Amitabh Bachchan, born Inquilaab Srivastava in 1942, is arguably the most influential actor in the history of Indian cinema. Son of the legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, he faced initial rejections due to his unconventional looks and deep voice. However, the 1973 film Zanjeer established him as the "Angry Young Man," a persona that resonated with a nation facing socio-political unrest. Over a career spanning five decades, he has starred in over 200 films, hosted the wildly popular Kaun Banega Crorepati, and received India's highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He is also a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and France's Legion of Honour.| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Amitabh Harivansh Rai Shrivastav (Bachchan) |
| Nicknames | Big B, Shahenshah, Angry Young Man |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Television Host, Playback Singer |
| Debut Film | Saat Hindustani (1969) |
| Key Awards | Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2018), 4 National Film Awards (Best Actor), Padma Vibhushan (2015) |
| Spouse | Jaya Bhaduri (Married 1973) |
| Children | Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Abhishek Bachchan |
| Notable Works | Sholay, Deewaar, Zanjeer, Black, Paa, Piku |
A Poet’s Son
Born in Allahabad, Amitabh was initially named Inquilaab (Revolution) by his father, the renowned Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and mother Teji Bachchan, a social activist. The name was later changed to Amitabh (“The light that will never die”) at the suggestion of fellow poet Sumitranandan Pant. He attended Sherwood College in Nainital and later Kirori Mal College, Delhi. Before films, he worked as a freight broker for a shipping firm in Kolkata, earning a modest salary, but the lure of Bombay’s creative world was too strong to resist.
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The Struggle: Rejection to Revolution
Amitabh’s entry into Bollywood was fraught with rejection. He was famously turned down by All India Radio for his voice—the very baritone that would later become his trademark. His debut film, Saat Hindustani (1969), won him a National Award for Best Newcomer but failed commercially. He delivered a string of flops until Zanjeer (1973). The role of Inspector Vijay Khanna, rejected by several established stars, fell into his lap, creating the “Angry Young Man” archetype that defined 70s cinema.
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The Superstar Era: Dominating the Screen
From the mid-70s to the early 80s, Bachchan was a one-man industry.
- The Classics: Films like Deewaar (1975) and Sholay (1975) cemented his status as a superstar. In Deewaar, his portrayal of a morally conflicted smuggler resonated deeply with the masses.
- The Accident: In 1982, while filming a fight scene for Coolie, he suffered a near-fatal intestinal injury. The entire nation prayed for his recovery, highlighting his immense popularity.
- Reinvention: After a slump in the 90s and a failed business venture (ABCL), he made a historic comeback in 2000 as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). This second innings also saw him take on diverse, critically acclaimed roles in films like Black, Paa (where he played a child with Progeria), and Piku.
Personal Life & Legacy
Amitabh married his co-star Jaya Bhaduri in 1973, shortly before the release of Zanjeer. They have two children, Shweta and Abhishek. Despite his colossal fame, he remains grounded, often attributing his success to his parents’ blessings. He is a dedicated philanthropist and served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and the Polio Eradication Campaign in India. In 2007, the French government honored him with the Knight of the Legion of Honour.
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Quick Comparison: The Evolution of a Legend
| Era | Persona | Key Films | Impact |
| 1970s | The Angry Young Man | Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay | Voice of the common man’s frustration; revolutionized action dramas. |
| 1980s | The Shahenshah | Coolie, Shahenshah, Agneepath | Mass entertainer; won first National Award for Best Actor (Agneepath). |
| 2000s-Present | The Patriarch & Mentor | Mohabbatein, Black, Paa | Proved versatility with character roles; dominated television with KBC. |
Curious Indian Fast Facts
- Two Hands: Amitabh is ambidextrous; he can write equally well with both his left and right hands.
- The Voice: Before becoming an actor, he lent his voice as a narrator for Mrinal Sen’s film Bhuvan Shome (1969).
- Multiple Vijays: He played a character named “Vijay” in over 20 films, making it his most iconic screen name.
- Comic Book Hero: In the 80s, a comic book series based on his persona, titled Supremo, was published, where he played a superhero.
- BBC Poll: In 1999, he was voted the “Greatest Star of Stage or Screen” in a BBC News online poll, beating legends like Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando.
Conclusion
Amitabh Bachchan is not just an actor; he is an institution. His journey from sleeping on Marine Drive benches to living in Jalsa is a testament to the power of perseverance. He taught a nation that it’s possible to fall, break, and rise again stronger than before. As he continues to work with the energy of a newcomer in his 80s, the “Shahenshah” remains the undisputed guiding light of Indian cinema.
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If you think you have remembered everything about this topic take this QUIZ
Results
#1. What was Amitabh Bachchan’s birth name given by his parents before it was changed?
#2. Which 1973 film established Amitabh Bachchan as the “Angry Young Man” of Bollywood?
#3. Amitabh Bachchan suffered a near-fatal intestinal injury in 1982 while filming a fight scene for which movie?
#4. Amitabh Bachchan made a historic television comeback in the year 2000 as the host of which show?
#5. What is the name of the character name that Amitabh Bachchan played in over 20 films?
#6. Before becoming an actor, Amitabh Bachchan worked as a freight broker in which city?
#7. Which prestigious French honor was conferred upon Amitabh Bachchan in 2007?
#8. In the 1980s, a comic book series was published featuring Amitabh Bachchan as a superhero. What was it titled?
What was Amitabh Bachchan’s first movie?
His debut film was Saat Hindustani, released in 1969.
How many National Awards has Amitabh Bachchan won?
He has won four National Film Awards for Best Actor (Agneepath, Black, Paa, Piku).
What is Amitabh Bachchan’s real name?
His birth name was Inquilaab Srivastava, but his father later changed it to Amitabh Bachchan.
When did Amitabh Bachchan suffer a near-fatal accident?
He suffered a life-threatening injury on July 26, 1982, while shooting for the film Coolie in Bangalore.
Who is Amitabh Bachchan’s wife?
He is married to veteran actress Jaya Bhaduri (Jaya Bachchan).
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