Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan (27 November 1907 – 18 January 2003) was a legendary Indian poet and writer of the Nayi Kavita literary movement and the pioneer of the Chhayavaad (specifically Halavaad) era of Hindi literature. Best known as the creator of the iconic poetry collection Madhushala, he was also a fierce opponent of the caste system and chose his pen name, “Bachchan,” to replace his traditional surname, Srivastava. He is the father of Indian cinema megastar Amitabh Bachchan