Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, is a towering figure in the world of Indian cinema. The son of legendary Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan, Amitabh inherited a rich cultural and intellectual legacy. Educated at Sherwood College in Nainital and later at Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College, he initially pursued a career in the corporate world but was drawn to acting by his deep baritone voice and charismatic presence.

He made his film debut in 1969 with Saat Hindustani, but it was the 1973 blockbuster Zanjeer that established him as the “Angry Young Man” of Bollywood, a persona that revolutionized Hindi cinema in the 1970s. Over the decades, he delivered iconic performances in films such as Deewar, Sholay, Don, Amar Akbar Anthony, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, and Kaala Patthar, cementing his place as a cinematic legend. His role in Sholay (1975) as Jai remains etched in popular culture as one of the finest in Indian film history.

After a near-fatal accident on the sets of Coolie in 1982, he experienced an outpouring of national support that reaffirmed his superstar status. Though he temporarily stepped away from acting in the late 1980s to enter politics, his stint was brief and marred by controversy. He returned to films in the 1990s and reinvented himself as a versatile actor capable of playing both patriarchal and experimental roles in films like Mohabbatein, Black, Paa, and Piku.

In addition to his acting career, Bachchan is renowned for hosting the Indian version of Kaun Banega Crorepati, which brought him into millions of Indian homes and won him a new generation of fans. His deep voice, diction, and commanding screen presence have also made him a preferred voice-over artist and narrator for various projects.

Amitabh Bachchan’s contributions to cinema have earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (2015), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019), India’s highest award in cinema. His filmography spans over five decades and includes over 200 films. Known for his discipline, humility, and unwavering passion for his craft, Bachchan remains a living legend and a guiding figure for younger generations of actors. Even at an age where many would consider retirement, he continues to challenge himself with diverse roles and remains one of the busiest actors in the industry.

Beyond cinema, he is also an active blogger, social media influencer, and humanitarian, often using his platform to raise awareness about health, education, and social causes. Amitabh Bachchan is not just an actor; he is an institution in himself — a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence.