Basic Details
Amitabh Bachchan — the name itself evokes reverence in Indian cinema. Known as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” Amitabh Bachchan’s towering personality, deep baritone, and unmatched acting prowess have shaped the very foundation of Indian film history. Born on October 11, 1942, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Bachchan is the son of renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan. His journey from facing multiple rejections to becoming one of the most celebrated actors in the world is nothing short of legendary.
From classics like Sholay and Deewar to modern hits like Piku, Pink, and Jhund, Amitabh Bachchan has remained relevant for over five decades. This biography explores his incredible life — his early struggles, meteoric rise, personal milestones, and enduring legacy.
Physical Stats and More
- Height
6 ft 2 in
- Weight
80 kg (approx.)
- Eye Colour
Dark Brown
- Hair Colour
Black (now grey)
Biography
Before becoming Bollywood’s Angry Young Man, Amitabh Bachchan faced years of struggle. After graduating from Sherwood College, Nainital, and Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, he worked briefly as a freight broker in Kolkata. However, his passion for acting led him to Mumbai, where his deep voice was initially rejected by All India Radio.
His film debut came with Saat Hindustani (1969), but success arrived with Zanjeer (1973), directed by Prakash Mehra. This role redefined Indian heroism and made him an icon. His collaborations with directors like Yash Chopra, Manmohan Desai, and Hrishikesh Mukherjee produced timeless classics such as Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony, and Kabhi Kabhie.
Despite career setbacks in the late ’80s and health scares (notably after his near-fatal accident on the sets of Coolie in 1982), Amitabh Bachchan made a remarkable comeback in the 2000s with Mohabbatein and his long-running TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
Relationships & More
Career
Amitabh Bachchan has appeared in over 200 films across five decades. His filmography includes:
- Zanjeer (1973) – Breakthrough role
- Deewar (1975) and Sholay (1975) – Cemented his superstardom
- Don (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979), Silsila (1981) – Established his versatility
- Baghban (2003), Black (2005), Paa (2009), Piku (2015), Pink (2016) – Showcased his maturity as an actor
- Jhund (2022), Goodbye (2022), Ganapath (2023), Kalki 2898 AD (2024) – Continued relevance in new-age cinema
Apart from acting, Amitabh Bachchan has produced several films and ventured into politics and business. He is also one of the most popular television hosts in India, with KBC remaining a massive hit since 2000.
Other Details
- Hobbies
Reading, Writing, Blogging, Music
- Favourite Actress
Waheeda Rehman
- Favourite Actors
Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor
- Favourite Movies
Pather Panchali, Guide, Mother India
- Favourite Dishes
Gujarati Thali, Khichdi
- Zodiac Sign
Libra
- Caste
Kayastha
- Religion
Hinduism
Contributions Beyond Work
Amitabh Bachchan is actively involved in philanthropy. He supports causes like polio eradication, farmers’ welfare, girl child education, and disaster relief. He has donated crores to hospitals, NGOs, and rural development initiatives. His humanitarian efforts make him not just a cinematic legend but also a compassionate global figure.
The Legacy of Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan’s journey from rejection to superstardom epitomizes resilience and greatness. With his powerful performances, humility, and timeless charm, he remains a guiding force for generations of actors. The legacy of Amitabh Bachchan — the Shahenshah of Bollywood — will forever illuminate the world of cinema.
Other Facts:
- Amitabh Bachchan’s father named him “Amitabh,” meaning “the light that will never die.”
- He is an avid blogger and social media user. His wax statues are displayed at multiple Madame Tussauds Museums worldwide.
- He holds honorary doctorates from several international universities.
- In 1984, he won the National Award for Best Actor, followed by multiple Filmfare and National Film Awards throughout his career.
