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Amitabh Bachchan is one of Bollywood’s most iconic actors, known for his longevity and influence in the industry. He has been entertaining audiences for over five decades and has acted in over 200 films. Recently, he celebrated his 81st birthday on October 11, 2023. His fans across the country threw a massive party for his birthday, celebrating with great enthusiasm. Generations of actors look up to Amitabh Bachchan. His passion for his craft shines through in every performance. He is a beacon of inspiration in the world of cinema.

81 years in, Amitabh Bachchan keeps inspiring. His passion for art burns bright. He is a guiding light for aspiring artists and a legend whose legacy lives on. In this article, we will delve into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of this legendary actor.

Just as we celebrate the incredible career of Amitabh Bachchan, another actor who has made a significant impact in Hollywood is Matt Damon. His versatility and commitment to his craft mirror that of Bachchan’s, showcasing the universal language of cinema.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, carved his name as a renowned Hindi poet. Amitabh’s mother, Teji Bachchan, hailed from Faisalabad and belonged to the Sikh-Punjabi community. Amitabh also shared his upbringing with a younger brother, Ajitabh. His academic journey began at Sherwood College in Nainital, where he received his primary and secondary education. Later, he graduated from Kirori Mal College, an esteemed institution affiliated with the University of Delhi.

Amitabh Bachchan’s passion for acting was evident from an early age. Driven by a passion for the stage, he eagerly participated in school plays, immersing himself in the world of theater. His mother encouraged him to pursue acting as a career and always told him to “take the center stage”. After completing his education, Amitabh moved to Kolkata to work as a freight broker. However, he soon realized that his true calling was acting and decided to move to Mumbai to pursue his dream.

Amitabh’s journey in Bollywood was not easy. He faced many rejections and struggled to find work initially. He started his career as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s film Bhuvan Shome in 1969. However, it wasn’t until he starred in the film Zanjeer in 1973 that he became a household name. The film was a commercial success and established Amitabh as the “angry young man” of Bollywood. He went on to star in several successful films, such as Deewar (1975), Sholay (1975), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), and Kabhi Kabhie (1976), among others.

Major Achievements

Amitabh Bachchan has acted in over 200 films. He has given some of the most memorable performances in the history of Indian cinema. Some of his most iconic roles include Vijay in Deewar (1975), Jai in Sholay (1975), Anthony Gonsalves in Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), and Kabir Khan in Kabhi Kabhie (1976), among others. His portrayal of the “angry young man” in Zanjeer (1973) and Deewar (1975) is considered a turning point in his career and is still remembered by audiences today.

Amitabh Bachchan has won numerous awards throughout his career, including four National Film Awards for Best Actor, fifteen Filmfare Awards, and numerous other awards. In recognition of his immense contributions to Indian cinema, the Government of India showered him with prestigious honors: the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and finally, the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. In 1991, he blazed a trail for artists, becoming the first to receive the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. Capping off his illustrious career, he received the pinnacle of cinematic recognition in India in 2019: the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Amitabh Bachchan’s illustrious career has garnered him international acclaim, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour conferred upon him by the French Government in 2007. This distinguished award pays tribute to his outstanding contributions not only to the cinematic realm but also to various other spheres.

Interesting Facts and Anecdotes 

Amitabh Bachchan’s impeccable punctuality and unwavering dedication to his craft are legendary. His co-stars and directors sing his praises for his professionalism on set. In fact, in Dr Yusuf Merchant’s book, Happyness, he recounts an incident about Amitabh Bachchan that left him surprised. Many years ago, Dr Merchant was organizing anti-drug programs at colleges with celebrities. St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai hosted a special function, and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan graced the occasion as the guest of honor. Anticipating celebrities’ tendency to run late, Dr. Merchant had devised a strategy of contacting them two hours before the scheduled 9 pm start time. Most celebrities would arrive late, but Amitabh Bachchan arrived at 7 pm sharp.

Amitabh Bachchan’s co-stars have shared many memorable stories and experiences about working with him. Working with Amitabh in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Govinda couldn’t help but be astonished by his boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm on set. He said that Amitabh would often work for 18-20 hours a day without any complaints. Shah Rukh Khan, who worked with Amitabh in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), said that he learned a lot from him during the shoot. He said that Amitabh was always willing to help and would often give him advice on how to improve his acting.

Amitabh Bachchan’s unique style and charisma on screen have captivated audiences of all ages. His deep baritone voice, towering height, and intense gaze have made him one of the most recognizable actors in Indian cinema. Even today, audiences continue to remember his iconic performances in films like Deewar (1975), Sholay (1975), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), and Kabhi Kabhie (1976), a testament to their enduring legacy. His ability to portray a wide range of characters has made him one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.

Recent Birthday Celebrations of Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his 81st birthday on October 11, 2023. His fans across the country celebrated his birthday with great enthusiasm. 

Furthermore, several celebrities and notable personalities wished Amitabh Bachchan on his birthday. Shah Rukh Khan, who has worked with Amitabh in several films, wished him on Twitter and called him a “living legend.” Aamir Khan also wished him on Twitter and said that he was an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Other celebrities such as Karan Johar, Anil Kapoor, and Riteish Deshmukh also wished him on social media.

Who is richer, Shahrukh Khan or Amitabh Bachchan?  

As of October 2023, Amitabh Bachchan’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. He has earned his fortune through his successful career in the film industry, brand endorsements, and his business ventures. He has also invested in several startups and has a stake in Just Dial and the cloud computing company Stampede Capital.

On the other hand, Shahrukh Khan’s net worth is estimated to be around $600 million as of October 2023. He is one of the richest actors in the world and has earned his fortune through his successful career in the film industry, brand endorsements, and business ventures. He is also the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, a team in the Indian Premier League.

Shahrukh Khan is richer than Amitabh Bachchan. However, both actors have had successful careers in the film industry and have amassed considerable wealth through their hard work and dedication to their craft.

How much money was paid to Amitabh Bachchan for his roles? 

According to some sources, Amitabh Bachchan charges approximately 6 – 10 crores per movie. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual amount may vary depending on the film and other factors.

However, it is known that he is one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood. He has acted in several commercially successful films, such as Sholay (1975), Deewar (1975), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), and Kabhi Kabhie (1976), among others. He has also acted in Hollywood films such as The Great Gatsby (2013).

How did Amitabh Bachchan regain his wealth after facing financial challenges?  

Amitabh Bachchan faced a major financial crisis in the mid-1990s when his production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd (ABCL), failed to perform well and went bankrupt. The company was involved in film production, distribution, event management, talent management, and television marketing. At the time, Amitabh Bachchan had a debt of over 90 crores and was facing 55 legal cases. He even had to mortgage his bungalow to raise funds for ABCL.

However, Amitabh Bachchan did not let this setback defeat him. He worked hard to pay off his debts and make a comeback in the film industry. Amitabh started by taking up small roles in films and gradually worked his way back up to leading roles. He also diversified his business interests and invested in several startups. He has a stake in Just Dial and the cloud computing company Stampede Capital.

Amitabh Bachchan’s resilience and business acumen helped him regain his wealth and become one of the most successful actors in Bollywood. Today, he is one of the richest actors in India, with a net worth of around $400 million.

Final Words

Amitabh Bachchan is a legendary actor who has left an indelible mark on Bollywood and Indian culture. He has inspired countless actors and individuals with his talent, dedication, and resilience. His contributions to Indian cinema have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Amitabh Bachchan’s continued relevance in the entertainment world is a testament to his enduring popularity. He has recently appeared in several films, such as Brahmastra (2022), Jhund (2021), and Chehre (2021), among others. He has also been actively involved in philanthropic work and has supported several causes such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

In conclusion, Amitabh Bachchan’s legacy and impact on Indian cinema are unparalleled. He has inspired generations of actors and continues to be a significant figure in the entertainment world. His contributions to Indian culture will always be remembered and celebrated.