Amitabh Bachchan

About

Amitabh Bachchan, also known as the “”Shahenshah”” or “”Big B”” of Bollywood, is a legendary Indian film actor, producer, and television host. With a career spanning over five decades, Bachchan has not only left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry but also on the hearts of his unmatched fan following. His talent, style, and charisma have made him one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema history.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the life and career of Amitabh Bachchan, exploring his early life and career beginnings, rise to fame, personal life and philanthropy, contributions to Indian cinema, controversies and legal battles, awards and recognitions, and his legacy and impact on the Bollywood industry.

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings

Childhood and Education

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, India, to a well-known poet father and a social activist mother. He completed his schooling from Sherwood College in Nainital and went on to study at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. He was a brilliant student and wanted to pursue a career in the field of engineering.

First Job and Struggle

After completing his education, Amitabh Bachchan moved to Kolkata and worked as a freight broker for a shipping firm. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in acting, and he decided to take a leap of faith and move to Mumbai to pursue his dream. His journey was not easy, and he faced a lot of rejection before finally getting his big break in Bollywood.

2. Rise to Fame

Big Break in Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan’s big break came in 1969, with the film “”Saat Hindustani,”” which was directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. Though the film did not do well at the box office, Amitabh’s performance was appreciated, and he soon started receiving offers for other films.

Blockbuster Film “”Sholay””

It was the film “”Sholay,”” released in 1975, that catapulted Amitabh Bachchan to stardom. The film was a huge success and is still considered a classic in Indian cinema. Amitabh’s portrayal of the character Jai was widely appreciated, and he became a household name overnight.

3. Acting Career and Achievements

Successful Films Post “”Sholay””

After “”Sholay,”” Amitabh Bachchan went on to deliver several hit films such as “”Deewar,”” “”Zanjeer,”” “”Don,”” and “”Shahenshah,”” to name a few. He became known for his intense and brooding performances and became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.

Experimentation with Roles

Amitabh Bachchan was not afraid to experiment with his roles and portrayed a wide range of characters throughout his career. He played a lawyer in “”Pink,”” a teacher in “”Black”” and even a ghost in “”Bhoothnath.””

Television Career

Amitabh Bachchan also made a successful transition to television and hosted several seasons of the popular game show “”Kaun Banega Crorepati.”” He won several awards for his hosting skills and became a favorite among the audience.

4. Personal Life and Philanthropy

Family and Relationships

Amitabh Bachchan is married to actress Jaya Bachchan and has two children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda. Both his children are also active in the film industry. He is also a grandfather to Navya Naveli Nanda and Aaradhya Bachchan.

Health Struggles

Amitabh Bachchan has faced several health struggles in his life, including a near-fatal accident on the sets of the film “”Coolie.”” He has also battled tuberculosis and liver cirrhosis, but he has emerged stronger each time.

Philanthropic Work

Amitabh Bachchan is actively involved in several philanthropic endeavors and supports various causes such as Polio eradication, education, and healthcare. He has also been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ Global Health Fund.

5. Contributions to Indian Cinema

Impact on Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as the “”Angry Young Man”” of Bollywood, has had a significant impact on the Hindi film industry. He redefined the image of the Bollywood hero with his unconventional looks, baritone voice, and intense acting skills. He has been a part of over 200 Indian films, and his performances in movies like Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, and Agneepath are still considered iconic.

Bringing in New Era of Cinema

Amitabh Bachchan is credited with bringing a new era of cinema in the 1970s by breaking away from the classic romantic hero and portraying realistic and socially relevant characters. He has also been a part of several experimental and art-house films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Bachchan’s contribution to Indian cinema has been recognized by several international film festivals and organizations.

6. Controversies and Legal Battles

Personal Life Controversies

Amitabh Bachchan has had his share of controversies, including a rumored affair with co-star Rekha and his name being dragged into the Bofors scandal. He has also faced criticism for his alleged involvement in certain political issues.

Legal Battles Faced

Bachchan has been involved in several legal battles throughout his career. He was accused of defaulting on payments during the production of his film, Coolie, and faced a near-fatal accident on the sets of the movie. He was also sued for copyright infringement for one of his songs in the movie, Don.

7. Awards and Recognitions

National Film Awards

Amitabh Bachchan is a five-time recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor, making him the most awarded actor in this category. The awards were for his performances in Agneepath, Black, Paa, Piku, and Uri: The Surgical Strike.

Padma Awards

Bachchan has been honored with several Padma Awards, including the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015, which is the second-highest civilian award in India.

Other Recognitions

Apart from these, Amitabh Bachchan has been honored with several other awards and recognitions, including Filmfare Awards, IIFA Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at Cannes Film Festival.

8. Legacy and Impact on Bollywood Industry

Influence on Future Generations

Amitabh Bachchan’s influence on Bollywood is undeniable. He has been an inspiration to several actors who came after him, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan. His style, dialogue delivery, and screen presence have been emulated by many, making him a true legend of Indian cinema.

Legacy in Indian Cinema

Amitabh Bachchan’s legacy in Indian cinema is unparalleled. He has been a part of some of the most iconic movies in Hindi cinema and has redefined the meaning of stardom. Bachchan, who is often referred to as the “”Shahenshah”” of Bollywood, continues to inspire and entertain audiences even after five decades in the industry.In conclusion, Amitabh Bachchan is a true icon of Indian cinema, who has made an immeasurable contribution to the film industry through his unparalleled talent and hard work. He has inspired generations of actors and will continue to do so for many years to come. Bachchan’s legacy in the Bollywood industry will always be remembered and cherished by his fans worldwide.

FAQs

What are some of Amitabh Bachchan’s most popular movies?

Some of Amitabh Bachchan’s most popular movies include “”Sholay,”” “”Deewar,”” “”Zanjeer,”” “”Don,”” “”Coolie,”” “”Amar Akbar Anthony,”” “”Kabhie Kabhie,”” and “”Silsila.””

How many National Film Awards has Amitabh Bachchan won?

Amitabh Bachchan has won 5 National Film Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.

What philanthropic work has Amitabh Bachchan been involved in?

Amitabh Bachchan has been involved in various philanthropic works throughout his life, including donating to numerous charitable causes, supporting various NGOs, and serving as the UNICEF goodwill ambassador for polio eradication in India. He also founded the charitable organization, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), which supports various causes.

What is Amitabh Bachchan’s net worth?

As of 2021, Amitabh Bachchan’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million, making him one of the richest actors in India.”

Last Updated: 2nd April 2023