Amitabh Bachchan

October 11, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, in Prayagraj, India, is an Indian film actor, film producer, television personality, occasional playback vocalist, and former politician. Bachchan has worked with some of the top filmmakers and actors in the industry throughout his five-decade career. He has also won numerous awards for his roles in films such as “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Namak Haraam,” “Deewar,” “Anand,” “Abhimaan,” “Sharaabi,” and “Sholay.” In every sense of the term, he is a superstar. Today, on his birthday, we look back at everything this actor has achieved throughout his career.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Amitabh Bachchan

Nickname:

Angry Young Man, Shahenshah of Bollywood, Star of the Millennium, Big B

Birth date:

October 11, 1942

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

6' 2"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$400 million

Background

If Bollywood were a shrine of entertainment, Amitabh Bachchan would be the god we would all pray to. Bachchan’s name has been associated with acting excellence and his status as a global superstar is immaculate. Before pursuing a career in film, he worked as a business executive in Calcutta and performed in theatre. Bachchan made his big-screen debut in “Seven Indians” (1969), and for his portrayal in “Anand,” he won the first of his many Filmfare Awards. Bachchan’s versatility was well-known, and several of his roles displayed his singing, dancing, and comedic abilities.

Bachchan had acted in over 35 films by the end of the 1970s and was widely considered India’s most excellent cinema star. His fame grew to the point where he became a cultural phenomenon, attracting vast groups of adoring followers wherever he went. In 1982, a near-fatal accident during his movie “Coolie” production sparked a nationwide prayer vigil for his recovery. A while later, Bachchan decided to enter politics after being influenced by his friend, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He was overwhelmingly elected to India’s parliament in 1984 but resigned from his position in 1989. Bachchan made a comeback in 1990, winning a National Film Award for his role as a mafia don in “Agneepath.” He eventually became the chairman of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd., a film production and event management company. However, the business was beset by financial problems, and Bachchan eventually resumed his acting career.

From 2000 until 2006, Bachchan hosted the Indian equivalent of the American and British sensation “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, “Kaun Banega Crorepati.” His easygoing demeanor and charisma helped the show become one of India’s most popular television shows. Bachchan earned another National Film Award for “Black,” as well as one for his performance in the drama “Paa” (2009). He made his Hollywood debut as a minor part in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” when he was 70 years old.

Career timeline

1973

The Beginning of His Stardom

Bachchan emerges into popularity as a new persona — the angry young guy in “Zanjeer,” which many performers rejected.

1975

His All-Time Bestseller

“Sholay” is a huge box office success and earns INR 350 million.

1983

He Takes a Break

His job as an actor is affected by Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular condition.

2005

He Collaborates With Other Director

He provides the voice for Luc Jacquet's Academy Award-winning French documentary “March of the Penguins.”

2013

He Makes an Appearance in Hollywood

Bachchan co-stars opposite Toby Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio in the film “The Great Gatsby,” where he plays Meyer Wolfsheim.

Why We Love Amitabh Bachchan

He is open to new challenges
In “Paa,” he dares to test the boundaries and accepts the challenge of playing a child at the age of 67. The story follows the interaction between a kid and his parents who have a rare genetic disorder known as progeria. In real life, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are father and son, yet in “Paa,” they portrayed opposing characters.
He is super down-to-earth
Bachchan is incredibly humble for one of the highest-paid actors, and he is frequently seen connecting with his fans. To him, being human is more than just a name.
The experience speaks for his exemplary attitude
He is a model of royalty and professionalism at all times. Big B is unlikely to get involved in any controversies in the media.

5 Surprising Facts

His statue is in Madame Tussauds Museum
He is the first Asian star to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London.
He owned the first vanity van
Bachchan received the first vanity van in Bollywood as a gift from Manmohan Desai.
He is ambidextrous
Bachchan is ambidextrous, which means he can use both hands and perform exceptionally well.
He loves stationary
He is a watch and pen collector, and every year on his birthday, the German brand Mont Blanc sends him a one-of-a-kind pen.
He played many double roles
Bachchan is the only actor to have portrayed many roles in a single film, like “Don,” “Kasme Vaade,” “Sooryavansham,” “Bade Miyan — Chote Miyan,” and “Lal Baadshah.”

Amitabh Bachchan FAQs

How many films has Bachchan starred in?

Bachchan had appeared in over 175 Bollywood films by the early 21st century.

How many children does Bachchan have?

Bachchan has been married to famous actress and politician Jaya Bhaduri since 1973, and the couple has two children: actor Abhishek Bachchan and author, journalist, and former model Shweta Bachchan Nanda.