it on.[1][2] Two decades after *Baghban* guilt-tripped audiences into siding with Amitabh Bachchan's retired banker Raj Malhotra and Hema Malini's devoted wife, a viral Gen-Z reel is rewriting the narrative. The influencer dissects key scenes: When Samir Soni's character Sanjay questions his dad's lack of savings, fixed deposits, or gratuity after a lifelong bank career, it's painted as practical parenting, not disrespect. The emotional music manipulates viewers to see Sanjay as the bad guy, despite his valid concerns about financial planning.[2][1] She also spotlights the late-night typewriter fiasco—Sanjay politely asks his dad to type during the day or switch to a laptop, considering his wife Divya Dutta's exhausting routine of housework, school runs, and a job. Amitabh's refusal? Labeled rigid entitlement, not sacrifice. Even Karwa Chauth gets a rethink: Sanjay's family opts to eat out when dad skips the café, framed as neglect but really just normal life priorities.[2] Samir Soni, who played the much-maligned Sanjay, reposted the reel on Instagram with a triumphant caption: **"Finally, some redemption after 20 years. Just love the new generation."** He admits post-release backlash painted him as the "bad son," but Gen-Z's fresh eyes see Sanjay's punctuality, respect for his wife's needs, and calm communication as peak partner material.[1][2] This rewatch fever ties into broader critiques of *Baghban* as a **guilt-trip masterpiece**. Older takes slam it for portraying kids as villains for having jobs, families, and boundaries—like not upending lives for parents who treated them as "fixed deposits" without real savings. Privacy pleas and financial realism get drowned in sanskaar overload and sad violins.[3][4] Gen-Z isn't just memeing; they're sparking real debate on generational duties, retirement planning, and toxic family dynamics. Is *Baghban* outdated propaganda, or does it still hit home? What do **you** think—was Sanjay a green flag or the ultimate ungrateful son? Drop your take in the comments below, share this post if it made you rewatch the film, and tag a friend for the ultimate *Baghban* argument!
Image: Generational family clash, courtesy Unsplash
Citations
1.https://www.indiaforums.com/article/gen-z-calls-amitabh-bachchan-the-problem-in-baghban-samir-soni-says-finally_231695
2.https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/redemption-after-20-years-samir-soni-reacts-to-gen-z-influencer-calling-his-baghban-character-green-flag-criticising-amitabh-bachchans-role
3.https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/baghban-rewatch-problematic-things/
4.https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/bollywood/117154-baghban-review-parents-kids-relationships-guilt-trip-toxic.html
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