Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He was named Inquilab, inspired by the phrase 'Inquilab Zindabad' during the Indian Independence movement, before his father renamed him Amitabh. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was a well-known Hindi poet, and his mother, Teji Bachchan, was a social activist. Amitabh Bachchan is a legendary figure in Indian cinema, known for his deep voice and versatile acting. Over the years, he has become one of India's most influential actors.

Amitabh Bachchan made his acting debut in 1969 with the film 'Saat Hindustani' directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. Although the film was not commercially successful, it earned Bachchan his first National Film Award for Best Newcomer. The movie depicted the story of seven Indians, including Bachchan's character, who attempt to free Goa from Portuguese colonial rule. This was the beginning of Bachchan's career in Hindi cinema, which would later make him one of the most influential actors in India.

The film 'Zanjeer', released on July 20, 1973, is considered Amitabh Bachchan's breakthrough movie. Directed by Prakash Mehra, Bachchan played the role of Inspector Vijay Khanna, a character that established him as the 'angry young man' of Bollywood. This role marked a significant shift in his career, transforming him into a vastly popular action hero and a major star in Indian cinema. The success of 'Zanjeer' was a turning point, leading to a string of successful films in the 1970s and 1980s.

During the filming of Manmohan Desai's 'Coolie' on July 24, 1982, Amitabh Bachchan suffered a near-fatal intestinal injury during a fight scene. He was performing a stunt alongside co-star Puneet Issar when he accidentally hit the corner of a table. This injury led to a splenic rupture and significant blood loss. Bachchan was critically ill and underwent a long recovery, which involved several surgeries. The nation prayed for his recovery, and he finally returned to work later in 1983. This incident is one of the most famous in his life and career.

In 1984, Amitabh Bachchan entered politics by joining the Indian National Congress and contesting for the Allahabad seat in the 8th Lok Sabha elections. He won by one of the highest victory margins in general election history. However, his political journey was short-lived, lasting only three years. Bachchan resigned from politics in 1987, citing personal disgust and disillusionment. His brief political career is often regarded as a significant episode in his life, showcasing his versatility beyond the film industry.

In 1984, after joining the Indian National Congress, Amitabh Bachchan contested the eighth Lok Sabha elections and was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Allahabad constituency. He won the election with a landslide victory, receiving a record number of votes. His entry into politics marked a significant phase in his life, though it was short-lived due to his resignation amid controversies. Despite this brief stint, his impact during his tenure was notable in the political landscape.

After a brief hiatus from acting and a stint in politics, Amitabh Bachchan made a successful return to cinema with the 1988 film 'Shahenshah'. Directed by Tinnu Anand, the film became a blockbuster at the box office. Bachchan's performance as Inspector Vijay Kumar Srivastav was highly acclaimed and marked a significant comeback for him in the film industry. 'Shahenshah' is particularly remembered for its iconic dialogue and Bachchan's distinct costume, featuring an iron arm.

Amitabh Bachchan made his television debut as the host of the Indian version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?', titled 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), on July 3, 2000. The show was a massive success and became a cultural phenomenon in India. Bachchan's persona, deep baritone voice, and engaging style endeared him to audiences across the country, reviving his career and reaffirming his status as a beloved public figure. KBC's success is widely credited with revolutionizing Indian television game shows.

Amitabh Bachchan was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by the Government of India in 2001. This was in recognition of his contributions to the arts, particularly cinema, and his influence on Indian culture. Bachchan's illustrious career, spanning decades and encompassing numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, made him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. The Padma Bhushan added to his collection of accolades, showcasing his impact on India's film industry.

In 2005, Amitabh Bachchan was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. This honor was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and his impact on popular culture worldwide. The university acknowledged Bachchan's role in bringing Bollywood to global audiences and his influence as an actor. Such international recognition highlights Bachchan's global appeal and his status as a cultural ambassador for Indian cinema.

In 2007, Amitabh Bachchan was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NDTV Indian of the Year Awards. This accolade celebrated his unparalleled contributions to the Indian film industry and recognized his enduring influence over several generations of audiences. Bachchan's career, marked by iconic roles and a diverse filmography, has had a lasting impact on Bollywood. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his legacy as one of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan received the Global Diversity Award at the British Parliament on December 19, 2013. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him for his outstanding contribution to cinema and his efforts in promoting diversity through his work. The award recognized Bachchan as an icon of multiculturalism and a bridge between East and West. His acceptance of the award at the British Parliament further solidified his status as a global ambassador for Indian cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2015. This accolade was in recognition of his exceptional service in the field of art and his contributions to Indian cinema. With a career spanning over five decades, Bachchan has played a pivotal role in shaping the Bollywood industry and influencing countless actors. The Padma Vibhushan acknowledges his status as a cinematic legend and an integral part of India's cultural heritage.

In 2018, Amitabh Bachchan was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema, by the Government of India. This award recognizes individuals for their lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Bachchan's illustrious career, marked by iconic performances, has made him an enduring figure in Bollywood. He is revered not just for his acting talent but also for his versatility and dedication to the craft. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is a fitting tribute to Bachchan's legendary status.

Amitabh Bachchan was awarded the Fauji Gaurav Samman by the Hands of Honour Award 2021, in recognition of his efforts to provide support to Indian soldiers and their families. This award was given by the Directorate of Film Festivals in India, marking his contributions towards philanthropy and awareness campaigns supporting the Indian Armed Forces. Bachchan has been involved in various initiatives for the welfare of ex-servicemen and promoting national unity.