It is Megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday today. As the legend turns a year old on this special day, let’s look into some lesser-known facts about the original Don.
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan often referred to as Big B has been a prominent figure in the Indian film industry for over five decades now. The legendary superstar still continues to shine brightly in Bollywood at the age of 81.
Big B made his debut with the movie Saat Hindustani in the year 1969. The film was directed by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas which also earned him a National Award for the Best Newcomer category. His personality, dialogue delivery, and indomitable presence made him stand out as an icon in the history of Indian cinema.
The 1970s witnessed the rise of Big B’s stardom with action-packed legendary films like Zanjeer and Deewar. Prakash Mehra directed Zanjeer in 1973 changed the course of Big B’s life. The iconic film introduced India to the “Angry Young Man”.
Since then, his popularity rose tremendously and he went on to give more hits like Sholay, Muqaddar ka Sikandar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb and many more The era of the Angry Young Man started and revolutionized the image of Bollywood heroes in the 1970s to 80s. In 1990, he received his first National Award for the Best Actor role in the iconic hit Agneepath.
His versatility not only limited him to the space of acting but saw his contributions in producing, playback singing, and hosting. His determination to still work hard at this age to charm the audiences is the sole reason why his superstardom will forever remain unparalleled. Big B still lights up the mood with his charismatic personality at the age of 81.
The quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati also helped the actor in many ways. The success of the show helped him clear his debts and get his finances back in order. When Big B struggled to find success in films in the late 1990s KBC made him relevant once again. He later starred in various films such as Mohabatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), Black (2005), and Piku (2015).
As the legend celebrates his 81st birthday, let’s dive into some lesser-known facts about the actor.
Amitabh Bachchan was born as Inquilaab Srivastava
Amitabh Bachchan is also referred to as Big B, Angry Young Man, and Shahenshah. But did you know that he was called Inquilaab Srivastava at birth? He revealed that his last name was his father and legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s pen name. His father strongly opposed the caste system as we can see in their surname ‘Srivastav’ so even Big B willingly followed his father’s footsteps.
Did you know that Big B is ambidextrous?
As we know the Shahenshah of Indian cinema is a man of many talents but not many know that the legendary actor is also ambidextrous. For the ones wondering, it is a term for a person who has the ability to use both hands equally. Big B could easily write with both his hands which is quite rare. Belonging to a family of writers, Big B is a fan of handwritten letters and often pens special notes appreciating young and extraordinary talents.
The famous Jalsa was originally not his property
The Bachchan family’s bungalow Jalsa, is a place which fans visit from all over the world. Every Sunday morning, the actor steps out of his bungalow in Juhu to greet fans, wave at them, and thank them for their support. But Big B actually never bought the property. Producer NC Sippy, who previously owned the house gifted it to Amitabh Bachchan for the tremendous success of their film Satte Pe Satta in 1982.
The first salary of the Megastar was ₹ 500!
Amitabh Bachchan was one of the highest-paid actors in his prime. However, before reaching all the success in Bollywood, he worked in a shipping firm in Calcutta which was his first job. His first salary was ₹ 500.
Most used onscreen name
Amitabh Bachchan has played the character ‘Vijay’ more than 20 times. Speaking of Vijay, we all remember the iconic dialogue from Agneepath. In fact, it is also the actor’s favourite onscreen name.
