Belonging to a creatively inclined family of Allahabad, Amitabh was born to renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan on October 11th 1942. Amitabh went to Sherwood College, in Nainital, and then to Kirori Mal College,Delhi where he earned a double MA.
This eldest son of the Bachchan family was initially a theatre actor and a radio announcer before he landed in Mumbai (then Bombay) to fulfill his dreams. He had to struggle quite a lot due to his unconventional height (6’3”) and looks which most film makers found unsuitable for films. At last, his determination and sincerity got him his 1st film “Saat Hindustani” in 1969. But this film flopped miserably.
“Pyar Ki Kahani” was the first film in which Amitabh did the lead role. Gradually people had started noticing him as an actor but he was still to far from stardom. On the sets of “ek nazar” in 1972, he met Jaya Bhaduri ( now Bachchan) and they fell in love with each other. Soon after that they got married.
Amitabh’s 13th film,Zanjeer, was definitely the landmark film in his career which catapaulted him to fame. This gave way to a galaxy of hits. Lawaris, Muquadar Ka Sikandar, Namak Halal, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, Don, Roti Kapda Aur MAkaan, Deewar, Shahenshah, Kabhie Kabhie and Silsila were instant hits one after another. From now on there was just no looking back for Mr. Bachchan. His “angry” roles in “Kaala Pathar” and “Trishul” got him the title of “Angry Young Man”.
Amitabh was in the peak of his career when his alleged link ups with Rekha hit the headlines. But this did not ruin the popularity he had already achieved.
In the last 10 years also, Amitabh has given more hits than any other bollywood actor. Films like Baghban, Mohobbatein, Khakee and Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gum showed the versatility of this legendary actor.
He was the 1st Indian to have a wax museum at Madamme Tussauds and on January 26, 2001 he was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contributions to Indian Cinema. Being the highest paid actor, Amitabh is undoubtedly the Shahenshah of bollywood.