As the legendary Amitabh Bachchan celebrates his 82nd birthday, it’s a moment for fans and admirers worldwide to reflect on the remarkable journey of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures. Known fondly as the Shahenshah or the Hero of the Century, Bachchan’s illustrious career spans over five decades, with contributions that have left an indelible mark on the film industry. Let’s delve into some intriguing, lesser-known facts that paint a vivid picture of the superstar’s life, both on and off the silver screen.
Amitabh Bachchan’s name needs no introduction in any household familiar with Indian cinema. With dialogues that continue to resonate with audiences, his portrayal of the ‘Angry Young Man’ in several films has become a defining archetype in Bollywood. His versatility, however, stretches far beyond this singular persona, as Bachchan has constantly reinvented himself throughout his storied career.
While he may be celebrated as a powerhouse of acting, writing, and even singing, few know that Amitabh Bachchan is ambidextrous. This unique ability to write equally well with both hands is just one of the many skills that highlight his multifaceted personality.
Before entering the world of cinema, young Amitabh aspired to become an engineer and was particularly interested in joining the Air Force. This ambition, however, took a backseat as his fate led him towards a cinematic destiny that the world knows today.
In his early days, when big earning roles were still a dream, Bachchan received a modest sum of 400 rupees as his first salary, working at a shipping firm in Kolkata. His struggling days are a testament to his resilience, sharing a room with eight others in the bustling city, while holding on to the hope of making it big.
His acting career began with the 1969 film Saat Hindustani, which, unfortunately, did not perform well. The road to success was rocky, with a series of 12 consecutive flops that had Bachchan contemplating a return to his hometown, Allahabad, if Zanjeer failed to make an impact. However, Zanjeer turned out to be a massive hit in 1973, earning him national fame and the tag of the ‘Angry Young Man.’
Fast forward to 1999, another tumultuous period loomed when Amitabh Bachchan faced bankruptcy. His company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), suffered severe financial losses, plunging him into debt.
. This phase marked a challenging stretch in his life, but it was Yash Chopra’s film ‘Mohabbatein’ and his turn as host of the popular TV quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ that revitalized his career and financial standing.
Another fascinating chapter of his life includes being the only actor to persuade industrial tycoon Ratan Tata to step into film production. However, the venture, a film called ‘Aetbaar,’ didn’t perform well at the box office despite its promising star cast which included Bachchan himself.
The star’s influence extended beyond films, as he ventured into politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament from Allahabad during the 1984 general elections. His keen sense for cultural representation was also displayed when he served as a judge for the 1995 Miss World beauty pageant.
An actor of his caliber comes with prolific accomplishments, including having played the most double roles by any actor, and even a rare triple role in the film ‘Mahaan.’ However, not all aspects of his life are glamorous; Amitabh Bachchan suffers from myasthenia gravis, a rare muscular disorder that once made him consider quitting acting during the late 1980s after the commercial failure of ‘Jaadugar.’
His current home, Jalsa, has its own captivating story. It was gifted to him by producer N.C. Sippy as a gesture of gratitude for the success of their 1982 hit film ‘Satte Pe Satta.’ Interestingly, movies such as ‘Chupke Chupke,’ ‘Anand,’ and ‘Namak Haram’ were partially shot there, tying the residence to the fabric of his film career.
Remarkably, Amitabh Bachchan’s birth name was ‘Inquilab,’ meaning revolution, which his father eventually changed to Amitabh, meaning ‘the never-ending light.’ Indeed, this ‘never-ending light’ has continued to shine brightly through his work and beyond.
Presently hosting the 16th season of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ on television, Big B’s recent work in ‘Kalki’ has continued to earn accolades, and his awaited film ‘Vettaiyan’ with the South Indian superstar Rajinikanth showcases his ever-present passion for cinema.
As we celebrate Amitabh Bachchan’s extraordinary life and career on his 82nd birthday, these lesser-known stories not only highlight the challenges he has overcome but also underscore the multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication of this cinematic legend, whose influence and legacy will surely resonate for many generations to come.
