Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, British India to poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan. He moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to pursue an acting career. Initially, he faced difficulties due to a preference for fairer skin, but his deep baritone voice was recognized for narration work. His breakthrough role came in Khwaja Ahmad Abbas’s “Saat Hindustani” in 1969. His career in Bollywood was significantly propelled after an introduction from then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, leading to his casting in “Zanjeer” (1973).

Zanjeer established Bachchan as the “angry young man” persona, a departure from the romantic roles common at the time. This role resonated with audiences amid social issues such as poverty and inequality. He continued this success with critically acclaimed and commercially successful films through the 1970s and 1980s. Notable works from this period include “Deewaar” (1975) and “Sholay” (1975), which significantly boosted his stardom. In 1984, he briefly entered politics, winning a seat in the Indian National Congress, but resigned mid-term due to controversies. After a period of career fluctuations and a failed business venture, ABCL, he made a successful comeback in 2000 with “Mohabbatein.” His career also saw significant success as the host of “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” the Indian adaptation of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

Bachchan has remained a prominent figure in Indian cinema, earning multiple accolades, including four National Film Awards for Best Actor and sixteen Filmfare Awards. He received India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2018. Beyond acting, he has engaged in various humanitarian efforts, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for polio eradication and a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for hepatitis awareness. His international recognition includes being honored with the Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French Government in 2007 for his contributions to cinema.