At a recent event for their upcoming Tamil action thriller Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth opened up about the struggles Amitabh Bachchan faced during a tough phase in his life. The two legendary actors will be sharing the screen after 33 years, and Rajinikanth took a moment to reflect on the challenging journey Amitabh endured to rise again in his career.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Financial Struggles
Rajinikanth shared that despite being a megastar, Amitabh faced severe financial difficulties at one point. He had accumulated a significant amount of debt due to the failure of his company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL). The situation became so dire that Amitabh had to sell off his house in Mumbai’s Juhu area and other properties to repay his loans. Rajinikanth recalled how some people even mocked Amitabh’s downfall during that time.
The Turning Point: Yash Chopra and Mohabbatein
According to Rajinikanth, one of the key moments in Amitabh’s comeback was when he sought work from filmmaker Yash Chopra. Amitabh reportedly visited Chopra’s house wearing a simple monkey cap, as he could no longer afford a driver. Rajinikanth revealed that Yash Chopra immediately offered him a role in Mohabbatein but first tried to give him a financial advance. Amitabh, however, refused to take money without earning it through work. This marked the beginning of his return to success.
The role in Mohabbatein was well-received, and soon after, Amitabh landed the hosting gig for Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), which became a turning point in his career.
Amitabh’s Dedication and Hard Work
Rajinikanth also highlighted the incredible determination Amitabh showed during this difficult period. Despite facing numerous health problems, Amitabh worked tirelessly, sometimes up to 18 hours a day. He took on various projects, including advertisements, to repay his debts and rebuild his financial standing. Rajinikanth shared how, after a few years, Amitabh not only cleared all his dues but also managed to buy back his house in Juhu. He bought three houses on the same street, proving his resilience and comeback strength.
Amitabh’s Present Work Ethic
Even at the age of 82, Amitabh Bachchan continues to work with immense dedication. According to Rajinikanth, Amitabh still works around 10 hours a day, a testament to his enduring passion for acting and hard work.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Upcoming Movies
On the professional front, Amitabh recently starred in the sci-fi film Kalki 2898 AD, which turned out to be a massive hit, grossing over Rs 1,042 crore worldwide. His next major release is Vettaiyan, directed by T.J. Gnanavel, where he will be seen alongside Rajinikanth after three decades. Additionally, Amitabh continues to host the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, now in its 16th season.
This inspiring tale of Amitabh Bachchan’s struggles and comeback is a reminder of his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.
