Biography
Bachchan was born to Teji and Harivansh Rai 'Bachchan'. Harivansh Rai was a well-known Hindi poet. He attended Boys' High School in Allahabad followed by Sherwood College in Nainital and went on to Delhi University to earn a degree in science.
He gave up his job as a freight broker for the shipping firm Bird and Company in Calcutta to pursue an acting career. He entered FTII Pune (the Film And Television Institute of India at Pune). Jaya Bhaduri (whom he later married), Anil Dhawan (director David Dhawan's brother), Shatrughan Sinha, Romesh Sharma, Danny Denzongpa, and Amitabh were all classmates at FTII Pune.
Bachchan began his acting career in 1969 with Saat Hindustani. He became well known as a movie star in 1973, with the films Abhimaan and Zanjeer.
In 1982, Bachchan was injured while filming on the set of Coolie. People were so concerned about his health that they thronged to temples and prayed for his life and quick recovery. He recovered and resumed making films. Popular interest in his injury had been so high that when Coolie was released, it featured a freeze-frame and caption, isolating the exact instant during a fight scene when he was hurt.
While his popularity waned in the 1990s, Bachchan made a comeback in the early 2000s by hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Bachchan married actress Jaya Bhaduri in 1973. He has co-starred with Jaya in many films: Zanjeer, Abhimaan, Milli, Chupke Chupke,Sholay, Silsila, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. They have two children: Shweta Bachchan-Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek Bachchan has followed in his father's footsteps, having starred in a number of movies.
Career
Bachchan's first film was Saat Hindustani (1969). He became well known as a movie star in 1973 following the success of Abhimaan and Zanjeer.
Bachchan's most loved films and characters date from this period. Fans remember him from box office hits like Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony, Trishul, Don, Deewar and more recently in Baghban. Amitabh often played an angry young man fighting a corrupt establishment -- a theme that had immense appeal in India during that time. The screen-writing duo of Salim-Javed [1] have often been credited with creating this persona. In a sense, the relationship was symbiotic. Neither Salim-Javed nor Amitabh have since attained the level of success they achieved with their collaborations.
Bachchan is famous for playing a person who is angry with the whole system, doesn't believe in God and replies back to evils of society, a person who believes in right and does right, a person who doesn't bow before anyone else except his mother. As a result of portraying these kind of images in the films he worked, the people and media called him "an Angry young man".
In an era where producers looked to cast a handsome full-bodied man as the hero, Bachchan was written off, due to his unconventional looks and tall, lanky frame. His baritone (since regarded as his biggest asset) once failed to get him a job as a news presenter at All India Radio. The success of Zanjeer and Sholay turned that around. Audiences adored his on-screen presence and a flair for comedy.
Many of his films in the 1970s followed a set formula: a poor childhood, parents murdered or separated after birth, survival through street-smart instincts, entry of a villain (usually a social oppressor or smuggler or his parents' killer or long lost father), some comedy scenes, a drunk scene, songs, dances, an action finale and a dying speech. It can be argued that the Salim-Javed stories written for Amitabh during the 1970s form an informal sequel, with the same character being played out in various settings.
Critics would regard most of these 1970s films as run-of-the-mill masala movies with creaking plots and sub-par production values. However, Amitabh's persona lifted them to incredible heights of popularity.
He continued making films all through the 1980s and 1990s, but his appeal seemed to have waned. Though a few of his movies were successful (Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan and Mohabbatein), critics said that they succeeded due to Amitabh's co-stars, Govinda and Shahrukh Khan. Industry gossip said that Amitabh was finished as an actor.
Then he proved the critics wrong. First came the fan accolades. In 1999, in a BBC Online Poll, he was named the Superstar of the Millennium. In June 2000 he became the first living Asian to have a wax statue erected in his honor at Madame Tussaud's.
In 2000, he was chosen as the host for Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The show became an enormous hit. While the show was on, street traffic dropped dramatically; restaurants and movie theaters complained of diminishing clientèle. Critics were forced to admit that Amitabh could still pull big crowds. The show was aired again as Kaun Banega Crorepati 2, with a prize money double the first version.
The reason for the popularity of Bachchan has probably been the uncanny portrayal of the Indian consciousness in his roles. We can see the development of 70's India to the corporate setup of the present era. In this transformation the identity of "Indian-ness" is not lost.
Since his game show success, he has appeared in several hit movies. He has also appeared in many ads for commercial products and for various non-profit organizations. He has supported campaigns for eye donations and against polio and AIDS.
Public life
In 1984, Bachchan briefly entered politics in support of long-time family friend Rajiv Gandhi. He contested Allahabad's parliament seat against H. N. Bahuguna, a well-known politician and won (winning 68.2% of the vote). [2] However, his political career was short-lived; he resigned after three years before finishing his term. At the time of his resignation, it was rumored that he might have been involved in the Bofors scandal. Bachchan was not implicated in the corruption and has since distanced himself from the Gandhi family. Bachchan denies that the these events were connected, commenting that he "should have never got into politics."
In 1995, he went into business, founding Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd., an entertainment company that specialized in film production and event management. The company did not succeed and Bachchan was pushed into huge debt when a big-budget production bombed at the Bollywood box office. He did not, however, file for bankruptcy. Apart from what is a commonly held belief that influential public figures such as Sahara Group chairman Subroto Roy and politician Amar Singh helped bail Bachchan financially out of his debts, the actor also took on visibly more acting and endorsing contracts to pay off his creditors. According to most accounts, with his return to the small screen for a second season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, his debts may have been completely cleared in 2005. Some observers speculate that he will try to revive his company.
He was admited to hospital in November 2005 for Ulcerative Colitis. For weeks this formed the basis of the main news stories in the Indian media. Such is the popularity of Bachchan that prayers were held all over India and special ‘pujas' conducted, in scenes reminiscient of the Coolie film accident.
In 2006, Indian National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (Note) accused Bachchan of breaking national law by appearing smoking a cigar on advertising posters for the film Family. India's government banned tobacco advertisements in 2003, and Note threatened the film star with legal action.
Trivia
He has played a character named Vijay in at least seventeen of his films.
Veteran Hindi actor Raaj Kumar was first approached to play the role of Police Inspector in Zanjeer, for some reason Raaj Kumar (who was known for his eccentric mannerisms)didn't accept the role and the role went to Amitabh. Had Raaj Kumar accepted the Zanjeer's hero's role, Amitabh might not have been what he is today.
Awards
Bachchan has received the Padma Shri (1983) and Padma Bhushan (2005), civilian honours from the Indian government. In 1990, he won the National Award for his portrayal of a mafia don in Agneepath. In 1999, he was named BBC Superstar of the Millennium. He has also won 14 Filmfare Awards in various categories.He recently won the 2006 FilmFare award for best actor for his role in film Black.
Filmography
Acting Filmography
Komagata Maru (2006)
Happy New Year (2007)
Baiju Aur Tansen (2006)
Tansen
Darna Zaroori Hai (2006)
God Tussi Great Ho (2006)
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Mohinder Sharma
Baabul (2006)
Balraj Kapoor
Eklavya (2006)
Khazan (2006)
Struggler (2006)
Zamaanat (2006)
Shiv Shankar
Family (2006)
Viren Sahi
Ek Ajnabee (2005)
Suryaveer Singh
Dil Jo Bhi Kahey... (2005)
Shekhar Sinha
Viruddh (2005)
Vidhyadar Ramkrishna Patwardhan
Parineeta (2005)
Narrator
Sarkar (film) (2005)
Subhash Nagare 'Sarkar'
Paheli (2005)
The Shepherd
Ramji Londonwale (2005)
Amitabh Bachchan as Himself
Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
DCP Dashrath Singh
Waqt (2005)
Ishwarchand Thakur
Black (2005)
Debraj Sahai
Khakee (2004)
DCP Anant Kumar Shrivastav
Aetbaar (2004)
Dr. Ranveer Malhotra
Rudraksh (2004)
Narrator
Insaaf: The Justice (2004)
Narrator
Dev (2004)
Dev
Lakshya (2004)
Col. Sunil Damle
Deewaar (2004)
Maj. Ranvir Kaul
Kyun...! Ho Gaya Na (2004)
Raj Chauhan
Hum Kaun Hai? (2004)
Dual Role (Major Frank John Williams & Frank James Williams)
Veer-Zaara (2004)
Chaudhary Sumer Singh
Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004)
Major General Amarjeet Singh
Fun2shh (2003)
Narrator
Baghban (2003)
Raj Malhotra
Boom (2003)
Bade Mia
Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003)
Narrator
Armaan (2003)
Dr. Siddharth Sinha
Khushi (2003)
Narrator
Kaante (2002)
Yashvardhan Rampal 'Major'
Agnivarsha (2002)
Indra
Hum Kisise Kum Nahi (2002)
Dr. Rastogi
Aankhen (2002)
Vijay Singh Rajput
Lagaan (2001)
Narrator
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Yashvardhan 'Yash' Raichand
Aks (2001)
Inspector Manu Verma
Ek Rishta - The Bond of Love (2001)
Vijay Kapoor
Mohabbatein (2000)
Narayan Shankar
Kohraam (1999)
Col. Balbir Singh Sodi, aka Devraj Hathoda/Dada Bhai
Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999)
Kabeera
Hello Brother (1999)
Voice of God
Sooryavansham (1999)
Dual Role (Thakur Bhanu Pratap Singh & Heera Singh)
Lal Baadshah (1999)
Dual Role (Lal 'Baadshah' Singh & Ranbhir Singh)
Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan (1998)
Dual Role (Inspector Arjun Singh & Bade Miyan)
Majorsaab (1998)
Maj. Jasbir Singh Rana
Mrityudata (1997)
Dr. Ram Prasad Ghayal
Tere Mere Sapne (1996)
Narrator
Insaniyat (1994)
Inspector Amar
Khuda Gawah (1992)
Baadshah Khan
Indrajeet (1991)
Indrajeet
Hum (1991)
Tiger/Shekhar
Akayla (1991)
Inspector Vijay Verma
Ajooba (1991)
Ajooba/Ali
Krodh (1990)
Agneepath (1990)
Vijay Deenanath Chauhan
Aaj ka Arjun (1990)
Bheema
Toofan (1989)
Dual Role (Toofan & Shyam)
Main Azaad Hoon (1989)
Azaad
Jaadugar (1989)
Soorma Bhopali (1988)
(Guest Appearance)
Shahenshah (1988)
Inspector Vijay Kumar Srivastava/Shahenshah
Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara (Guest) (1988)
Ganga Jamuna Saraswati (1988)
Ganga Prasad
Jalwa (1987)
Special Appearance as himself
Hero Hiralal (1987)
Special Appearance as himself
Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986)
(Guest Appearance)
Aakhree Raasta (1986)
Dual Role
Naya Bakra (1985)
Mard (1985)
Raju 'Mard' Tangewala
Giraftaar (Guest) (1985)
Inspector Karan Kumar Khanna
Sharaabi (1984)
Vicky Kapoor
Inquilaab (1984)
Amarnath
Nastik (1983)
Shankar (Sheru)/Bhola
Pukar (1983)
Ramdas/Ronnie
Mahaan (1983)
Triple role (Amit/Rana Ranveer, Guru & Inspector Shankar)
Coolie (1983)
Iqbal
Andha Kanoon (Guest) (1983)
Jan Nissar Akhtar Khan (Guest Appearance)
Shakti (1982)
Vijay Kumar
Satte pe Satta (1982)
Dual Role (Ravi Anand/Babu)
Namak Halaal (1982)
Arjun Singh
Khud-daar (1982)
Govind Srivastav/Chotu Ustad
Desh Premee (1982)
Dual Role (Master Dinanath & Raju)
Bemisaal (1982)
Dual Role (Dr. Sudhir Roy & Adhir Roy)
Yaraana (1981)
Kishan Kumar
Silsila (1981)
Amit Malhotra
Naseeb (1981)
John, Jaani, Janardhan
Lawaaris (1981)
Heera
Vilayati Babu (Special Appearance) (1981)
Jagga (Special Appearance)
Kaalia (1981)
Kallu/Kaalia
Barsaat ki Ek Raat (1981)
ACP Abhijeet Rai
Commander (Guest) (1981)
Guest Appearance
Chashme Buddoor (Guest) (1981)
Guest Appearance
Shaan (1980)
Vijay Kumar
Ram Balraam (1980)
Inspector Balram Singh
Dostaana (1980)
Vijay Varma
Do aur Do Panch (1980)
Vijay/Ram
Cinema Cinema (1979)
Suhaag (1979)
Amit Kapoor
Mr. Natwarlal (1979)
Natwarlal/Avtar Singh
Manzil (1979)
Ajay Chandra
Kaala Patthar (1979)
Vijay Pal Singh
Jurmaana (1979)
Inder Saxena
The Great Gambler (1979)
Dual Role (Jay & Inspector Vijay)
Gol Maal (1979)
as himself Guest Appearance
Muqaddar ka Sikandar (1978)
Sikandar
Trishul (1978)
Vijay Kumar
Kasme Vaade (1978)
Dual Role (Amit & Shankar)
Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978)
Jeeva
Don (1978)
Double Role (Don/Vijay)
Besharam (1978)
Ram Kumar Chandra/Prince Chandrashekar
Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977)
Narrator
Parvarish (1977)
Khoon Paseena (1977)
Shiva/Tiger
Imaan Dharam (1977)
Ahmed Raza
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Anthony Gonsalves/Raju
Alaap (1977)
Alok Prasad
Charandas (Special Appearance) (1977)
Qawwali Singer (Special Appearance)
Adalat (1976)
Dual Role (Dharma/Thakur Dharam Chand & Raju)
Hera Pheri (1976)
Vijay
Kabhie Kabhie (1976)
Amitabh "Amit" Malhotra
Do Anjaane (1976)
Amit Roy/Naresh Dutt
Sholay (1975)
Jai (Jaidev)
Mili (1975)
Shekhar Dayal
Zameer (1975)
Baadal/Chimpoo
Faraar (1975)
Rajesh (Raj)
Deewar (1975)
Vijay Verma
Chupke Chupke (1975)
Professor Sukumar Sinha/Parimal Tripathi
Kunwara Baap (Guest) (1974)
as Himself (Guest Appearance)
Roti Kapda aur Makaan (1974)
Vijay
Majboor (1974)
Ravi Khanna
Kasauti (1974)
Amitabh Sharma (Amit)
Dost (Guest) (1974)
Anand (Guest Appearance)
Benaam (1974)
Amit Srivastav
Bada Kabutar (Guest) (1973)
Guest appearance
Zanjeer (1973)
Inspector Vijay
Saudagar (1973)
Mothi
Namak Haram (1973)
Vikram (Vicky)
Gehri Chaal (1973)
Ratan
Baandhe Haath (1973)
Dual Role (Shyamu & Deepak)
Abhimaan (1973)
Subir Kumar (Beeru)
Raaste Ka Patthar (1972)
Jai Shankar Rai
Bawarchi (Guest) (1972)
Narrator
Jaban (1972)
Ek Nazar (1972)
Manmohan Akash Tyagi
Bombay to Goa (1972)
Ravi Kumar
Bansi Birju (1972)
Birju
Piya Ka Ghar (Guest) (1971)
Guest Appearance
Reshma Aur Shera (1971)
Chotu
Sanjog (1971)
Mohan
Parwaana (1971)
Kumar Sen
Pyar Ki Kahani (1971)
Ram Chandra
Guddi (1971)
as himself guest appearance
Anand (1970)
Dr. Bhaskar K. Bannerjee/Babu Moshai
Bhuvan Shome (1969)
Narrator aka Mr. Shome
Saat Hindustani (1969)
Anwar Ali Anwar
Current projects
Baiju Aur Tansen
Happy New Year!!!
Sarkar 2
Sholay
God Tussi Great Ho
Darna Zaroori Hai
Baabul
Khazan
Eklavya
Struggler
References
^ "Amitabh Bachchan: Stint in Politics" HindustanTimes.com. Accessed on December 5, 2005.
^ "Amitabh Bachchan: The comeback man" BBC News. Accessed on December 5, 2005.
