Full Name: Amitabh Harivansh Rai Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan)
Date of Birth: October 11, 1942
Birthplace: Allahabad, United Provinces, British India (now Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India)
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Actor, Film Producer, Television Host, Playback Singer
Years Active: 1969–Present
Spouse: Jaya Bachchan (m. 1973)
Children: Abhishek Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda
Parents: Harivansh Rai Bachchan (Father, Poet), Teji Bachchan (Mother)
Early Life and Background
Amitabh Bachchan was born into a literary family. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was a renowned Hindi poet. Amitabh studied at Sherwood College, Nainital, and later pursued a degree from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. Before entering films, he worked in Kolkata as a business executive.
Acting Career
Amitabh Bachchan made his film debut in Saat Hindustani (1969). His breakthrough came with Zanjeer (1973), where he introduced the “Angry Young Man” persona, revolutionizing Indian cinema.
Major Films and Achievements
He has acted in over 200 films, spanning five decades.
- 1970s: Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Don (1978), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
- 1980s: Silsila (1981), Namak Halaal (1982), Coolie (1983), Shahenshah (1988), Agneepath (1990)
- 1990s: Mohabbatein (2000), Baghban (2003), Black (2005), Paa (2009)
- 2010s & Beyond: Piku (2015), Pink (2016), Thugs of Hindostan (2018), Jhund (2022)
Awards and Honors
- 4 National Film Awards (Agneepath, Black, Paa, Piku)
- 16 Filmfare Awards (Most wins in history)
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019) – India’s highest honor in cinema
- Padma Awards:
- Padma Shri (1984)
- Padma Bhushan (2001)
- Padma Vibhushan (2015)
Television and Other Ventures
Amitabh became a household name as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) since 2000. He has also worked in Hollywood (The Great Gatsby, 2013) and remains active in brand endorsements and philanthropy.
Personal Life
Amitabh married actress Jaya Bachchan in 1973. They have two children: Abhishek Bachchan, an actor, and Shweta Bachchan Nanda, a writer and entrepreneur.
Legacy and Influence
Amitabh Bachchan is regarded as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood”, influencing generations of actors. His deep baritone voice, intense performances, and versatility make him one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.
