Top 50 Unknown and Interesting Facts About Amitabh Bachchan
Known as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most recognizable and significant performers in Indian cinema. He was born in Allahabad, India, on October 11, 1942. He became well-known in the 1970s for playing the “Angry Young Man” in movies such as Deewar, Sholay, and Zanjeer. He became a Bollywood sensation thanks to his captivating acting technique, towering stature, and deep voice.
Over the course of his five-decade career, Bachchan has starred in more than 200 motion pictures. Among the many honors bestowed upon him are several National Film Awards and the esteemed Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian title in India. In addition to performing, he produces movies, hosts television shows, and performs playback singing. He is most known for hosting the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Kaun Banega Crorepati).
Here are 50 unknown and interesting facts about Amitabh Bachchan that reveal the lesser-known sides of his life and career.
1. Birth Name
- Amitabh Bachchan was born as Inquilaab Srivastava on October 11, 1942 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. His father, poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, later changed his name to Amitabh, which means “the light that will never die.”
2. His Family Roots
- Amitabh’s father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was a noted Hindi poet, and his mother, Teji Bachchan, had a keen interest in theatre.
3. A Humble Beginning
- Before entering the film industry, Amitabh worked as an executive in a shipping company in Kolkata, earning a modest salary.
4. Voice Over Rejection
- Amitabh was rejected by All India Radio for his voice early in his career. Ironically, his voice later became his most iconic feature.
5. Struggles in Bollywood
- Amitabh’s early career was full of failures. He delivered 12 consecutive flops before the breakthrough role in “Zanjeer” (1973).
6. Debut Film
- Amitabh made his film debut with “Saat Hindustani” in 1969, directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. This movie fetched him his first National Award for Best Newcomer.
7. The Angry Young Man
- The role of Inspector Vijay in “Zanjeer” transformed Amitabh into Bollywood’s “Angry Young Man,” a persona that defined Indian cinema in the 1970s.
8. Multiple Occupations
- Besides being a megastar, Bachchan has worked as a producer, playback singer, television presenter, and even a politician during the 1980s.
9. Political Career
- Amitabh contested and won the Lok Sabha seat from Allahabad in 1984, supported by the Congress Party. However, he resigned after three years, disillusioned by politics.
10. Near-Death Experience
- In 1982, Amitabh was critically injured while filming a fight scene for “Coolie.” His near-death experience saw fans across India praying for his recovery.
11. Coolie Incident
- After his miraculous recovery, Coolie’s release was postponed, and his comeback became a national event. The scene in which he got injured was frozen with a note of gratitude to the fans.
12. Love for Theatre
- Amitabh’s mother, Teji Bachchan, had a deep love for theatre, which is believed to have influenced his decision to enter acting.
13. Rejected for His Height
- Initially, directors rejected Amitabh due to his 6’2” height, which was considered too tall for an Indian hero at the time.
14. Stardom with Sholay
- “Sholay” (1975), in which Amitabh played the quiet but powerful Jai, became one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema history.
15. Big B’s Voice in “Lagaan”
- Amitabh lent his deep baritone voice as a narrator in “Lagaan” (2001), which was nominated for an Academy Award.
16. The Big B’s Nickname
- Amitabh is often referred to as “Big B”, a nickname given to him by the Indian media during his rise to superstardom.
17. First Filmfare Award
- Amitabh won his first Filmfare Best Actor Award for his role in “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977).
18. Famous Friendships
- He shares a long-standing friendship with actor Dharmendra and has often called him his closest companion in the industry.
19. Fame in Egypt
- Amitabh is hugely popular in countries like Egypt, where he is known as “The Egyptian Cinema’s Favorite Hero”.
20. Rejected a Doctorate
- Amitabh Bachchan was offered an honorary doctorate by Queensland University, Australia, but he declined the honor as a mark of respect following racist attacks on Indian students in Australia.
21. Owns a Forest in Lucknow
- Amitabh Bachchan owns a piece of land in Lucknow, which he has declared a forest to help the environment.
22. Music Talent
- Amitabh is also a talented singer and has sung for several movies, including hits like “Mere Angane Mein” from “Laawaris” (1981).
23. Love for Technology
- Despite his age, Amitabh is a fan of social media and blogs regularly. He also interacts with fans through Twitter and Instagram.
24. Philanthropic Efforts
- Amitabh Bachchan has been actively involved in various charity causes, including polio campaigns and farmer relief funds.
25. Voice of India
- Amitabh’s voice is so iconic that it was used for the Glimpse of India pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.
26. A Man of Many Awards
- He has won 4 National Film Awards and 15 Filmfare Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.
27. Padma Awards
- Amitabh has been honored with all three of India’s Padma Awards: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), and Padma Vibhushan (2015).
28. Missed Hollywood Opportunity
- Amitabh was offered a role in the Oscar-winning Hollywood film “Gandhi” (1982), but he turned it down.
29. Global Recognition
- In 2000, he became the first Asian actor to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London.
30. Big B’s Production House
- Amitabh started his production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), in 1996, which later faced financial difficulties.
31. Financial Crisis
- At one point, ABCL went bankrupt, and Amitabh faced a serious financial crisis. His fortunes reversed with his role in the hit show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC).
32. KBC Fame
- Hosting KBC transformed Amitabh into a household name, reinvigorating his career and making him popular with younger generations.
33. Filmfare Recognition
- In 2013, Filmfare honored him with the Timeless Glamour and Style Icon award, recognizing his fashion sense and charisma over the decades.
34. Mumbai’s Favorite Son
- The Maharashtra Government declared Amitabh’s birthday (October 11) as “Amitabh Bachchan Day” in 2015.
35. First Bollywood Star on Twitter
- Amitabh Bachchan was among the first Indian celebrities to join Twitter, and he remains very active on the platform.
36. Living Legend Award
- In 2004, he was awarded the Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
37. Multiple Filmfare Nominations
- Amitabh holds the record for the most Filmfare nominations in the Best Actor category.
38. Long-Lasting Marriage
- He married actress Jaya Bhaduri in 1973, and they have two children, Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan.
39. A Proud Father
- Amitabh’s son, Abhishek Bachchan, followed in his footsteps to become an actor, while his daughter, Shweta Nanda, is an author and columnist.
40. Iconic Duos
- Amitabh has had iconic on-screen partnerships with actresses like Rekha, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan.
41. Reluctant Debut on TV
- Amitabh was initially skeptical about hosting KBC, but the show’s success made him one of the most beloved television hosts in India.
42. His Own Blog
- Big B is an avid blogger and maintains his personal blog, where he shares insights, life experiences, and thoughts with fans.
43. Inspiration for Madame Tussauds
- His wax statue at Madame Tussauds London was sculpted by Marie Tussaud’s great-granddaughter, a rare honor.
44. Endorsement King
- Amitabh Bachchan is one of the highest-paid celebrity endorsers in India, promoting brands ranging from jewelry to tech products.
45. Loves Sports
- He is a passionate fan of cricket, often seen cheering for the Indian team during major events.
46. Cameo Roles
- Despite his stature, Bachchan has done numerous cameo roles in movies, including “English Vinglish” (2012) alongside Sridevi.
47. Superstar Status in Iran
- Amitabh enjoys massive popularity in Iran, where his movies are regularly aired on television with subtitles.
48. Surviving Asthma
- Amitabh has suffered from asthma for many years and advocates for asthma awareness.
49. A Passion for Reading
- Amitabh is a voracious reader and loves books on philosophy, history, and spirituality.
50. Continued Success
- Even in his 80s, Amitabh continues to act in lead roles, proving his everlasting appeal across generations of moviegoers.
The transformation of Amitabh Bachchan from a struggling performer into a worldwide celebrity is very inspirational. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in Indian film because of his capacity to reinvent himself while adhering to his artistic vision. His narrative demonstrates that skill, perseverance, and hard work make success inevitable.