Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, in Prayagraj, India, is an Indian film actor, film producer, television personality, occasional playback vocalist, and former politician. Bachchan has worked with some of the top filmmakers and actors in the industry throughout his five-decade career. He has also won numerous awards for his roles in films such as “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Namak Haraam,” “Deewar,” “Anand,” “Abhimaan,” “Sharaabi,” and “Sholay.” In every sense of the term, he is a superstar. Today, on his birthday, we look back at everything this actor has achieved throughout his career.

Bachchan’s name has been associated with acting excellence and his status as a global superstar is immaculate. Before pursuing a career in film, he worked as a business executive in Calcutta and performed in theatre. Bachchan made his big-screen debut in “Seven Indians” (1969), and for his portrayal in “Anand,” he won the first of his many Filmfare Awards. Bachchan’s versatility was well-known, and several of his roles displayed his singing, dancing, and comedic abilities.

Bachchan had acted in over 35 films by the end of the 1970s and was widely considered India’s most excellent cinema star. His fame grew to the point where he became a cultural phenomenon, attracting vast groups of adoring followers wherever he went. In 1982, a near-fatal accident during his movie “Coolie” production sparked a nationwide prayer vigil for his recovery. A while later, Bachchan decided to enter politics after being influenced by his friend, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He was overwhelmingly elected to India’s parliament in 1984 but resigned from his position in 1989. Bachchan made a comeback in 1990, winning a National Film Award for his role as a mafia don in “Agneepath.” He eventually became the chairman of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd., a film production and event management company. However, the business was beset by financial problems, and Bachchan eventually resumed his acting career.

From 2000 until 2006, Bachchan hosted the Indian equivalent of the American and British sensation “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, “Kaun Banega Crorepati.” His easygoing demeanor and charisma helped the show become one of India’s most popular television shows. Bachchan earned another National Film Award for “Black,” as well as one for his performance in the drama “Paa” (2009). He made his Hollywood debut as a minor part in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” when he was 70 years old.

5 SURPRISING FACTS

1. His statue is in Madame Tussauds Museum

He is the first Asian star to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London.

2. He owned the first vanity van

Bachchan received the first vanity van in Bollywood as a gift from Manmohan Desai.

3. He is ambidextrous

Bachchan is ambidextrous, which means he can use both hands and perform exceptionally well.

4. He loves stationary

He is a watch and pen collector, and every year on his birthday, the German brand Mont Blanc sends him a one-of-a-kind pen.

5. He played many double roles

Bachchan is the only actor to have portrayed many roles in a single film, like “Don,” “Kasme Vaade,” “Sooryavansham,” “Bade Miyan — Chote Miyan,” and “Lal Baadshah.”