MUMBAI: At a time when writers, filmmakers and historians have revolted against a rising culture of intolerance towards freedom of speech, Indian cinematic icon Amitabh Bachchan, a widely followed celebrity on social media platforms, says he’s always cautious about expressing himself to avoid “unwanted controversy”. With over 20 million Facebook fans, a Twitterati of 17.5 million, and a growing “extended family” on his blog, the 73-year-old son of legendary poet Harivanshrai Bachchan was aptly titled the ‘Social Media Person of The Year’ by an association earlier this year. He often writes about trivia related to his past, present and future projects; shares his views on life in general and social issues; talks about his weaknesses, his family members, especially his grandchildren; but what Big B mostly avoids is commenting on sensitive issues. Is he reluctant about sharing his views freely? “That’s a discretion I will exercise because there is a certain vulnerability with celebrities,” Big B told IANS. “We (celebrities) are vulnerable to almost everything. There are times when something we may have spoken could have created a controversy… So, there is a certain amount of cautiousness that I exercise,” he added. But there are actors and film-makers who share their thoughts on socio-political matters without a second thought. “God bless them,” exclaimed the thespian, adding that he finds such people “very brave, honest, frank and strong”. He also said that if he is ever forced into commenting on something, “I will perhaps not be able to give an adequate reply, or I will excuse myself from it because either I don’t have the right answers or I don’t wish to make comments on it.”