New Delhi, June 26, 2025 – In a significant development, the Indian
government has decided to discontinue the cybercrime awareness caller
tune featuring Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan’s voice, effective
today, June 26, 2025. The pre-recorded message, which played before
every phone call to caution users against online fraud, has been a
part of the Central government’s campaign to combat rising cybercrimes
in India. However, after months of public complaints and social media
trolling, the campaign has concluded, bringing relief to millions of
telecom users across the country. www.masalamirror.com brings you the
latest on this breaking news, exploring the reasons behind the
decision and its implications.

Background of the Cybercrime Awareness Campaign

Launched in September 2024 by the Union Home Ministry’s Indian Cyber
Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the cybercrime awareness caller tune
featured Amitabh Bachchan’s distinctive voice urging callers to stay
vigilant against phishing, fraudulent calls, and sharing OTPs or
unknown links. The 40-second message, played before every outgoing
call, was designed to educate the public about the growing threat of
cyber fraud, which affects thousands of Indians daily. The campaign
was initially praised for its intent, given the surge in digital
scams, but it soon became a source of frustration for many users.

According to sources cited by NDTV, “The campaign has come to an end,
and therefore, the caller tune will be removed from today.” The
decision follows widespread public feedback, particularly about delays
caused by the tune during emergency calls, which hindered immediate
connections.

Public Reaction and Trolling

The caller tune, while well-intentioned, sparked significant backlash,
with many users finding it intrusive and disruptive. Social media
platforms, particularly X, were abuzz with complaints, with some users
humorously mimicking Bachchan’s iconic line, “Saavdhan rahein, satark
rahein,” while others expressed irritation over the delay in
connecting calls. One X user, Pallavi Anand, trolled the actor,
writing, “Toh phone pe bolna band kro bhay (So stop saying it on the
phone).” Bachchan responded with his characteristic wit, stating,
“Sarkar ko bolo bhai, unhone jo kaha humne kar diya (Tell the
government, I did what they told me to do).”

Another user took a jab at Bachchan’s age, commenting, “Buddha sathiya
gaya (He has gone senile),” to which the megastar retorted, “Ek din,
Bhagwan naa kare voh din jaldi aaye, jab aap bhi sathiya jaaye (One
day — God forbid it comes soon — you too will grow senile).” This
exchange, widely shared on X, highlighted the public’s mixed
sentiments and Bachchan’s ability to handle criticism with grace.

The caller tune also faced formal complaints. Former Indore MLA
Sudarshan Gupta raised the issue with Union Telecom Minister
Jyotiraditya Scindia, citing instances where the tune delayed critical
calls, such as those for medical emergencies. Gupta noted, “I
personally experienced delays in calling for help during a road
accident due to the tune.” This feedback, combined with public outcry,
prompted the government to initially reduce the tune’s frequency to
2–10 times daily in December 2024 before deciding to discontinue it
entirely.

Amitabh Bachchan’s History with Awareness Campaigns

This is not the first time Amitabh Bachchan has faced scrutiny for
lending his voice to public service campaigns. During the COVID-19
pandemic, a similar caller tune featuring Bachchan’s voice advised
callers on precautions against the virus. The initiative drew
criticism after Bachchan and some family members tested positive for
COVID-19, leading to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the
Delhi High Court to remove the tune. The petitioner argued that
Bachchan’s infection undermined the campaign’s credibility. Despite
the backlash, Bachchan continued to support public awareness efforts,
and his involvement in the cybercrime campaign was seen as a
continuation of his commitment to social causes.

Why Was the Caller Tune Removed?

The decision to discontinue the caller tune stems from a combination of factors:

Campaign Completion: The government’s cybercrime awareness campaign,
launched to address the rising tide of digital fraud, has officially
concluded. Sources confirmed to NDTV that the tune’s removal aligns
with the campaign’s end.

Public Frustration: The 40-second message, played before every call,
was widely criticized for causing delays, particularly in emergencies.
Users reported difficulties in connecting promptly, which posed risks
in urgent situations.

Social Media Backlash: The tune became a subject of memes and trolling
on X, with users expressing annoyance and directing frustration at
Bachchan. Posts on X celebrated the tune’s removal, with one user,
@altamash4u, writing, “Amitabh Bachchan’s cyber fraud awareness caller
tune is being officially removed starting today! 

 #DigitalSafety.”

Government Response to Feedback: The Ministry of Telecommunications
acted swiftly after receiving complaints, including a memorandum from
Indore’s former MLA. The decision to reduce the tune’s frequency in
December 2024 was a precursor to its complete removal.

Impact on Cybercrime Awareness

Despite the controversies, the caller tune played a significant role
in raising awareness about cyber fraud. With thousands of Indians
falling victim to scams daily, the campaign aimed to educate users
about phishing, fake calls, and OTP fraud. Bachchan’s authoritative
voice lent credibility to the message, making it memorable. As one X
user noted, “The campaign was successful in spreading awareness, even
if it annoyed some people.” The government now faces the challenge of
finding alternative ways to sustain this awareness without disrupting
user experience.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Response and Public Persona

Amitabh Bachchan, known for his dignified responses, addressed the
trolling with humor and humility. His reply to critics, emphasizing
that he was following government instructions, resonated with fans who
admired his professionalism. On X, Bachchan remains active, recently
praising his son Abhishek Bachchan’s trailer for Kaalidhar Laapata,
showcasing his continued engagement with fans and the industry.

On the professional front, Bachchan was last seen in the Tamil action
drama Vettaiyan alongside Rajinikanth and is set to star in Section
84. His enduring popularity and versatility continue to make him a
beloved figure in Indian cinema, despite the controversies surrounding
the caller tune.

What’s Next for Cybercrime Awareness?

With the caller tune discontinued, the government is expected to
explore new strategies to combat cybercrime. Potential measures could
include SMS campaigns, social media awareness drives, or
collaborations with influencers to reach younger audiences. The Indian
Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is likely to continue its
efforts to educate the public, given the persistent threat of digital
scams. For now, telecom users can enjoy uninterrupted calls, a change
that has been widely welcomed.

Conclusion

The removal of Amitabh Bachchan’s cybercrime awareness caller tune on
June 26, 2025, marks the end of a polarizing yet impactful campaign.
While the initiative successfully highlighted the dangers of cyber
fraud, public frustration and practical challenges led to its
discontinuation. At www.masalamirror.com, we celebrate the resolution
of this issue and commend Amitabh Bachchan for his role in supporting
public welfare. As India navigates the evolving landscape of digital
safety, stay tuned to Masala Mirror for the latest updates on
entertainment, news, and more.

Keywords: Amitabh Bachchan, cybercrime awareness, caller tune removed,
June 26 2025, cyber fraud, Indian government, telecom campaign, social
media trolling, digital safety, Bollywood news.