Amitabh Bachchan Turns 81: A Celebration of Legendary Actor’s Life and Career

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMITABH BACHCHAN: Hindi Cinema’s megastar Amitabh Bachchan turns 81 today, on October 11. Since his debut in 1969, the legendary actor has been enchanting audiences with his cinema and magnetic aura. Amitabh Bachchan is not just a star, he’s a versatile artist- a television personality, a soulful playback singer, and a former politician. He is married to actress and politician Jaya Bachchan, and they have two children, Abhishek and Shweta.

His illustrious career is filled with outstanding performances in films like Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony, Suhaag, Dostana, Kala Patthar, Zanjeer, and many more. On the occasion of his birthday, let’s delve into his best works, fashion statements, memorable quotes, and much more.

Amitabh Bachchan: Early Life, Debut, Struggle to Stardom

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). His parents were the renowned Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan. After completing his schooling at Sherwood College in Nainital, he pursued a degree in Science at Delhi University.

Amitabh’s early career saw him working at Shaw Wallace in Kolkata and later as a freight broker at Bird and Company, all while nurturing his passion for theatre.

His path to stardom was fraught with challenges, marked by rejection from All India Radio and nights spent sleeping on a bench at Mumbai’s Marine Drive due to financial struggles.

WATCH: 9 Movies Of Amitabh Bachchan And Rekha

His tall and thin stature led to further rejection in the film industry, even after his debut in 1969 with a voice narration role in Mrinal Sen’s Bhuvan Shome and his first acting role in Saat Hindustani, where he shared the screen with notable actors like Utpal Dutt, Anwar Ali (brother of comedian Mehmood), Madhu, and Jalal Agha.

Amidst these hardships, Amitabh contemplated giving up on his dreams and returning to Calcutta. But fate had other plans for him.

In 1973, Prakash Mehra and the legendary duo Salim-Javed’s iconic film Zanjeer changed the course of Amitabh Bachchan’s life. Zanjeer became a blockbuster hit and introduced India to the “Angry Young Man”.

Since then, Amitabh Bachchan’s popularity continued to soar. He delivered hugely successful films, including Sholay, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Naseeb, Amar Akbar Anthony, and many more.

How KBC Revived Amitabh Bachchan’s Career

TV quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), helped Amitabh’s career in a number of ways. It gave him a much-needed financial boost. Amitabh was struggling with debt at the time, and the success of KBC helped him to clear his debts and get his finances back in order.

KBC also helped to revive Bachchan’s career as an actor. He had been struggling to find success in films in the late 1990s, but KBC made him a household name once again. He also began to receive more film offers, and he starred in a number of successful films in the years after KBC, such as Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001), and Black (2005).

Amitabh Bachchan Top 10 Dialogues

1. Insaan ka emotion uska motion ke saath juda hua hai – Piku
2. Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai – ki zindagi teri zulfon ki narm chhaon main guzarne padti to shadab ho bhi sakti thi..- Kabhie Kabhie
3. Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, naamumkin hai. – Don
4. Pura naam, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, baap ka naam, Dinanath Chauhan, maa ka naam, Suhasini Chauhan, gaon Mandwa, umar chhattis saal – Agneepath
5. Is duniya mein do tarah ke keeda hota hai. Ek woh jo kachre se uthta hai. Aur doosra woh jo paap ki gandegi se uthta hai- Hum
6. Hum jahan khade ho jaate hain, line wahi se shuru hoti hain – Kaalia
7. Anand mara nahi, Anand marte nahi – Anand
8. Abey buddah hoga tera baap – Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap
9. I can taalk englis, I can waalk englis, I can laaphh englis…because englis is a very phunny language! – Namak Halaal
10. Rishtey mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hai, naam hai Shahenshah – Shahenshah

Amitabh Bachchan Top 10 Movies

1. Zanjeer (1973)Directed by Prakash Mehra, this film marked a turning point in Amitabh Bachchan’s career. The film ended his struggling days and catapulted him to fame. The blockbuster film earned him the title of ‘The Angry Young Man.’
2. Abhimaan (1973)Abhimaan showcased a mesmerizing performance by both Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, as they navigated the intricate tale of ego clashes within a singing couple. The film is directed by Maverick Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
3. Sholay (1975)Directed by Ramesh Sippy, it was the remarkable chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra that truly stood out.
4. Deewar (1975)Amitabh Bachchan won the hearts of the audience with his character Vijay in the movie, and his performance gained widespread appreciation from both critics and fans alike.
5. Don (1978)The film achieved cult status in India and served as the inspiration for the successful Don film franchise. Amitabh Bachchan showcased his versatility by playing dual roles in the film. In 1978, it ranked as the third highest-grossing Indian film.
6. Agneepath (1990)Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in the film was nothing short of extraordinary. The film drew inspiration from the life of Mumbai gangster Manya Surve and took its title from a poem of the same name, written by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh’s father.
7. Baghban (2003)In Baghban, Amitabh Bachchan delivered a remarkable performance as a retired individual deeply in love with his wife but compelled to part ways due to their children’s decisions. His portrayal of the pain and emotion in the character was truly amazing. The film also stars Hema Malini in leading roles, with special appearances by Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhary.
8. Black (2005)Bachchan delivered one of his finest acting performances in Black, where he portrayed the role of a teacher Debraj Sahai who educates Michelle McNally (Played by Rani Mukerji), a blind, deaf, and mute girl.
9. Sharaabi (1984)Sharaabi featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Prada emerged as a super hit at the box office. Loosely inspired by the 1981 movie Arthur, the film was also remade in Kannada in 1985 as Nee Thanda Kanike.
10. Paa (2009)Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in the movie earned him his 3rd National Film Award and his 5th Filmfare Best Actor Award. The film portrays Amitabh as a 12-year-old child suffering from a rare genetic disorder called progeria. The actor starred opposite his son Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan.

WATCH Amitabh Bachchan’s Top 10 Songs

1. Khaike Paan Banaras Wala (Don): After the film’s premiere, this song was a hit. The song was sung by Kishore Kumar.

2. Rang Barse (Silsila): This iconic Amitabh and Rekha song boasts lyrics penned by the superstar’s father, Harivanshrai Bachchan, and music composed by Shiv-Hari.

3. O Saathi Re Tere Bina Bhi Kya Jeena (Muqaddar Ka Sikandar): The exceptional combination of Kishore Kumar’s unmatched voice and Amitabh Bachchan’s commanding screen presence elevates this song to a whole new level.

4. Pag Ghungroo (Namak Halal): Bappi Lahiri composed the music, and Anjaan penned the lyrics for the song. It is a delightful audio-visual experience brought to life by Kishore Kumar’s passionate rendition and Amitabh Bachchan’s impeccable comedic timing.

5. Rote Hue Aate Hai Sab (Muqaddar Ka Sikandar): This iconic song features Amitabh Bachchan proudly riding a bike and singing. Sung by the legendary Kishore Kumar, it also serves as the film’s title song.

6. Dekha Ek Khwaab (Silsila): Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s chemistry brings the vibrant Tulip gardens of Keukenhof in the Netherlands to life in this beautiful melody.

7. Chookar Mere Mann Ko (Yaarana): This is one of the most renowned solo performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Kishore Kumar. The song features Neetu Singh and is adorned with lyrics by Anjaan and music composed by Rajesh Roshan.

8. Kabhie Kabhie (Kabhie Kabhie): This song will forever stand as a tribute to timeless melodies. The song pictured by Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee is one of the most romantic melodies ever created.

9. Mere Angne Mein (Laawaris): The song was written by Anjaan and composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. Interestingly, Amitabh Bachchan has also lent his voice to this rib-tickling tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j63NyzcoZc

10. Tere Mere Milan Ki Ye Raina (Abhiman): Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan’s exceptional expressions add a profound emotional depth to the song by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. It is penned by the legendary SD Burman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dlr6SG7Vm4

Amitabh Bachchan Top 10 Quotes

1. “The successful person is the one who learns from the failures.”

2. “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”

3. “I keep on doing my own thing. The whole world has a different way of looking at my life.”

4. “Age is just a number, and you are as old as you think you are.”

5. “Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

WATCH: 10 Best Movies Of Amitabh Bachchan

6. “Do not try to be original, just try to be good.”

7. “No one is perfect, and criticism is always welcome and expected.”

8. “I would rather be an aware citizen, and if an opportunity were to arise where I would have to make a statement, I would happily do that.”

9. “I still worry that if I don’t do better tomorrow, it will all go away.”

10. “I have never been a superstar and never believed in it.”

The Stylish Amitabh Bachchan

The actor exudes stunning elegance in a light green blazer and waistcoat, perfectly complemented by a crisp white shirt and trousers.

Amitabh Bachchan left everyone pleasantly surprised in the latest episode of KBC 15. The iconic actor was spotted dashing around the set in ‘Veshti,’ a traditional Indian garment, as a celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The megastar effortlessly exudes a cool vibe in a multi-coloured jacket, elegantly paired with a white kurta pyjama and a stylish head scarf.

In this throwback photo, Amitabh Bachchan retains his timeless handsomeness in a black leather jacket, paired with classic blue denim jeans and a cream shirt. The actor elevates the look with a pair of sleek boots and sunglasses.

Amitabh Bachchan surely knows how to ace the style game. The actor appears effortlessly comfortable in a printed puffer jacket and black pants, adding a touch of flair with white shoes.

Amitabh Bachchan rocked the black printed Jordan co-ord set, perfectly complemented by fashionable shades.

Here’s wishing the legendary Amitabh Bachchan a very happy Birthday!