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Amitabh Bachchan is a cultural icon in India. Big B overcame insurmountable odds to win.

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Amitabh Bachchan is a cultural icon in India. Big B overcame insurmountable odds to win.
Amitabh Bachchan is a cultural icon in India

Amitabh Bachchan (born October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, India) is a legendary Indian film actor best known for his roles in action films. Bachchan attended Sherwood College in Nainital and the University of Delhi, the son of famed Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Before pursuing a film career, he worked as a business executive in Calcutta (Kolkata) and played in the theater. Bachchan made his feature film debut in Saat Hindustani (1969; "Seven Indians"), and he won his first Filmfare Award for his performance in Anand (1971). His breakthrough came with Zanjeer (1973; "Chain"). Deewar (1975; "Wall"), Sholay (1975; "Embers"), and Don (1978) were among the action flicks that followed. Bachchan, nicknamed "Big B," embodied an entirely novel kind of action star in Indian cinema, the "angry young man," rather than the romantic hero. 

Bachchan had acted in over 35 films by the end of the 1970s and was widely considered as India's greatest cinema star. His popularity grew to the point where he became a cultural phenomenon, attracting massive throngs of screaming followers wherever he went. In 1982, a near-fatal accident on the production of his film Coolie sparked a national prayer vigil for his recovery. Bachchan returned to the big screen in Agneepath (1990; "Path of Fire"), where he played a mafia don and won a National Film Award. He eventually became the chairman of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd., an entertainment company specializing in film production and event management.

Amitabh Bachchan is a cultural icon in India

Bachchan has acted in over 175 Bollywood films by the early twenty-first century, and at the age of 70, he made his Hollywood debut as a minor part in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby (2013). Later significant films include Piku (2015), a comedy for which he earned his fourth National Film Award, and Pink (2016), a criminal drama in which he played a lawyer. He portrayed a man attempting to break the record for the oldest man alive in 102 Not Out (2018). Badla (2019), a criminal drama, was one of Bachchan's biggest hits. 

Amitabh Bachchan's career peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, when he ruled the box office and established himself as an icon of Indian film. Collaborations with renowned filmmakers such as Prakash Mehra, Yash Chopra, and Manmohan Desai resulted in a streak of blockbusters that demonstrated his versatility as an actor. Films such as "Deewaar," "Sholay," "Don," and "Coolie" are imprinted in cinephiles' minds, and Bachchan's passionate performances continue to captivate audiences.

Amitabh Bachchan's influence stretches beyond the spheres of film and television. He is also known for his work as a television personality, producer, and philanthropist. His charming appearance as the host of the hit TV show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?") established him as a household celebrity and won over a new generation of admirers. Bachchan also actively supports many charitable projects and has received multiple honors for his humanitarian endeavors.

Amitabh Bachchan, Film Heritage Foundation

Amitabh Bachchan's rise from humble origins to legendary status is a monument to his talent, hard work, and unrelenting dedication to the trade of acting. Bachchan has established a particular place in the hearts of millions with his towering presence, spellbinding performances, and unrivalled charm. Amitabh Bachchan remains an irreplaceable force in Indian cinema, eternally carved in the annals of Bollywood's rich history, as he continues to amuse and inspire viewers with his compelling presence on and off the screen. Bachchan topped the overall list as the most recognized celebrity in the country, according to Hansa Research's recent Brand Endorser Report, with a very high All India rank. He is one of India's most durable and powerful human brands, with Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.

Even at the age of 77, Amitabh Bachchan's charisma has not diminished, and he remains one of the most popular actors. The actor is still very much adored and admired by his followers. He recently celebrated his Golden Jubilee in Bollywood. Big B rose to prominence with his 1973 picture Zanjeer and went on to have other hits during his career. From health crises to declaring bankruptcy, he has seen it all.


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