Amitabh Bachchan: 10 Surprising Facts You Never Knew About the Bollywood Legend!

Amitabh Bachchan, often referred to as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” stands as one of the most significant and influential actors in the annals of Indian cinema. With an illustrious career spanning over five decades, he has transcended borders to become a global icon, celebrated for his deep baritone voice, intense acting, and charismatic screen presence.

Short Bio

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, India. The son of acclaimed Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, Amitabh, emerged in the early 1970s with his role in the blockbuster film “Zanjeer.” This marked the onset of his image as the “angry young man” of Bollywood, resonating with audiences nationwide. Over the ensuing decades, his filmography expanded to include memorable performances in classics such as “Sholay,” “Deewar,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Paa,” and “Piku.”

Bachchan’s versatility as an actor is unparalleled. He has effortlessly portrayed a wide spectrum of characters, ranging from intense, dramatic roles to comedic and romantic ones. Beyond acting, he has made a significant impact as a television host, most notably for the game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati.”

Despite his monumental success, Bachchan’s journey has not been without challenges. He survived a near-fatal accident on the sets of “Coolie” in 1982 and grappled with financial setbacks in the late 1990s. However, his resilience and ability to rebound have cemented his status as a beloved figure both in India and on the global stage.

Personality

Peers and contemporaries often describe Amitabh Bachchan as a consummate professional, deeply dedicated to his craft. Renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan once stated, “Amitabh Bachchan is not just an actor; he is an institution.” His humility, despite his stardom, is notable. Actresses like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have frequently praised his supportive nature on set and his unwavering commitment to perfection.

Famous Quotes

1. “Bad luck either destroys you or makes you the man or woman you really are.”
2. “I like to feel the suspense of not knowing what I am going to do next.”
3. “Change is the nature of life but challenge is the future of life. So challenge the changes. Never change the challenges.”

Full Name

Amitabh Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Birthday

October 11, 1942

Birthplace

Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Zodiac

Libra

Education

• School: Jnana Pramodhini Boys High School, Allahabad
• College: Sherwood College, Nainital
• University: Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi

Net Worth

Approximately $400 million

Occupation

Actor, Television Host, Film Producer, Playback Singer, Former Politician

Age

81 years old

Family

• Spouse: Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan (married on June 3, 1973)
• Children: Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda
• Siblings: Ajitabh Bachchan (younger brother)
• Father: Harivansh Rai Bachchan
• Mother: Teji Bachchan

Social Media Accounts

• Instagram: @amitabhbachchan
• Twitter: @SrBachchan

Address

Currently resides in Juhu, Mumbai at his residence named “Jalsa.”

Famous For

Amitabh Bachchan is renowned for his iconic roles in Bollywood, his distinct baritone voice, and his enduring career in Indian cinema.

Notable Work

Movies:

• “Sholay”
• “Deewar”
• “Paa”
• “Piku”
• “Black”
• “Don”

Television:

• Host of “Kaun Banega Crorepati”

Best Friends

Amitabh Bachchan is known to share close friendships with film industry stalwarts like Shatrughan Sinha, the late Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Shah Rukh Khan.

Rivalry

It is widely spoken about that during the peak of their careers in the 1970s, Amitabh Bachchan had a professional rivalry with the late actor Rajesh Khanna.

Image Gallery

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Awards and Recognitions

National Film Awards:

• Best Actor for “Agneepath” (1990), “Black” (2005), “Paa” (2009), “Piku” (2015)

Honours and Civilian Awards:

• Padma Shri (1984)
• Padma Bhushan (2001)
• Padma Vibhushan (2015)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019)

Iconic Roles

1. Vijay Verma in “Deewar” – An intense portrayal of a man driven by revenge and justice.
2. Jai in “Sholay” – A legendary role in one of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
3. Auro in “Paa” – An exceptional performance as a child suffering from progeria.

Upcoming Projects

1. “Kalki 2898 AD” – A futuristic sci-fi film set to release in 2024.

Fan Comments

1. “Amitabh Bachchan is a living legend; his performances are timeless.”
2. “No one can match the intensity of Amitabh Bachchan’s acting.”

Fan Clubs

Amitabh Bachchan has a devout fan following, with official fan clubs spread across various cities in India and internationally. These clubs actively celebrate his films and milestones, often trending topics related to him on social media platforms.

Fun Facts

1. Originally named Inquilaab Srivastava, his name was changed to Amitabh, meaning “the light that will never die.”
2. Before stepping into Bollywood, Bachchan worked as a freight broker in a shipping firm.
3. He is ambidextrous, which means he can write equally well with both hands.

Charitable Work

Amitabh Bachchan is not just a cinematic icon but also deeply committed to philanthropic causes. He has been a strong advocate for the Polio Eradication Campaign in India and is actively involved with organizations like UNICEF. He regularly contributes to various social causes, including farmer relief and disaster relief funds.

Fashion Statements

Bachchan is known for his impeccable style, often seen in classic suits and traditional Indian attire. He is credited with popularizing several fashion trends, such as the “knotted shirt” look in the film “Deewar.”

Fitness Regime

Even at the age of 81, Amitabh Bachchan maintains a rigorous fitness regime, emphasizing yoga, a balanced diet, and regular exercise to stay healthy and fit.

Detailed Timeline

1. 1969: Debut film “Saat Hindustani”
2. 1973: Breakthrough with “Zanjeer”
3. 1982: Near-fatal accident on the sets of “Coolie”
4. 1999: Financial troubles with ABCL
5. 2000: Comeback with “Mohabbatein” and as host of “Kaun Banega Crorepati”
6. 2009: National Film Award for “Paa”
7. 2015: Padma Vibhushan awarded
8. 2019: Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award
9. 2024: Upcoming release of “Kalki 2898 AD”

The Legend Lives On

Amitabh Bachchan continues to inspire generations of actors and fans with his dedication, versatility, and timeless performances. His influence on Indian cinema and culture is unparalleled, making him a true legend in every sense. As new generations discover his work, his legacy continues to grow, ensuring he remains a definitive figure in both Bollywood news and the broader world of cinema.

In summary, Amitabh Bachchan’s journey through Indian cinema is a testament to resilience, talent, and unmatched charisma. From his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, his story is exemplary. As a towering figure in Bollywood, his contributions to the film industry and society have left an indelible mark, and his fans eagerly await his future endeavors.