Amitabh Bachchan
| Amitabh Bachchan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 11 October 1942 Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Birth name | Amitabh Harivansh Rai Bachchan |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Television Presenter |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Spouse | Jaya Bachchan (m. 1973) |
| Children | Abhishek Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda |
Amitabh Bachchan (born 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, producer and television host who works primarily in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. Often referred to as the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, he gained popularity for portraying intense roles that earned him the title of the “Angry Young Man” of Hindi films.
Early Life and Education
Amitabh Bachchan was born in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, to noted poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan. He has a younger brother, Ajitabh Bachchan.[1]
He completed his schooling at Sherwood College, Nainital, and later attended Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. Before entering films, he briefly worked in Kolkata for a shipping company. He was once rejected by All India Radio due to his voice, which later became one of his most recognized features.[2]
Film Career
Early Career
Amitabh Bachchan began his film career in 1969 as a voice narrator in Bhuvan Shome. His first significant role came in Saat Hindustani (1969). He gained recognition with Anand (1971), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.[3]
Rise to Stardom
His breakthrough came with Zanjeer (1973), where he portrayed a strong and angry protagonist. This role established his image as the “Angry Young Man.”
He went on to star in several successful films, including:
- Deewaar (1975)
- Sholay (1975)
- Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
- Don (1978)
- Trishul (1978)
- Shakti (1982)
- Agneepath (1990)
He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Agneepath (1990).
Injury and Political Career
In 1982, he suffered a life-threatening injury while shooting for Coolie. He recovered and returned to films. In 1984, he briefly entered politics and was elected to Parliament from Allahabad but resigned before completing his term.
Comeback and Television
After facing a career slump in the 1990s, Amitabh Bachchan made a successful comeback by hosting the television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. The show revived his career and introduced him to a new generation of audiences.
He continued acting in films such as:
- Black (2005)
- Sarkar (2005)
- Paa (2009)
- Piku (2015)
- Pink (2016)
- Badla (2019)
He also appeared in the Hollywood film The Great Gatsby (2013).
Awards and Honours
Amitabh Bachchan has received numerous awards, including:
- Multiple National Film Awards
- Several Filmfare Awards
- Padma Shri (1984)
- Padma Bhushan (2001)
- Padma Vibhushan (2015)
He became the first living Asian personality to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London.
Personal Life
Amitabh Bachchan married actress Jaya Bhaduri in 1973. They have two children: Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda. His daughter-in-law is actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
He resides in Mumbai and remains active in social and charitable initiatives.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m)
- Eye colour: Brown
- Hair colour: Black (now grey)
He is known for his distinctive baritone voice and tall stature.
Legacy
Amitabh Bachchan is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. His career spans more than five decades, and he continues to remain active in films and television. His influence on Hindi cinema and popular culture has earned him titles such as “Megastar” and “Superstar of the Millennium.”