The much-discussed cyber fraud awareness caller tune, featuring Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, will be discontinued from today. The message, which warned users about the rising threat of cyber fraud, was part of a government initiative to educate the public on this growing issue.
The caller tune, a pre-recorded message that played each time a user made a phone call, was initially introduced to help combat the increasing cases of cybercrime. However, its removal comes after mounting complaints, with many users claiming that the message was causing delays in emergency calls, preventing immediate connection when needed.
A source close to the matter confirmed the discontinuation, explaining that the campaign had now concluded, and the tune would no longer be heard after today.
While the government’s intention was to spread awareness, the actor, Amitabh Bachchan, faced criticism and online trolling for his involvement in the campaign. In response to the backlash, the actor shared a post on social media, which read: “Ji haan huzoor, main bhi ek prashansak hoon. Toh??”, which roughly translates to, “Yes, sir, I’m also a fan. So??”
One user responded, urging Bachchan to stop speaking over the phone with the phrase, “Toh phone pe bolna band kro bhay” (So stop talking on the phone). In a witty reply, the actor responded, “Sarkar ko bolo bhai, unhone jo kaha humne kar diya” (Tell the government, I did what they told me to do).
The actor’s response to another critic, who targeted his age, was equally sharp. He said, “Ek din bhagwan na karein who jaldi aaye, ap bhi sathiya jaayenge. Parantu humarein yaha kahawat hai – jo satha, who patha” (God forbid it comes soon – you will grow senile. But we have a saying here: ‘The older, the wiser’).
This is not the first time Amitabh Bachchan has faced such criticism. Previously, his voice was also used in a caller tune to spread awareness about the precautions against the Coronavirus. This also sparked controversy, leading to a public interest litigation in the Delhi High Court, seeking the removal of his voice after he and his family members contracted the virus.
The discontinuation of the cyber fraud caller tune marks the end of a campaign that had mixed reactions. While the awareness drive had a noble cause, the practical issues it raised have led to its swift conclusion.
