While the actor was honoured with Uttar Pradesh government’s highest cultural honour, the Yash Bharti, the decision has not gone down well with several political parties, cultural groups and students.

Abhishek, who was presented with Rs 5,00,000 as cash prize in a ceremony in Gomti Nagar (Lucknow), is the fourth member of the Bachchan family to receive the award. Previously, Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav honoured the actor's parents Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.

According to president, Lucknow University Students Union, Bajrang Singh, Abhishek does not qualify for the award. He protests, "Mulayam Singh has converted this award into a private affair. This is an insult to the state. The basic criterion of this award is that it should be given to somebody who has contributed to the welfare of the state. Abhishek has done nothing in that regard."

It is has been alleged that Abhishek has been given the honour because his father, Amitabh, has close ties with the party's leadership. The Senior Bachchan has often been seen sharing the dais with Singh and Samajwadi Party secretary general Amar Singh at various political and private functions.

Previous awardees include luminaries like his grandfather Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Kaifi Azmi.