Amitabh Bachchan, often called the Shahenshah of Bollywood, celebrates his 82nd birthday on October 11. His life has been a cinematic experience in itself, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. For 54 years, Big B has been a force in the industry, shaping not only Bollywood but also becoming a significant presence on television.
But his path to success was far from easy. From facing rejection due to his looks and voice to overcoming financial crises, Bachchan’s journey shows us what persistence and belief can achieve.
Early Struggles: Rejected but Not Defeated
Amitabh’s initial days in the film industry were full of challenges. Despite his iconic deep voice, it was rejected by All India Radio, crushing his hopes of starting a career in radio. But this rejection didn’t deter him. In 1969, he made his cinematic debut as a narrator in the film Bhuvan Shome, earning a mere Rs 300 for his work. His first acting role came that same year in Saat Hindustani, a multi-starrer film where he played a minor role, for which he was paid Rs 5000.
In 1971, he played a deaf and mute character in Reshma Aur Shera, another small role. His acting skills were apparent, but fame still eluded him.
A Turning Point: The Rise of the Angry Young Man
The turning point came in 1973, when Amitabh starred in Zanjeer. His portrayal of the “angry young man” resonated with the audience, and suddenly, Amitabh became the voice of the youth. Bollywood had found its new hero.
From here, there was no looking back. Bachchan went on to deliver legendary performances in films like Sholay, Deewaar, Laawaris, and Namak Halal. His versatility as an actor meant that he could excel in any genre, be it comedy in Chupke Chupke, action in Don, or drama in Sharabi. Each film established him further as the superstar of Indian cinema.
A Unique Challenge: Height and Heroines
Amitabh’s tall stature, which is now an iconic part of his image, was once a challenge for him. During the early years of his career, actresses would hesitate to work with him because of his height. They felt he was too tall and awkward to pair up with on-screen.
Interestingly, Amitabh’s height also became a barrier when he wanted to join the Indian Air Force. He shared on the set of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) that he was rejected during the interview stage because his legs were too long.
But what once seemed like a flaw eventually became part of his charm. Today, that towering figure is one of the most loved aspects of his on-screen persona.
The Struggles Beyond Cinema: Politics and Financial Crisis
Though Amitabh ruled Bollywood, his foray into politics and business didn’t go as smoothly. In the 1980s, he entered politics and won a seat in Parliament, but this was a brief stint. He later admitted that he wasn’t cut out for it and left after just a few years.
In the mid-90s, Amitabh launched his production company, ABCL (Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd.), which also failed. His films weren’t doing well, and he soon found himself in financial trouble. Things were so bad that he even struggled to pay off his debts.
Reinvention Through Television: The Birth of KBC
In 2000, when Amitabh was at a low point, he took a bold step and entered the world of television. Hosting a quiz show was unheard of for a superstar like him, and people were skeptical. Many advised him not to do it, saying that television was not the right platform for someone of his stature.
But Amitabh proved them all wrong. His role as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) not only revived his career but also made him a household name across India. Since then, he has successfully hosted multiple seasons of the show, and KBC remains one of the most popular TV programs in the country.
Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
Despite all his ups and downs, Amitabh never gave up. He turned his failures into stepping stones. His deep voice, once rejected, became one of his biggest assets. His height, once seen as a disadvantage, is now celebrated. His struggles in politics and business only made him more resilient.
The Emperor of Both Bollywood and Television
Today, Amitabh Bachchan is not just an actor or a host. He is a living legend, a symbol of hard work, resilience, and perseverance. From Bollywood to television, he has conquered it all. Even at 82, Big B continues to inspire millions with his energy, humility, and passion for his craft.
