“Amitabh Bachchan: Indian Cinema’s Revered Icon, Producer, and Cultural Maestro Leaves Lasting Legacy.”
Born Name : Amitabh Srivastava
Born : 11 October 1942 (age 81)
Place : Allahabad, United Provinces, British India
(present-day Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India)
Nationality : Indian
Alma mater :
Kirori Mal College,
University of Delhi (BS)
Occupations :
Actor : Producer
Television : Presenter
Years active : 1969– Present
Organization :
Amitabh Bachchan Corporation
Height : 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Spouse :
Jaya Bhaduri (m. 1973)
Children’s :
Shweta Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan
Parents :
Father : Harivansh Rai Bachchan (father)
Mother : Teji Bachchan (mother)
Relatives :
Daughter-in-law : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Family : Bachchan family
Honours:
Padma Shri (1984)
Padma Bhushan (2001)
Legion of Honour (2007)
Padma Vibhushan (2015)
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019)
Politics :
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
31 December 1984 – July 1987
Constituency : Allahabad
Personal details:
Political party Indian National Congress (1984–1987)
About
Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, is a legendary Indian actor celebrated for his outstanding five-decade career in Hindi cinema. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential figures in the history of Indian cinema, Bachchan is often referred to as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” “Sadi Ke Mahanayak” (translating to “Greatest actor of the century” in Hindi), “Star of the Millennium,” or simply “Big B.”
Born in 1942 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan, he received his education at Sherwood College, Nainital, and Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. His cinematic journey began in 1969 as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s film “Bhuvan Shome.” Bachchan gained prominence in the early 1970s with hits like “Anand,” “Zanjeer,” “Roti Kapada Aur Makaan,” “Deewaar,” and “Sholay,” earning the title of India’s “angry young man.”
Throughout the 1970s–80s, he dominated Indian cinema with blockbuster films such as “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Don,” “Trishul,” “Muqaddar Ka Sikander,” and “Sharaabi.” Notable performances in films like “Namak Haraam,” “Abhimaan,” “Majboor,” “Chupke Chupke,” “Kabhi Kabhie,” and “Agneepath” showcased his versatile acting skills. After a hiatus in the 1990s, Bachchan’s comeback in 2000 with “Mohabbatein” marked a successful phase, followed by acclaimed films like “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” “Black,” “Piku,” and “Badla.”
His extensive awards collection includes four National Film Awards, sixteen Filmfare Awards, and recognition from the Government of India, including the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), and Padma Vibhushan (2015). The Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2018 honored his significant contributions to the arts. France awarded him the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2007.
Beyond acting, Bachchan has excelled as a playback singer, film producer, and television presenter, hosting “Kaun Banega Crorepati.” He briefly entered politics in the 1980s and is actively involved in humanitarian work. His global impact extends across the South Asian diaspora, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Russia, Central Asia, the Caribbean, Oceania, Canada, and the United States. In 1999, BBC voted him the “greatest star of stage or screen,” and TIME magazine named him the “Star of the Millennium” in October 2003.
Early life and family
Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), is the son of Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan was an Awadhi Hindu Kayastha fluent in Awadhi, Hindi, and Urdu, with ancestral roots in Babupatti village, Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. Teji Bachchan, a Punjabi Sikh Khatri from Lyallpur (present-day Faisalabad, Pakistan), completes the family.
Originally named Inquilaab (Hindustani for “Revolution”), inspired by the Indian independence struggle slogan “Inquilab Zindabad,” poet Sumitranandan Pant suggested the name Amitabh. Despite the surname Shrivastava, Harivansh adopted Bachchan as a pen name, denouncing the caste system. Consequently, the family embraced the surname Bachchan, and it became Amitabh’s identity.
After completing secondary education in Allahabad and Nainital, Bachchan attended Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, graduating in 1962. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to join Prithvi Theatre, he embarked on a career with Bird & Company in Kolkata before venturing into the film industry.
A close associate of Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi, Bachchan’s family had political ties with the Nehru-Gandhi family. He even received Sonia Gandhi at the airport before her marriage to Rajiv in 1968.
Bachchan’s initial pursuit of a newsreader role at All India Radio didn’t materialize. Undeterred, he worked as a business executive in Kolkata and engaged in theatre before entering the film industry. There’s speculation that his mother influenced his career choice, emphasizing that he should “take center stage.”
Acting career
Amitabh Bachchan’s illustrious filmography spans iconic classics, starting with the breakthrough “Zanjeer” (1973), which marked the inception of his legendary “angry young man” persona. In the mid-’70s, he delivered powerhouse performances in cinematic gems like “Deewaar” (1975) and the timeless blockbuster “Sholay” (1975).
The era continued to showcase his versatility with memorable roles in films such as “Chupke Chupke” (1975), “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977), and the romantic drama “Kabhie Kabhie” (1976).
The late ’70s and early ’80s witnessed Bachchan’s dominance in the industry with stellar contributions like “Trishul” (1978), “Don” (1978), “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar” (1978), and “Silsila” (1981).
His collaboration with the iconic Salim-Javed duo yielded hits like “Shaan” (1980) and “Shakti” (1982). The mid-’80s showcased his resilience with notable films like “Mard” (1985) and “Mahaan” (1983).
The new millennium saw a resurgence with impactful roles in “Baghban” (2003), “Black” (2005), and “Paa” (2009). Recent years continued the legacy with acclaimed performances in “Piku” (2015), “Pink” (2016), and “Badla” (2019).
Bachchan’s filmography isn’t just a list of movies; it’s a journey through the evolution of Indian cinema, featuring timeless classics that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences across generations.
Early career (1969–1972)
Amitabh Bachchan stepped into the world of cinema in 1969 with a voice narration role in Mrinal Sen’s acclaimed film “Bhuvan Shome.” Transitioning to on-screen acting, his debut role came in Khwaja Ahmad Abbas’s “Saat Hindustani” (1969), where he shared the screen with Utpal Dutt, Anwar Ali, Madhu, and Jalal Agha.
The turning point in Bachchan’s career was “Anand” (1971), co-starring with Rajesh Khanna. His portrayal of a doctor with a cynical outlook earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He explored antagonist roles with “Parwana” (1971) and featured in films like “Reshma Aur Shera” (1971). During this period, he made a memorable guest appearance in “Guddi,” a film that starred his future wife, Jaya Bhaduri.
Bachchan showcased his versatility by narrating a part of “Bawarchi” and making a notable appearance in the road action comedy “Bombay to Goa” (1972). Despite these efforts, some of his early films faced commercial challenges, including “Sanjog” (1972), a collaboration with Mala Sinha.
Rise to stardom (1973–1974)
In the early 1970s, Amitabh Bachchan faced a challenging phase, considered a “failed newcomer” with twelve flops and only two hits by the age of 30. However, his fortunes took a turn when he was offered a dual role in the movie “Bandhe Hath” (1973), directed by O.P. Goyle and written by O.P. Ralhan. This marked Bachchan’s first venture into playing a double role.
Soon after, the screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, consisting of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, recognized Bachchan’s potential. Salim Khan wrote the story, screenplay, and script for “Zanjeer” (1973), conceptualizing the iconic “angry young man” persona for the lead role. Javed Akhtar joined as co-writer, and Prakash Mehra, recognizing the groundbreaking potential of the script, directed the film. Despite challenges in finding an actor for the unconventional role, Salim-Javed introduced Bachchan to Prakash Mehra, insisting on his casting.
“Zanjeer,” a crime film with intense action, broke away from the romantic themes prevalent in the industry. It marked a significant shift in Bachchan’s career, establishing him as the “angry young man” and earning him his first Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actor. The film’s success ended Bachchan’s dry spell at the box office, making him a star.
This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Salim-Javed and Amitabh Bachchan, leading to blockbuster films like “Deewaar” (1975) and “Sholay” (1975). Additionally, Salim Khan introduced Bachchan to director Manmohan Desai, further contributing to his success.
Bachchan’s portrayal of the wronged hero fighting societal injustices resonated with the audience, earning him the title of the “angry young man.” Films like “Zanjeer,” “Deewaar,” “Trishul,” “Kaala Patthar,” and “Shakti” reflected the prevailing discontent and rebellion of the youth against social issues during the 1970s in India.
In 1973, the same year he gained cinematic success, Bachchan married Jaya Bhaduri. They appeared together in films such as “Abhimaan” and “Namak Haraam.” His supporting role in the latter earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The following year, in 1974, Bachchan made guest appearances in films like “Kunwara Baap” and “Dost” before playing a supporting role in “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.” The latter, directed and written by Manoj Kumar, addressed themes of honesty and socio-economic challenges, becoming the top-earning film of 1974. Bachchan also took on the leading role in the successful film “Majboor.”
Superstardom (1975–1988)
In 1975, Amitabh Bachchan truly showcased his acting prowess by dipping his toes into various film genres. From tickling funny bones in the comedy “Chupke Chupke” to diving into crime drama with “Faraar” and delivering heartfelt performances in romantic drama “Mili,” he proved his versatility. But the real game-changers were two films that shaped Hindi cinema history, both penned by the dynamic duo Salim-Javed.
First on the list was “Deewaar,” directed by Yash Chopra, where Bachchan shared the screen with Shashi Kapoor, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi, and Neetu Singh. This film not only earned him another Filmfare nomination for Best Actor but also became a major box office hit in 1975, securing the fourth position. “Deewaar” holds a spot among the Top 25 Must-See Bollywood Films according to Indiatimes Movies. The second blockbuster, released on 15th August 1975, was the legendary “Sholay,” where Bachchan played the role of Jaidev. This film went on to become the highest-grossing film in India at that time. “Deewaar” and “Sholay” propelled Bachchan into superstardom, solidifying his reign over the industry throughout the 1970s and 1980s. BBC India crowned “Sholay” the “Film of the Millennium” in 1999, and it received the prestigious Filmfare Best Film of 50 Years award.
In 1976, Yash Chopra cast Bachchan in the romantic family drama “Kabhie Kabhie,” where he portrayed the character of a young poet, Amit Malhotra. A departure from his iconic “angry young man” roles, this film earned praise from both critics and audiences. Bachchan’s double role in the hit “Adalat” showcased his versatility yet again.
Moving ahead, in 1977, Bachchan bagged his first Filmfare Best Actor Award for the blockbuster “Amar Akbar Anthony,” which turned out to be the highest-grossing film that year. Other hits included “Parvarish” and “Khoon Pasina.”
The success story continued in 1978 with memorable releases like “Kasme Vaade” and “Don,” the latter fetching him his second Filmfare Best Actor Award. Stellar performances in “Trishul” and “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar” earned him further Filmfare nominations, making 1978 a standout year at the box office.
1979 saw Bachchan shine in “Suhaag,” the highest-earning film of the year. He also garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with films like “Mr. Natwarlal,” “Kaala Patthar,” “The Great Gambler,” and “Manzil.” Notably, he showcased his singing talent for the first time in a song from “Mr. Natwarlal,” earning nominations for both Best Actor and Best Male Playback Singer at the Filmfare Awards.
The 1980s kicked off with Bachchan continuing his winning streak with hits like “Shaan,” “Ram Balram,” “Naseeb,” “Lawaaris,” “Kaalia,” “Yaarana,” “Barsaat Ki Ek Raat,” and “Shakti.” His double roles in films like “Satte Pe Satta” and “Desh Premee” added to his box office dominance.
In 1982, Bachchan played double roles in “Satte Pe Satta” and “Desh Premee,” alongside mega hits like “Namak Halaal,” “Khud-Daar,” and the critically acclaimed “Bemisal.”
The subsequent years featured Bachchan in a variety of films, including “Mahaan” (1983) with a triple role, hits like “Nastik,” “Pukar,” “Andha Kanoon,” “Mard,” and “Geraftaar.” His foray into politics from 1984 to 1987 coincided with the release of these films.
Even in the political arena, Bachchan continued making an impact in the film industry with releases like “Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara” (1987), where he had a special appearance and lent his voice for a playback song with Kishore Kumar.
Personal life
Amitabh Bachchan’s love story with Jaya Bhaduri began on June 3, 1973, marking over four decades of a strong and enduring marriage. Their journey together blessed them with two incredible children: Abhishek, the talented actor and producer, and Shweta, a remarkable author, journalist, and former model.
Abhishek found his life partner in the graceful Aishwarya Rai, and their union brought the adorable Aaradhya into the family. Shweta, on the other hand, tied the knot with businessman Nikhil Nanda, becoming part of the illustrious Kapoor family of actors. Their family, which includes Navya Naveli and Agastya, is a testament to love, unity, and shared joy.
Amitabh’s younger brother, Ajitabh Bachchan, chose a different path, navigating the world of business. After a brief stint in London, he returned to India with his wife Ramola, a talented fashion designer and entrepreneur.
Together, they raised a family – a son named Bhim and three daughters: Naina, Namrata, and Nilima. Naina found her soulmate in actor Kunal Kapoor.
While Amitabh Bachchan’s professional life has been an open book, his personal life has been peppered with rumors, notably the alleged extramarital affair with actress Rekha during the ’70s and ’80s. Films like “Do Anjaane,” “Khoon Pasina,” “Ganga Ki Saugandh,” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar,” “Mr. Natwarlal,” “Suhaag,” and “Ram Balram” fueled the gossip, culminating in “Silsila.” Both Amitabh and Rekha have consistently denied these rumors, emphasizing the importance of separating reel from real.
In a touching gesture in November 2023, Amitabh Bachchan gifted his Juhu-based bungalow, Prateeksha, valued at ₹50 crores, to his daughter Shweta. This act of love and generosity stands as a symbol of the enduring bond within the Bachchan family.
Awards and Honours
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1991): Bachchan made history as the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award, named after the legendary Raj Kapoor.
- Superstar of the Millennium (2000): Crowned with this title at the Filmfare Awards, solidifying his iconic status in the industry.
- Actor of the Century (2001): Honored at the Alexandria International Film Festival in Egypt for his exceptional contribution to the world of cinema.
- Asian Film Awards (2010): Received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding career at the international level.
- Honorary Citizenship of Deauville (2003): The French town of Deauville conferred this honor upon him.
- Padma Shri (1984): Awarded by the Government of India for his significant contributions to the arts.
- Padma Bhushan (2001): Another prestigious honor from the Indian government, acknowledging his impact on the film industry.
- Padma Vibhushan (2015): Elevated to this higher civilian award, a testament to his enduring influence.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019): The highest honor in Indian cinema, recognizing his lifetime achievements.
- Order of Afghanistan (1991): Conferred by the then-President of Afghanistan for his contribution during the shooting of Khuda Gawah.
- Rashtriya Kishore Kumar Samman (2002–2003): Honored by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for his outstanding contributions.
- Knight of the Legion of Honour (2007): France’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his exceptional career in cinema and beyond.
- Olympic Torch Relay (2012): At the age of 69, Bachchan carried the Olympic torch during its last leg in London’s Southwark, showcasing his global recognition.
A remarkable journey marked by accolades, recognition, and a global impact.
