Amitabh Bachchan, the undisputed “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, has captivated audiences since the 1970s. His iconic roles and enduring charisma have solidified his place as a Bollywood legend. This post delves into his life, career, and impressive achievements.
Biography/Wiki
Amitabh Harivansh Rai Shrivastava, born October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India (age 82 as of 2024), is known by many names: Munna, Big B, Angry Young Man, AB Sr., Amith, and Shahenshah of Bollywood. He’s a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), and Padma Vibhushan (2015).
Physical Appearance
His towering height of 6’2″ initially posed challenges, leading to rejections in his early Bollywood days. However, his talent shone through, earning him the National Film Award for Best Newcomer for his debut film, Saat Hindustani.
Family, Caste & Girlfriend
Amitabh hails from a Kayastha Hindu family. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was Hindu, and his mother, Teji Bachchan, was Sikh. He had a stepmother, Shyama. Initially named Inquilaab, his father changed it to Amitabh, based on a suggestion from poet Sumitranandan Pant. His original surname, Shrivastava, was replaced with the pen name “Bachchan.” He has a younger brother, Ajitabh Bachchan.
His romantic life included brief relationships with several actresses. He married Jaya Bhaduri on June 3, 1973. They have two children: Shweta Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan (also an actor).
Noteworthy is the clarification by Amitabh and Rekha in a 2024 interview with Simi Grewal that they never dated, only meeting at professional events.
Career
Amitabh’s education included schooling at Jnana Pramodhini, Boys High School, Allahabad, and a B.Sc. from Kirori Mal College, New Delhi. His initial career aspirations involved engineering and the Indian Air Force. Post-graduation, he worked at Shaw Wallace and later as a freight broker for Bird and Co. before embarking on his acting journey.
His acting debut was in Saat Hindustani (1969), followed by a foray into politics in 1984, supporting Rajiv Gandhi. He won the Allahabad seat with a record-breaking victory margin.
He established Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL) in 1996, venturing into various entertainment sectors. While initially unsuccessful, it led to valuable experiences and learnings.
His television career includes hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati (multiple seasons), Bigg Boss Season 3, and Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, along with acting roles in shows like Yudh and Astra Force.
Car Collection
Amitabh’s impressive car collection includes:
- Bentley Arnage R
- Bentley Continental GT
- Lexus LX 470
- Mercedes-Benz SL 500 AMG
- Porsche Cayman S
- Range Rover SUV
- And many more luxury vehicles!
He notably sold his Rolls Royce Phantom in 2019 and recently added a BMW i7 Sedan to his collection.
Salary/Income, Endorsements, and Investments
Amitabh Bachchan’s income streams extend beyond films, encompassing endorsements, investments and other ventures.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Films | Charges approximately ₹6 crore per film, with higher fees for blockbuster roles. |
| Endorsements | Earns ₹5-8 crore per endorsement for brands like Cadbury, Nestlé, and Dabur. |
| ABCL | His production and distribution company contributes significantly to his earnings. |
| Real Estate | Owns numerous properties in Mumbai and internationally, generating rental income. |
| Investments | Holds stakes in companies like Just Dial, Stampede Capital, and Meridian Tech Pte Limited. |
| Television | Earns substantial income from hosting shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati. |
| NFTs | His 2021 NFT sale of “Madhushala” fetched ₹7.18 crore. |
Assets & Properties, Net Worth, and Facts
Amitabh’s asset portfolio includes various properties and significant investments, resulting in an estimated net worth of approximately ₹3,190 crore (as of October 2023).
Interesting facts about Amitabh Bachchan include:
- He is ambidextrous.
- He’s a pure vegetarian.
- He has a vast pen collection.
- He’s lent his voice as a narrator to numerous films.
- He’s sung several songs in films.
- He holds a Guinness World Record with his son for playing reversed roles in Paa.
His life story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and enduring success in the Indian film industry.
