Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, India, is a legend in Indian cinema, frequently regarded as one of the most popular and influential Bollywood actors in the history of the entertainment industry.
His journey from a youth with a low baritone voice to the "Shahenshah" of Bollywood is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and adaptability.
Early Life and Education
Born to celebrated Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social worker Teji Bachchan, Amitabh was originally named Inquilaab, after the then-popular slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" ("Long live the revolution") from India's freedom movement. His father subsequently gave him the name Amitabh, which means "the light that will never extinguish." The family name was Srivastava, but his father took the pen name Bachchan, with the family soon doing the same.
Bachchan studied at Sherwood College in Nainital and then went on to study for a Bachelor of Science degree from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. He was a business executive in Kolkata after graduation and also worked as a freight broker for a short while before turning to acting.
Early Career (1969–1972)
Bachchan started his career in films as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen's "Bhuvan Shome" in 1969. He made his screen debut with "Saat Hindustani" (1969), playing one of the seven lead characters. Although the film was a flop, Bachchan's performance won him the National Film Award for Best Newcomer.
Rise to Prominence (1973–1974)
Turning point in Bachchan's career came with "Zanjeer" (1973), in which he played the role of Inspector Vijay and became the "Angry Young Man" of Bollywood. This success was followed by good work in "Abhimaan" (1973), "Namak Haraam" (1973), and "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan" (1974), establishing himself as a major actor.
Superstardom (1975–1988)
The decade from the late 1970s to the late 1980s has come to be known as Bachchan's "Golden Era." During this time, he gave a string of box-office successes, such as "Deewaar" (1975), "Sholay" (1975), "Kabhi Kabhie" (1976), "Amar Akbar Anthony" (1977), "Trishul" (1978), "Don" (1978), "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar" (1978), "Namak Halaal" (1982), and "Sharaabi" (1984). His characters during this phase demonstrated his versatility with action-packed scenes as well as intense emotional performances.
Health Problems
In 1982, while shooting a fight scene for "Coolie," Bachchan incurred a near-lethal intestinal trauma. The country prayed for his recovery, and after a few months in hospital, he resumed the screen, finishing the movie, which proved to be a major hit.
Career Ups and Downs, Sabbatical, Entrepreneurial Ventures, and Return to Acting (1989–1999)
The late 1980s experienced a downturn in Bachchan's box office success. He briefly retired from films in 1992 and entered politics, being a Member of Parliament during the period 1984–1987. He also founded Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd (ABCL) in 1996 to produce and release films and music. But again, due to economic losses, he returned to films. His return was signified by the film "Mrityudata" (1997), though it failed at the box office.
Return to Success (2000–Present)
Bachchan's comeback started with the TV quiz program "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (2000), the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" His charismatic presentation for the show brought back his popularity. Later movies such as "Mohabbatein" (2000), "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001), "Baghban" (2003), "Black" (2005), "Paa" (2009), "Piku" (2015), and "Pink" (2016) re-established him as a film legend.
National Awards
The Government of India has acknowledged Bachchan's enormous contributions to cinema and public life with the awarding of some of the highest civilian honors. He received the Padma Shri in 1984, then the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and subsequently, the Padma Vibhushan in 2015, the second-highest civilian award in the nation. In 2019, he was given the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor for Indian cinema contributions. These awards are an acknowledgment of his contribution towards not only Indian entertainment but also international entertainment sectors.
National Film Awards
Bachchan has received the National Film Award for Best Actor four times for his excellent performances in Agneepath (1990), Black (2005), Paa (2009), and Piku (2015). These performances demonstrated his range as an actor, from hard-hitting action roles to emotionally complex and demanding performances.
Filmfare Awards
Amitabh Bachchan has more than 15 Filmfare Awards, which is one of the highest win counts in Indian cinema history. He has received the Best Actor award several times for movies such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Black, Paa, and Pink. Apart from this, he was awarded the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in Anand (1971), a movie that initially brought him into the limelight. He was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991, and in 2000, he was declared the "Superstar of the Millennium" at the Filmfare Awards, solidifying his place as one of the greatest Bollywood actors of all time.
International Honors
Amitabh Bachchan's popularity is not limited to India, as he has gained recognition globally. The French government conferred upon him the Knight of the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian honour, in 2007 for his remarkable contribution to global cinema. He has also been awarded several honorary doctorates by renowned academic institutions, such as Leeds University (UK), Jodhpur National University, and Delhi University.
Television Appearances
Apart from "Kaun Banega Crorepati," Bachchan has acted in several TV shows, playing a key role in making Indian television popular.
Voice Acting
Bachchan's unique voice has been employed in many voice-over parts, such as narration for movies like "Lagaan" (2001) and "Jodhaa Akbar" (2008).
Business Investments
Through ABCL and other business activities, Bachchan has invested in diverse industries, including entertainment, property, and information technology.
Political Career
Bachchan ventured into politics for a short while, emerging victorious to a seat in the Indian Parliament from Allahabad in 1984. He resigned in 1987, disenchanted by the experience and keeping his distance from politics.
