Amitabh Bachchan is also known for his humanitarian and social work, such as supporting various causes like polio eradication, tuberculosis awareness, education, and women empowerment.
The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, who is also known as the Star of the Millennium, is celebrating his 81st birthday today. The superstar has a huge fan following across the world, who admire him for his versatile acting, powerful screen presence, and charismatic personality. On this special occasion, let us take a look at some of the interesting facts about the megastar that you may not know.
1. His original name was Inquilaab
Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to the Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan. His parents had initially named him Inquilaab, which means “revolution” in Hindi, inspired by the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” that was popular during the Indian independence struggle. However, later they changed his name to Amitabh, which means “the one with boundless splendor”, on the suggestion of the poet Sumitranandan Pant.
2. He was rejected by All India Radio
Before becoming a successful actor, Amitabh Bachchan had tried his luck as a radio announcer at All India Radio, but he was rejected because of his deep voice. Ironically, his voice later became one of his most distinctive features and he went on to lend his voice for many films, documentaries, and commercials. He also narrated the popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
3. He worked as a freight broker in Kolkata
After completing his graduation from Delhi University, Amitabh Bachchan moved to Kolkata and worked as a freight broker for Bird and Co., a shipping firm. He earned Rs 500 as his first salary. He also developed an interest in theatre and joined a group called Theatre Unit. He later moved to Mumbai to pursue his acting career.
4. He had 12 consecutive flops before Zanjeer
Amitabh Bachchan made his acting debut in 1969 with the film Saat Hindustani, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Newcomer. However, he faced many rejections and failures in his initial years and had 12 consecutive flops before he got his breakthrough role in Zanjeer (1973). The film established him as the “angry young man” of Bollywood and made him a superstar.
5. He has played more double roles than any other actor
Amitabh Bachchan is known for his versatility and has played a variety of roles in his career. He has also played more double roles than any other actor in Bollywood. He has played dual roles in films like Don (1978), The Great Gambler (1979), Satte Pe Satta (1982), Aakhree Raasta (1986), Sooryavansham (1999), and many more. He even played a triple role in Mahaan (1983).
6. His most common character name is Vijay
Amitabh Bachchan has played many memorable characters in his films, but one name that stands out is Vijay. He has played characters named Vijay over 20 times in films like Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), Trishul (1978), Shakti (1982), Agneepath (1990), Khuda Gawah (1992), and many more. The name Vijay became synonymous with his angry young man image.
7. He is ambidextrous
Apart from being a brilliant actor, Amitabh Bachchan is also gifted with another talent. He is ambidextrous, which means he can write with both hands equally well. He has demonstrated this skill on several occasions, such as signing autographs for his fans with both hands.
8. His bungalow Jalsa was gifted to him by a producer
Amitabh Bachchan lives in a lavish bungalow called Jalsa in Juhu, Mumbai. The bungalow has a huge living area, a garden, a gym, and several bedrooms. It is also where he meets his fans every Sunday. However, not many people know that Jalsa was gifted to him by producer NC Sippy in 1982 after the success of their film Satte Pe Satta.
9. He has won four National Film Awards and 15 Filmfare Awards
Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most decorated actors in the Indian film industry. He has won four National Film Awards for Best Actor for his performances in Agneepath (1990), Black (2005), Paa (2009), and Piku (2015). He has also won 15 Filmfare Awards, including five for Best Actor, three for Best Supporting Actor, one for Lifetime Achievement, and one for Superstar of the Millennium.
10. He is a playback singer and has sung over 30 songs
Amitabh Bachchan is not only a great actor but also a soulful singer. He has lent his voice for over 30 songs in his films, such as Rang Barse from Silsila (1981), Mere Angne Mein from Laawaris (1981), Neela Aasman So Gaya from Silsila (1981), Main Yahan Tu Wahan from Baghban (2003), and many more. He has also sung the national anthem of India on several occasions.
11. He is a producer and owns his own production company
Amitabh Bachchan is also a successful producer and owns his own production company called Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL). The company was founded in 1996 and has produced several films, such as Tere Mere Sapne (1996), Mrityudaata (1997), Major Saab (1998), Paa (2009), and Shamitabh (2015). The company also organizes events, such as the Miss World pageant in 1996.
12. He is a television host and has hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati since 2000
Amitabh Bachchan is also a popular television personality and has hosted the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? called Kaun Banega Crorepati since 2000. The show is one of the most-watched shows on Indian television and has made many contestants rich and famous. Bachchan’s charisma, wit, and warmth have made him a favourite among the viewers.
13. He is a former politician and was a member of Parliament from 1984 to 1987
Amitabh Bachchan also ventured into politics in 1984 and joined the Indian National Congress party. He contested the Lok Sabha elections from Allahabad and won by a huge margin. He became a member of Parliament and was close to the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. However, he soon became disillusioned with politics and resigned from his seat in 1987 after being implicated in the Bofors scandal.
14. He was the first Asian actor to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds
Amitabh Bachchan is not only famous in India but also internationally. He was the first Asian actor to have his wax statue displayed at Madame Tussauds museum in London in 2000. Since then, his wax statues have been installed in other branches of Madame Tussauds across the world, including New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Delhi.
15. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards and honours
Amitabh Bachchan has been honoured with several prestigious awards and honours for his contribution to Indian cinema and society. He has received the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015, which are among the highest civilian awards in India. He has also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019, which is the highest honour in Indian cinema. He has also been conferred with honorary doctorates from several universities, such as Jhansi University, De Montfort University, Queensland University of Technology, and Delhi University.
