Not for nothing is legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan revered by millions of fans in India. Bachchan, known for his grace and courtesy, bowled over fans on Tuesday after he apologised to a disgruntled cartoonist for sharing his sketch without credit on Twitter.
The anonymous handle, @Roflindian, had sketched a tribute to RK Laxman who passed away on January 26, showing a weeping Common Man - an iconic creation of Laxman. Bachchan tweeted out the same image from his handle @SrBachchan hours later with no credit to the cartoonist.
This is how the events unfolded:
This tweet posted by @Roflindian paid tribute to Laxman.
Goodbye R K Laxman. It's a heartbreak for the common man. A humble tribute. pic.twitter.com/wdnCdXofAD
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 26, 2015
After Bachchan tweeted it, @roflindian reacted.
Dear @SrBachchan sir, thanks for sharing my sketch. Would greatly appreciate a mention. Best regards.
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 27, 2015
But there was no immediate response from Bachchan.
Did not expect this sort of 'not giving two hoots' attitude from the icons. pic.twitter.com/QtL3GIQK8l
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 27, 2015
Media sites also used Bachchan's tweet.
No insinuations against @SrBachchan. I have the deepest respect for him. Could be a genuine case of oversight.But @IndiaToday how could you?
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 27, 2015
But fans gave Bachchan the benefit of doubt.
@Roflindian I think you can tell @PBnrg and @juniorbachchan what happened.
I don't think Amitji noticed what went wrong.
β Sanjib Chakravorty (@isanzc) January 27, 2015
@isanzc Maybe tomorrow... But I really do not want to see BigB humiliated over this. Not worth it.
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 27, 2015
And then finally the man himself responded. The joy! Oh the joy!
T 1751 - A clarification : the cartoons on RK Laxman's passing are the creative outputs of @Roflindian .. I got them on my mail and posted !
β Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 27, 2015
And floored everyone with his grace.
T 1751 - @Roflindian thank you for the sketches on RK Laxman, they are quite remarkable. I got them on email. Did not know you had done them
β Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 27, 2015
Including the cartoonist.
@SrBachchan I'm honoured Sir. A few words of praise from you, a gigantic leap in self worth and faith for me.
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 27, 2015
@SrBachchan Just one of them Sir - the weeping common man. Thank you. Its an honour for me, finding a place in your mentions.
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 27, 2015
Thanks @SrBachchan sir. You sure know how to overwhelm your fans. #DeepestRespect
β Roflindian 2.0 (@Roflindian) January 28, 2015
And everyone else on the Internet.
@Roflindian Glad it worked out, Doc. What a graceful response by @SrBachchan
β @v@ (@_a_v_a) January 28, 2015
@Roflindian@SrBachchan Honesty is the best policy. And it never hurts. I Bless you both! Tathastu!
β Bhagwan (@Main_Bhagwan) January 28, 2015
That ended well.