Amitabh Bachchan: Difference between revisions

| birth_name        = Amitabh Srivastava <ref name="N18Kbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/in-latest-episode-of-kbc-amitabh-bachchan-reveals-he-was-never-named-inquilab-2959868.html|title=In Latest Episode of KBC, Amitabh Bachchan Reveals He was Never Named Inquilab|access-date=26 July 2021|date=13 October 2020}}</ref>

| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1942|10|11}}

| birth_place        = [[Allahabad]], [[United Provinces (1937–50)|United Provinces]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br/>(present-day [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]])

| alma_mater        = [[Sherwood College]], [[Nainital]]<br />[[Kirori Mal College]], [[Delhi University]]<ref>{{ cite news|title=Alumni meet at Kirori Mal College|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/delhi/Alumni-meet-at-Kirori-Mal-College/articleshow/5615636.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 February 2010 }}</ref>

| honours            = [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (2019)<br /> [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2015)<br />[[Padma Bhushan]] (2001)<br />[[Padma Shri]] (1984)

| website            =  

'''Amitabh Bachchan''' ({{IPA-hi|əmɪˈt̪ɑːbʱ ˈbətːʃən|pron}};<!--per WP:INDICSCRIPT]] Article lead should not contain regional or Indic language script--> born '''Amitabh Srivastava''';<ref name="N18Kbc"/> 11 October 1942<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-amitabh-bachchan-on-70th-birthday/20121007.htm |title=Amitabh Bachchan: No resolutions for my birthday |last=Dedhia |first=Sonil |date=7 October 2012 |website=Rediff |access-date=9 October 2019 |quote=On October 2, the superstar took time out to give interviews to the media, as celebrations for his 70th birthday on October 11[, 2012,] started picking up}}</ref>) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in [[Hindi cinema]]. He is regarded as one of the most influential actors in the history of [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]].<ref name="AB1">* {{cite news|title=Amitabh Bachchan: Meet the biggest movie star in the world|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/amitabh-bachchan-the-biggest-film-star-in-the-world-10034826.html/|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=9 February 2015|date=9 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210093650/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/amitabh-bachchan-the-biggest-film-star-in-the-world-10034826.html|url-status=dead}}

* {{cite web |title=Bachchan Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/newsmakers/2009/November/newsmakers_November64.xml&section=newsmakers&col= |work=[[Khaleej Times]] |access-date=24 November 2011 |date=25 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602182846/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data%2Fnewsmakers%2F2009%2FNovember%2Fnewsmakers_November64.xml&section=newsmakers&col= |archive-date=2 June 2013 }}</ref> During the 1970s{{ndash}}1980s, he was the most dominant actor in the Indian movie scene; the French director [[François Truffaut]] called him a "one-man industry".<ref>{{cite web| work= [[China Daily]]| title= Truffaut labeled Bachchan a one-man industry| url= http://app1.chinadaily.com.cn/star/history/00-07-07/l03-film.html| access-date= 1 February 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080201030338/http://app1.chinadaily.com.cn/star/history/00-07-07/l03-film.html| archive-date= 1 February 2008| url-status=dead| df= dmy-all}}</ref>

Bachchan was born in 1942 in [[Allahabad]] to the Hindi poet [[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]] and his wife, the social activist [[Teji Bachchan]]. He was educated at [[Sherwood College]], [[Nainital]], and [[Kirori Mal College]], [[University of Delhi]]. His film career started in 1969 as a voice narrator in [[Mrinal Sen]]'s film ''[[Bhuvan Shome]]''. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s for films such as ''[[Zanjeer (1973 film)|Zanjeer]]'', ''[[Deewaar]]'' and ''[[Sholay]]'', and was dubbed India's "angry young man" for his on-screen roles in [[Hindi]] films. Referred to as the ''[[Shahanshah|Shahenshah]] of [[Bollywood]]'' (in reference to his 1988 film ''[[Shahenshah (1988 film)|Shahenshah]]''), ''Sadi ka Mahanayak'' ([[Hindi language|Hindi]] for, "Greatest actor of the century"), ''Star of the Millennium'', or ''Big B'',<ref name="AB4">

* {{cite news|title=Delhi's date with Big B at Adda on Friday|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/delhis-date-with-big-b-at-adda-on-friday/|newspaper= The Independent |access-date=27 September 2012|date=27 September 2012}}</ref> he has since appeared in over 200 Indian films in a career spanning more than five decades,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guru.bafta.org/amitabh-bachchan-interview-video |title=Amitabh Bachchan: A Life in Pictures |publisher=Bafta.org |access-date=23 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228221416/http://guru.bafta.org/amitabh-bachchan-interview-video |archive-date=28 December 2011 }}</ref> and has won [[List of awards and nominations received by Amitabh Bachchan|numerous accolades]] in his career, including four [[National Film Awards]] as [[National Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]], [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] as lifetime achievement award and many awards at international film festivals and award ceremonies. He has won sixteen [[Filmfare Awards]] and is the most nominated performer in any major acting category at Filmfare, with 42 nominations overall. In addition to acting, Bachchan has worked as a playback singer, film producer and television presenter. He has hosted several seasons of the game show ''[[Kaun Banega Crorepati]]'', India's version of the game show franchise, ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''. He also entered politics for a time in the 1980s.

The [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Shri]] in 1984, the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2001 and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2015 for his contributions to [[the arts]]. The [[Government of France]] honoured him with its highest civilian honour, Knight of the [[Legion of Honour|Legion of honour]], in 2007 for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond. Bachchan also made an appearance in a Hollywood film, [[Baz Luhrmann]]'s ''[[The Great Gatsby (2013 film)|The Great Gatsby]]'' (2013), in which he played a non-Indian Jewish character, Meyer Wolfsheim.

Beyond the [[Indian subcontinent]], he acquired a large overseas following of the South Asian diaspora, as well as others, in markets including [[Africa]] ([[South Africa]], [[Eastern Africa]] and [[Mauritius]]), the [[Middle East]] (especially [[UAE]] and [[Egypt]]), the [[United Kingdom]], [[Russia]], the [[Caribbean]] ([[Guyana]], [[Suriname]], and [[Trinidad and Tobago]]), Oceania ([[Fiji]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]]) and the [[United States]].<ref name="AB2">

Bachchan was born on 11 October 1942 in [[Allahabad]] to the Hindi poet [[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]], and social activist [[Teji Bachchan]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Masih |first=Archana |date=9 October 2012 |title=Take a tour of Amitabh's home in Allahabad |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-take-a-tour-of-amitabhs-home-in-allahabad/20121009.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=14 February 2014 }}</ref> Harivansh Rai Bachchan was an [[Awadhi people|Awadhi]] [[Hindu]] [[Kayastha]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Sreemita |title=I am proud of my surname: Amitabh Bachchan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-am-proud-of-my-surname-Amitabh-Bachchan/articleshow/9393354.cms |access-date=3 March 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=28 July 2011 |language=en}}</ref> who was fluent in [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]],<ref name="sikh">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N5Z9_ysSgW8C|title=Bollywood Cinema: Temples of Desire|last=Mishra|first=Vijay|date=2002|page=131|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=9780415930147|language=en}}</ref> [[Hindi]] and [[Urdu]].<ref name="West-Pavlov">{{cite book |last=West-Pavlov |first=Russell |title=The Global South and Literature |date=2018 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn=9781108246316 |page=167 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yMdJDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA167}}</ref> Harivansh's ancestors came from a village called [[Babupatti]], in the Raniganj tehsil, in the [[Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh|Pratapgarh district]], in the present-day state of [[Uttar Pradesh]], in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaya inaugurates library in memory of Harivansh Rai Bachchan |website= OneIndia.com |publisher=Greynium Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd |url=http://www.oneindia.com/2006/03/05/jaya-inaugurates-library-in-memory-of-harivansh-rai-bachchan-1141626344.html|access-date=18 November 2015|date= 6 March 2006 }}</ref> Teji Bachchan was a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] [[Sikh]] [[Khatri]] from [[Faisalabad|Lyallpur]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British Raj|British India]] (present-day [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]]).<ref name="sikh"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Amitabh Bachchan remembers 'most beautiful woman' mother on her birthday |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/amitabh-bachchan-remembers-most-beautiful-woman-mother-on-her-birthday/articleshow/40115335.cms |access-date=3 March 2021 |work=The Economic Times |date=12 August 2014}}</ref> Bachchan has a younger brother, Ajitabh.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWquGT2c6DkC&pg=PA327|page=327|title=In the Afternoon of Time: An Autobiography|author=[[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]]|publisher=Penguin Books India|year= 2001|isbn =0140276637}}</ref>

Bachchan's parents were initially going to name him ''Inquilaab'' ([[Hindustani language|Hindustani]] for "Revolution"), inspired by the phrase ''[[Inquilab Zindabad]]'' (which translates into English as "Long live the revolution") popularly used during the [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence]] struggle; the name ''Amitabh'' was suggested to his father by poet [[Sumitranandan Pant]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know-/Amitabh-was-initially-named-Inquilaab/articleshow/15889267.cms|title=Amitabh was initially named Inquilaab|work=The Times of India|date=28 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="N18Kbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/in-latest-episode-of-kbc-amitabh-bachchan-reveals-he-was-never-named-inquilab-2959868.html|title=In Latest Episode of KBC, Amitabh Bachchan Reveals He was Never Named Inquilab|access-date=26 July 2021|date=13 October 2020}}</ref> Although his surname was [[Srivastava|Shrivastava]], Amitabh's father, who opposed the [[Indian caste system|caste system]], had adopted the pen name Bachchan ("child-like" in colloquial Hindi), under which he published all of his works.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-am-proud-of-my-surname-Amitabh-Bachchan/articleshow/9393354.cms|date=28 July 2011|access-date=26 July 2017|title=I am proud of my surname Amitabh Bachchan}}</ref> When his father was looking to get him admitted to a school, he and Bachchan's mother decided the family's name should be Bachchan instead of Shrivastava.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-got-his-surname-bacause-of-caste-system-1.65525580|title=Amitabh Bachchan got his surname bacause of caste system|website=gulfnews.com}}</ref> It is with this last name that Amitabh debuted in films and used for all other practical purposes, Bachchan has become the surname for all of his immediate family.<ref>{{Cite book|title=In The Afternoon Time|last=Bachchan|first=Harivansh Rai|publisher=Viking Pr|year=1998|isbn=978-0670881581}}</ref> Bachchan's father died in 2003, and his mother in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Teji Bachchan passes away |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=2078579f-853d-48ae-b826-eeee479169e2&ParentID=d5c75cbf-62a5-49eb-a016-0cf71383854b&&Headline=Big+B's+mother+Teji+Bachchan+is+no+more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225061509/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=2078579f-853d-48ae-b826-eeee479169e2&ParentID=d5c75cbf-62a5-49eb-a016-0cf71383854b&&Headline=Big+B%27s+mother+Teji+Bachchan+is+no+more |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 December 2007 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |author=Khan, Alifiya |access-date=10 February 2011 }}</ref>

Bachchan was educated at [[Boys' High School & College (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh)|Boys’ High School & College]], [[Allahabad]]; [[Sherwood College]], [[Nainital]]; and [[Kirori Mal College]], [[University of Delhi]].<ref>{{ cite news|title=Amitabh Bachchan's journey to the top|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Amitabh+Bachchan%27s+journey+to+the+top/1/65773.html|newspaper=[[India Today]]|date=10 October 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Bachchan@77 - 'Big B was a boxer when he was Chhota B'|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/cities/bachchan-77-big-b-was-a-boxer-when-he-was-chhota-b/story-IhMWG9vPh7cq2DMZV6sR0N_amp.html|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=11 October 2019 |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> When Bachchan finished his studies his father approached [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], the founder of [[Prithvi Theatre]], to see if there was an opening for him, but Kapoor "offered no encouragement".<ref name= page412>{{cite book|page=312|title=In the Afternoon of Time: An Autobiography|author=[[Harivansh Rai Bachchan]]|publisher=Penguin Books India|year= 2001|isbn =0140276637}}</ref> Bachchan then applied for a role as a newsreader for [[All India Radio]], but "failed the audition".<ref name= page412/> He became a business executive for Bird & Company in [[Kolkata]] (Calcutta),<ref name= page412/> and worked in the theatre before starting his film career.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url= https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amitabh-Bachchan|encyclopedia=britannica.com|title=Amitabh Bachchan|author=The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica}}</ref> It is thought that his mother might have had some influence in Amitabh Bachchan's choice of career because she always insisted that he should "take centre stage".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Iyy4DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT9|page=9|title=My Life : Amitabh Bachchan|author=GP Editors|publisher= General Press|date=22 October 2019|isbn=978-9389440737}}</ref>

In 1975, he starred in a variety of film genres, from the comedy ''[[Chupke Chupke (film)|Chupke Chupke]]'' and the crime drama ''[[Faraar]]'' to the romantic drama ''[[Mili (1975 film)|Mili]]''. This was also the year in which Bachchan starred in two films regarded as important in [[Hindi cinema]] history, both written by Salim-Javed, who again insisted on casting Bachchan.<ref name="hindustantimes"/> The first was ''Deewaar'', directed by Yash Chopra, where he worked with [[Shashi Kapoor]], [[Nirupa Roy]], [[Parveen Babi]], and [[Neetu Singh]], and earned another Filmfare nomination for Best Actor. The film became a major hit at the box office in 1975, ranking in at number four.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=181&catName=MTk3NQ== |title=Box Office 1975 |work=BoxOffice India.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020122136/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=181&catName=MTk3NQ%3D%3D |archive-date=20 October 2013 }}</ref> ''Indiatimes Movies'' ranks ''Deewaar'' amongst the ''Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films''.<ref name="mustsee"/> The other, released on 15 August 1975, was ''[[Sholay]]'', which became the [[List of highest-grossing films in India|highest-grossing film ever in India]] at the time,<ref name=boxoffice>{{cite web|title=Sholay |url=http://www.ibosnetwork.com/asp/filmbodetails.asp?id=Sholay |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630155123/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/asp/filmbodetails.asp?id=Sholay |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2012 |publisher=International Business Overview Standard |access-date=6 December 2007 }}</ref> in which Bachchan played the role of Jaidev. ''Deewaar'' and ''Sholay'' are often credited with exalting Bachchan to the heights of superstardom, two years after he became a star with ''Zanjeer'', and consolidating his domination of the industry throughout the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uiowa.edu/~incinema/sholay.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102025542/http://www.uiowa.edu/~incinema/sholay.html|archive-date=2 January 2015|title=Top Actor|date=2 January 2015|access-date=3 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191201/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors|archive-date=29 October 2013|title=Box Office 1983 |publisher=Box Office India|date=29 October 2013|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> In 1999, [[BBC]] India declared ''Sholay'' the "Film of the Millennium" and, like ''Deewar'', it has been cited by ''Indiatimes Movies'' as amongst the ''Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films''.<ref name="mustsee">{{cite news|author=Kanwar, Rachna |title=25 Must See Bollywood Movies |date=3 October 2005 |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/Special_Features/25_Must_See_Bollywood_Movies/articleshow/msid-1250837,curpg-10.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015033756/http://movies.indiatimes.com/Special_Features/25_Must_See_Bollywood_Movies/articleshow/msid-1250837%2Ccurpg-10.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 October 2007 |publisher=Indiatimes movies |access-date=6 December 2007 }}</ref> In that same year, the judges of the 50th annual Filmfare Awards awarded it with the special distinction award called the Filmfare Best Film of 50 Years.

In 1979, Bachchan starred in ''[[Suhaag (1979 film)|Suhaag]]'' which was the highest earning film of that year. In the same year he also enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success with films like ''[[Mr. Natwarlal]]'', ''[[Kaala Patthar]]'', ''[[The Great Gambler]]'' and ''[[Manzil (1979 film)|Manzil]]''. Amitabh was required to use his singing voice for the first time in a song from the film ''Mr. Natwarlal'' in which he starred with [[Rekha]]. Bachchan's performance in the film saw him nominated for both the Filmfare Best Actor Award and the ''[[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]''. He also received Best Actor nomination for ''Kaala Patthar'' and then went on to be nominated again in 1980 for the [[Raj Khosla]] directed film ''[[Dostana (1980 film)|Dostana]]'', in which he starred opposite [[Shatrughan Sinha]] and [[Zeenat Aman]]. ''Dostana'' proved to be the top-grossing film of 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=186&catName=MTk4MA== |title=BoxOffice India.com |publisher=BoxOffice India.com |access-date=15 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102005754/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=186&catName=MTk4MA%3D%3D |archive-date=2 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1981, he starred in Yash Chopra's melodrama film ''[[Silsila (1981 film)|Silsila]]'', where he starred alongside his wife Jaya and also Rekha. Other successful films of this period include ''[[Shaan (1980 film)|Shaan]]'' (1980), ''[[Ram Balram]]'' (1980), ''[[Naseeb (1981 film)|Naseeb]]'' (1981), ''[[Laawaris (1981 film)|Lawaaris]]'' (1981), ''[[Kaalia]]'' (1981), ''[[Yaarana (1981 film)|Yaarana]]'' (1981), ''[[Barsaat Ki Ek Raat]]'' (1981) and ''[[Shakti (1982 film)|Shakti]]'' (1982), also starring [[Dilip Kumar]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan's 1982 film Shakti to return in new avatar|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-and-amitabh-bachchans-1982-film-shakti-to-return-in-new-avatar/articleshow/77619109.cms|access-date=5 October 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en}}</ref>

In 1982, he played double roles in the musical ''[[Satte Pe Satta]]'' and action [[drama film|drama]]'' [[Desh Premee]]'' which succeeded at the box office along with mega hits like action [[comedy film|comedy]] ''[[Namak Halaal]]'', action [[drama film|drama]] ''[[Khud-Daar]]'' and the critically acclaimed [[drama film|drama]] ''[[Bemisal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=187&catName=MTk4MQ== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928072451/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=187&catName=MTk4MQ%3D%3D |title=Box Office 1981 |publisher=Box Office India |archive-date=28 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1983, he played a triple role in ''[[Mahaan (1983 film)|Mahaan]]'' which was not as successful as his previous films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=189&catName=MTk4Mw== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928072533/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=189&catName=MTk4Mw%3D%3D |title=Box Office 1983 |publisher=Box Office India |archive-date=28 September 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 January 2015 }}</ref> Other releases during that year included ''[[Nastik (1983 film)|Nastik]]'' and ''[[Pukar (1983 film)|Pukar]]'' which were hits and ''[[Andha Kanoon]]'' (in which he had an extended guest appearance) was an average grosser.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Hungama|first=Bollywood|title=Amitabh Bachchan Hit Movies List {{!}} Amitabh Bachchan Box Office Collection - Bollywood Hungama|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/amitabh-bachchan/box-office/|access-date=5 October 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The only Amitabh Bachchan film starring Tina Munim was 'Pukar'; Read more trivia|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/amitabh-bachchan-starrer-pukars-interesting-facts.html|access-date=5 October 2020|website=Republic World}}</ref> During a stint in politics from 1984 to 1987, his completed films [[Mard (1985 film)|''Mard'']] (1985) and ''[[Aakhree Raasta]]'' (1986) were released and were major hits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realityviews.in/2012/10/list-of-40-all-time-super-hit-movies-of.html|title=List of 40 All Time Super hit movies of Amitabh Bachchan|last=SM|first=Mitesh Shah aka|website=realityviews.in|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> Bachchan had played a role in a special appearance for the movie ''[[Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara]]'' in the year 1987 and he sang a playback song with [[Kishore Kumar]] in this movie.<ref>{{Citation|title=Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara (1987) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095432/fullcredits|access-date=2021-08-09}}</ref>

In 2000, Bachchan appeared in Yash Chopra's box-office hit, ''[[Mohabbatein]]'', directed by [[Aditya Chopra]]. He played a stern, elder figure who rivalled the character of [[Shah Rukh Khan|Shahrukh Khan]]. His role won him his third [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. Other hits followed, with Bachchan appearing as an older family patriarch in ''[[Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love]]'' (2001), ''[[Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...]]'' (2001) and ''[[Baghban (2003 film)|Baghban]]'' (2003). As an actor, he continued to perform in a range of characters, receiving critical praise for his performances in ''[[Aks (2001 film)|Aks]]'' (2001), ''[[Aankhen (2002 film)|Aankhen]]'' (2002), ''[[Kaante]]'' (2002), ''[[Khakee]]'' (2004) and ''[[Dev (2004 film)|Dev]]'' (2004).

One project that did particularly well for Bachchan was [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]]'s ''[[Black (2005 film)|Black]]'' (2005). The film starred Bachchan as an ageing teacher of a deaf-blind girl and followed their relationship. His performance was unanimously praised by critics and audiences and won him his second National Film Award for Best Actor, his fourth Filmfare Best Actor Award and his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. Taking advantage of this resurgence, Amitabh began endorsing a variety of products and services, appearing in many television and billboard advertisements. In 2005 and 2006, he starred with his son Abhishek in the films ''[[Bunty Aur Babli]]'' (2005), the ''[[The Godfather|Godfather]]'' tribute ''[[Sarkar (2005 film)|Sarkar]]'' (2005), and ''[[Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna]]'' (2006). All of them were successful at the box office.<ref name="Starring with son">{{cite web |publisher=Box Office India |title=Amitabh and Abhishek rule the box office |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ== |access-date=11 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085904/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ== |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg== |title=Box Office 2006 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=11 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217062452/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212 |archive-date=17 February 2012 }}</ref> His later releases in 2006 and early 2007 were ''[[Baabul (2006 film)|Baabul]]'' (2006),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg== |title=Films fail at the BO |publisher=Box Office India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818140640/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212 |archive-date=18 August 2013 }}</ref> ''[[Ekalavya]]'' and ''[[Nishabd]]'' (2007), which failed to do well at the box office but his performances in each of them were praised by critics.<ref name="Bachchan's films fail at the box office">{{cite web |work=Bollywood Hungma |author=Adarsh, Taran |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/top5/326.html |title=Top 5: 'Nishabd', 'N.P.D.' are disasters |access-date=26 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114110548/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/top5/326.html |archive-date=14 January 2009 }}</ref>

[[Vivek Sharma]]'s ''[[Bhoothnath]]'', in which he plays the title role as a ghost, was released on 9 May 2008. ''[[Sarkar Raj]]'', the sequel of the 2005 film ''Sarkar'', released in June 2008 and received a positive response at the box office. ''[[Paa (film)|Paa]]'', which released at the end of 2009 was a highly anticipated project as it saw him playing his own son Abhishek's [[Progeria]]-affected 13-year-old son, and it opened to favourable reviews, particularly towards Bachchan's performance and was one of the top-grossing films of 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2009&pageId=4|title=Top India Total Nett Gross 2009 –|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> It won him his third National Film Award for Best Actor and fifth Filmfare Best Actor Award. In 2010, he debuted in [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam film]] through ''[[Kandahar (2010 film)|Kandahar]]'', directed by [[Major Ravi]] and co-starring [[Mohanlal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/interview/2010/jun/08/south-major-ravi-on-kandahar.htm |title=Major Ravi gets ready to shoot Kandahar: Rediff.com Movies |work=Rediff.com |date=8 June 2010 |access-date=2 October 2010}}</ref> The film was based on the hijacking incident of the [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/56171.html |title=Big B in 'Kandahaar' along with Sunil Shetty |publisher=indiaglitz.com |date=14 April 2010 }}</ref> Bachchan declined any remuneration for this film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-to-forego-fee-for-sharing-screen-with-mohanlal/607690/0|title=Amitabh to forego fee for sharing screen with Mohanlal|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=17 April 2010}}</ref> In 2011 he played an aged retired former gangster in [[Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap]] who protects his son [[Sonu Sood]] who is an honest daring police officer from a notorious gangster [[Prakash Raj]] who unknowingly hired the latter to perform a contract killing not knowing that the police officer is the gangster's son. Directed By [[Puri Jagannadh]] the film won positive reviews and was a commercial success.

In 2013 he made his Hollywood debut in ''[[The Great Gatsby (2013 film)|The Great Gatsby]]'' making a special appearance opposite [[Leonardo DiCaprio]] and [[Tobey Maguire]]. In 2014, he played the role of the friendly ghost in the sequel ''[[Bhoothnath Returns]]''. The next year, he played the role of a grumpy father suffering from chronic constipation in the critically acclaimed ''[[Piku]]'' which was also one of the biggest hits of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficehits.in/collection/piku-total-collection-lifetime-business-total-worldwide-collection.html|title=Piku Total Collection – Lifetime Business – Total Worldwide Collection – Box Office Hits|date=10 June 2015|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011611/http://www.boxofficehits.in/collection/piku-total-collection-lifetime-business-total-worldwide-collection.html|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/71357/piku-box-office-collections-amitabh-bachchan-starrer-steady-at-rs-21-18-cr-by-day-2/|title=Amitabh Bachchan boosts Piku box office collections to over Rs 100 cr, slowly, steadily|date=11 May 2015|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/piku-13-days-box-office-collection-deepika-amitabh-starrer-grosses-100-crore-worldwide-633076|title='Piku' 13 Days Box Office Collection: Deepika-Amitabh Starrer Grosses ₹100 Crore Worldwide|first=Ankita|last=Mehta|access-date=21 July 2018|date=21 May 2015}}</ref> A review in ''[[Daily News and Analysis]]'' (DNA) summarised Bachchan's performance as "The heart and soul of Piku clearly belong to Amitabh Bachchan who is in his elements. His performance in Piku, without doubt, finds a place among the top 10 in his illustrious career."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-piku-review-must-watch-for-the-thundering-trio-of-amitabh-bachchan-deepika-padukone-and-irrfan-khan-2084192|title='PIKU' Review: Must-watch for the thundering trio of Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Irrfan Khan|date=8 May 2015|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Rachel Saltz wrote for [[The New York Times]], "Piku", an offbeat Hindi comedy, would have you contemplate the intestines and mortality of one Bhashkor Banerji and the actor who plays him, Amitabh Bachchan. Bhashkor's life and conversation may revolve around his constipation and fussy hypochondria, but there's no mistaking the scene-stealing energy that Mr. Bachchan, India's erstwhile Angry Young Man, musters for his new role of Cranky Old Man."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/08/movies/review-in-piku-amitabh-bachchan-plays-a-dad-to-deepika-padukone.html|title=Review: In 'Piku,' Amitabh Bachchan Plays a Dad to Deepika Padukone|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Well known Indian critic Rajeev Masand wrote on his website, "Bachchan is pretty terrific as Bhashkor, who reminds you of that oddball uncle that you nevertheless have a soft spot for. He bickers with the maids, harrows his hapless helper, and expects that Piku stay unmarried so she can attend to him. At one point, to ward off a possible suitor, he casually mentions that his daughter isn't a virgin; that she's financially independent and sexually independent too. Bachchan embraces the character's many [[Idiosyncrasy|idiosyncrasies]], never once slipping into caricature while all along delivering big laughs thanks to his spot-on comic timing."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/poop-dreams/|title=Poop dreams – Rajeev Masand – movies that matter : from bollywood, hollywood and everywhere else|author=Rockstah Media |website=rajeevmasand.com|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' summed up, "Bachchan seizes upon his cranky character part, making Bashkor as garrulously funny in his theories on caste and marriage as his system is backed-up."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/18/piku-review-amitabh-bachchan-lets-it-all-out-in-constipation-comedy|title=Piku review: Amitabh Bachchan lets it all out in constipation comedy|first=Mike|last=McCahill|date=18 May 2015|website=The Guardian|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> The performance won Bachchan his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor and his third Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.

In 2016, he appeared in the women-centric courtroom drama film ''[[Pink (2016 film)|Pink]]'' which was highly praised by critics and with an increasingly good word of mouth, was a resounding success at the domestic and overseas box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/pink-review-amitabh-bachchan-is-still-the-only-boss-around/story-gSCikuuM2WFSvzomGiwB4H.html|title=Pink review: Amitabh Bachchan is still the only boss around|date=15 September 2016|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/pink-review-by-anupama-chopra-a-tale-of-true-grit-grippingly-told/story-Iiug9rbLpnGDTdgwDzEPJJ.html|title=Pink review by Anupama Chopra: A tale of true grit, grippingly told|date=16 September 2016|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/pink-movie-review-amitabh-bachchan-aniruddha-roy-chowdhury-taapsee-pannu-341162-2016-09-15|title=Pink movie review: Amitabh Bachchan's POWERFUL message is unmissable|website=India Today|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/hits-flops/verdict-2016/|title=Box Office Verdict 2016 – Hits & Flops of the Year|date=27 January 2017|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011614/http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/hits-flops/verdict-2016/|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-pink/|title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Pink – Bollywood Hungama|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|date=17 September 2016|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Bachchan's performance in the film received acclaim. According to Raja Sen of Rediff.com, "Amitabh Bachchan, a retired lawyer suffering from bipolar disorder, takes up cudgels on behalf of the girls, delivering courtroom blows with pugilistic grace. Like we know from Prakash Mehra movies, into each life some Bachchan must fall. The girls hang on to him with incredulous desperation, and he bats for them with all he has. At one point Meenal hangs by Bachchan's elbow, words entirely unnecessary. Bachchan towers through Pink – the way he bellows "et cetera" is alone worth having the heavy-hitter at play—but there are softer moments like one where he appears to have dozed off in court, or where he lays his head by his convalescent wife's bedside and needs his hair ruffled and his conviction validated."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-pink-a-film-that-must-be-championed/20160916.htm|title=Review: Pink, a film that must be championed|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Writing for [[Hindustan Times]], noted film critic and author [[Anupama Chopra]] said of Bachchan's performance, "A special salute to Amitabh Bachchan, who imbues his character with a tragic majesty. Bachchan towers in every sense, but without a hint of showboating.<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/> Meena Iyer of [[The Times of India]] wrote, "The performances are pitch-perfect with Bachchan leading the way.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/pink/movie-review/54325066.cms|title=Pink Movie Review {4.5/5}: Critic Review of Pink by Times of India|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Writing for [[NDTV]], Troy Ribeiro of [[Indo-Asian News Service]] (IANS) stated, 'Amitabh Bachchan as Deepak Sehgall, the aged defence lawyer, shines as always, in a restrained, but powerful performance. His histrionics come primarily in the form of his well-modulated baritone, conveying his emotions and of course, from the well-written lines.'<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/pink-movie-review-1317|title=Pink Movie Review: Amitabh Bachchan Shines As Always – NDTV Movies|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722095613/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/pink-movie-review-1317|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mike McCahill of [[The Guardian]] remarked, "Among an electric ensemble, Tapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang give unwavering voice to the girls’ struggles; Amitabh Bachchan brings his moral authority to bear as their sole legal ally.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/15/pink-review-subtle-drama-that-grapples-with-indias-culture|title=Pink review – subtle drama that grapples with India's rape culture|first=Mike|last=McCahill|date=15 September 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref>

In 2017, he appeared in the third instalment of the Sarkar film series: [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s ''[[Sarkar 3]]''. That year, he started filming for the swashbuckling action adventure film ''[[Thugs Of Hindostan]]'' with [[Aamir Khan]], [[Katrina Kaif]] and [[Fatima Sana Shaikh]] which released in November 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/detail/2017/05/05/fatima-sana-shaikh-joins-yash-raj-films-thugs-of-hindostan-along-with-amitabh-bachchan-and-aamir-khan|title=Fatima Sana Shaikh Joins Yash Raj Films' Thugs of Hindostan Along with Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan|website=yashrajfilms.com|access-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220400/https://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/detail/2017/05/05/fatima-sana-shaikh-joins-yash-raj-films-thugs-of-hindostan-along-with-amitabh-bachchan-and-aamir-khan|archive-date=3 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> He co-starred with Rishi Kapoor in ''[[102 Not Out]]'', a [[comedy-drama]] film directed by [[Umesh Shukla]] based on a [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] play of the same name written by [[Saumya Joshi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/102-not-out-teaser-amitabh-bachchan-rishi-kapoor-seen-together-on-screen-after-27-years-4343217.html|title=102 Not Out teaser: Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor seen together on-screen after 27 years- Entertainment News, Firstpost|access-date=21 July 2018|date=9 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-bachchan-teaming-up-with-rishi-kapoor-for-102-not-out-has-been-a-great-joy/articleshow/62848833.cms|title=Amitabh Bachchan: Teaming up with Rishi Kapoor for '102 Not Out' has been a great joy|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725212736/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-bachchan-teaming-up-with-rishi-kapoor-for-102-not-out-has-been-a-great-joy/articleshow/62848833.cms|archive-date=25 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/sony-pictures-boards-indian-comedy-102-not-out-with-amitabh-bachchan-rishi-kapoor/5126374.article|title=Sony Pictures boards Indian comedy '102 Not Out' with Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> This film released in May 2018 and reunited him with Kapoor onscreen after a gap of twenty-seven years. In October 2017, it was announced that Bachchan will appear in [[Ayan Mukerji]]'s ''[[Brahmastra (film)|Brahmastra]]'', alongside [[Ranbir Kapoor]] and [[Alia Bhatt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/movies-to-look-forward-to/brahmastra/photostory/61038619.cms|title=Karan Johar announces his upcoming film trilogy with Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt – Movies to look forward to {{!}} The Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=11 March 2018}}</ref>

In 1984, Bachchan took a break from acting and briefly entered politics in support of a long-time family friend, [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. He contested [[Allahabad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Allahabad]]'s seat for the [[8th Lok Sabha]] against [[Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna|H. N. Bahuguna]], former [[List of Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]] and won by one of the highest victory margins in [[General elections in India|general election history]] (68.2% of the vote).<ref name=election>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/amitabh/politics.htm |title=Amitabh Bachchan: Stint in Politics |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=5 December 2005| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060109123607/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/amitabh/politics.htm| archive-date= 9 January 2006 | url-status=dead}}</ref> His political career, however, was short-lived: he resigned after three years, calling politics a [[Cesspit|cesspool]]. The resignation followed the implication of Bachchan and his brother in the "[[Bofors scandal]]" by a newspaper, which he vowed to take to court.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sathnam.com/Features/17/interview-with-amitabh-bachchan |title=Interview with Amitabh Bachchan |publisher=sathnam.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531142512/http://www.sathnam.com/Features/17/interview-with-amitabh-bachchan |archive-date=31 May 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Bachchan was eventually found not guilty of involvement in the ordeal. He was framed in the scam and falsely alleged. This was cleared by Swedish police chief Sten Lindstrom.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bofors-scam-amitabh-jaya-bachchan-react-to-whistle-blowers-revelations-478497|date=25 April 2012|title=Bofors scam: Amitabh, Jaya Bachchan react to whistle-blower's revelations}}</ref>

His old friend, [[Amar Singh (politician)|Amar Singh]], helped him during the financial crisis caused by the failure of his company, [[Amitabh Bachchan Corporation|ABCL]]. Thereafter Bachchan started supporting the [[Samajwadi Party]], the political party to which Amar Singh belonged. Furthermore, Jaya Bachchan joined the Samajwadi Party and represented the party as an MP in the [[Rajya Sabha]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235326/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804271000.htm "Bachchan has no plans for the election."] ''The Hindu''.</ref> Bachchan has continued to do favours for the Samajwadi Party, including appearing in advertisements and political campaigns. These activities have recently got him into trouble in the Indian courts for false claims after a previous incident of submission of legal papers by him, stating that he is a farmer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iJuYOasTF-bsTo0AQjW96aD2Kr2w |title=Bollywood's Bachchan in trouble over crime claim |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=4 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116120716/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iJuYOasTF-bsTo0AQjW96aD2Kr2w |archive-date=16 January 2008 }}</ref>

A 15-year press ban against Bachchan was imposed during his peak acting years by ''[[Stardust (magazine)|Stardust]]'' and some of the other major film magazines. In defence, Bachchan claimed to have banned the press from entering his sets until late 1989.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/01/27/2173/index.html |title=The 15-year ban on Bachchan! |publisher=bollywoodhungama.com |date=27 January 2007 |access-date=24 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114110523/http://bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/01/27/2173/index.html |archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref>

In 2010, Bachchan hosted the fourth season of ''KBC''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/news/2010/kbc4-beats-bigg-boss4-131210.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714010039/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/news/2010/kbc4-beats-bigg-boss4-131210.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |title=KBC 4 beats Bigg Boss 4 in its final episode |publisher=One India |access-date=13 March 2011 |date=13 December 2010 }}</ref> The fifth season started on 15 August 2011 and ended on 17 November 2011. The show became a massive hit with audiences and broke many TRP Records. CNN IBN awarded Indian of the Year- Entertainment to Team KBC and Bachchan. The Show also grabbed all the major Awards for its category.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TugDAAAAMBAJ&q=kaun+banega+crorepati+tv+show+was+awarded&pg=PA711|title=The Indian Telly Awards – 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'|date=1 September 2001|last1=Darpan|first1=Pratiyogita}}</ref> Bachchan continued to host KBC until 2017.

The sixth season was also hosted by Bachchan, commencing on 7 September 2012, broadcast on [[Sony Pictures Television|Sony TV]] and received the highest number of viewers thus far.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tellychakkar.com/tv/tv-newskbc-season-6-opens-record-numbers|title=TV News|first=Tellychakkar|last=Team|website=Tellychakkar.com|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref>

Bachchan is known for his deep, baritone voice. He has been a narrator, a playback singer, and presenter for numerous programmes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amitabh-bachchan-to-get-copyright/1/119209.html |title=Amitabh Bachchan to get copyright: Celebrities, News |work=India Today |date=8 November 2010 |access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-lends-his-voice-to-animated-mahabharat/922732 |title=Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice to animated 'Mahabharat' |work=The Indian Express |date=12 March 2012 |access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/near-70-amitabh-bachchan-still-gets-mobbed/1009783/0 |title=Near 70, Amitabh Bachchan still gets mobbed |work=The Indian Express |date=29 September 2012 |access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref> Renowned film director [[Satyajit Ray]] was so impressed with Bachchan's voice that he decided to use Bachchan as the narrator in his 1977 film ''[[The Chess Players (film)|Shatranj Ke Khilari]]'' (The Chess Players).<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.in/news/specials/amitabh/trivia.htm hindustantimes.in  "Amitabh voice for Shatranj Ke Khiladi."] ''Hindustan Times''. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006153928/http://www.hindustantimes.in/news/specials/amitabh/trivia.htm |date=6 October 2013 }}</ref> Bachchan lent his voice as a narrator to the 2001 movie ''[[Lagaan]]'' which was a super hit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ashutosh had rejected Big B as Lagaan's narrator|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ashutosh-had-rejected-Big-B-as-Lagaans-narrator/articleshow/8874233.cms?referral=PM|newspaper=The Times of India|date=16 June 2011}}</ref> In 2005, Bachchan lent his voice to the Oscar-winning French documentary ''[[March of the Penguins]]'', directed by [[Luc Jacquet]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20061012-1.html |title=Amitabh to get France's highest civilian honour: Bollywood News |publisher=ApunKaChoice.Com |date=12 October 2006 |access-date=14 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310110450/http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20061012-1.html |archive-date=10 March 2012 }}</ref>

* ''[[Bhuvan Shome]]'' (1969)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arthousecinema.in/2013/02/bhuvan-shome/|title=Bhuvan Shome 1969|date=10 February 2013|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306214435/https://www.arthousecinema.in/2013/02/bhuvan-shome/|archive-date=6 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* ''[[Bawarchi]]'' (1972)

* ''[[Balika Badhu (1976 film)|Balika Badhu]]'' (1975)

* ''[[Tere Mere Sapne (1996 film)|Tere Mere Sapne]]'' (1996)

* ''[[Parineeta (2005 film)|Parineeta]]'' (2005)

* ''[[Swami (2007 film)|Swami]]'' (2007)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Big-B-to-lend-voice-to-Jodhaa-Akbar/Article1-269934.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031192448/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Big-B-to-lend-voice-to-Jodhaa-Akbar/Article1-269934.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 October 2013|title=Big B to lend voice to Jodhaa Akbar|author =Subhash K Jha|date=17 January 2008|work=Hindustan Times|author-link=Subhash K Jha}}</ref>

[[File:Amitabh Bachchan - TeachAIDS Recording Session (19284544383).jpg|300px|thumb|right|TeachAIDS character of ''Bachchan'' (left); Bachchan in 2013 TeachAIDS recording session (right)]]

Bachchan has been involved with many social causes. For example, he donated {{INR|1.1&nbsp;million}} to clear the debts of nearly 40 beleaguered farmers in Andhra Pradesh<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Big-Bs-secret-aspect-finally-revealed/articleshow/13107830.cms|title=Big B's secret aspect finally revealed|website=The Times of India|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> and {{INR|3&nbsp;million}} to clear the debts of some 100 [[Vidarbha]] farmers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/the-amitabh-bachchan-way-or-the-highway/34825/|title=The Amitabh Bachchan way or the highway – Aditi Prasad – The Sunday Indian|website=thesundayindian.com|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> In 2010, he donated {{INR|1.1&nbsp;million}} to [[Resul Pookutty]]'s foundation for a medical centre at Kochi,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amitabh-bachchan-announces-11-lakh-contribution-for-resul-pookutty-s-foundation-1344672|title=Amitabh Bachchan announces 11 lakh contribution for Resul Pookutty's foundation|date=7 February 2010|website=DNA India|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amitabh-bachchan-supports-medical-centre-at-kochi-1344945|title=Amitabh Bachchan supports medical centre at Kochi|work=dna|date=8 February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-Saturday-Interview-mdash-Sound-Sense/article15534067.ece|title=The Saturday Interview – Sound Sense|first=Geeta|last=Padmanabhan|newspaper=The Hindu|date=21 January 2011}}</ref> and he has given {{INR|250,000}} ({{US$|{{To USD|250000|IND|year=2012|round=yes}}|long=no}}) to the family of Delhi policeman Subhash Chand Tomar who died after succumbing to injuries during a protest against gang-rape after the [[2012 Delhi gang rape]] case.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/delhi-gangrape/story/amitabh-bachchan-donates-rs-2.5-lakh-to-delhi-constable-subhash-chand-tomars-family-125317-2012-12-26|title=Delhi gangrape: Amitabh Bachchan donates Rs 2.5 lakh to Delhi Police constable Subhash Chand Tomar's family|last=PTI|date=26 December 2012|work=India Today|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> He founded the Harivansh Rai Bachchan Memorial Trust, named after his father, in 2013. This trust, in association with Urja Foundation, will be powering 3,000 homes in India with electricity through solar energy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-opens-memorial-trust-in-fathers-name/1163953/|title=Amitabh Bachchan opens memorial trust in father's name – Indian Express|website=The Indian Express|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.renewindians.com/2013/10/amitabh-bachan-plans-to-light-3000-homes-wit-solar-power.html|title=Amitabh Bachan plans to light 3000 homes with Solar Power|website=renewindians.com|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417023315/http://www.renewindians.com/2013/10/amitabh-bachan-plans-to-light-3000-homes-wit-solar-power.html|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2019 he cleared debts of 2100 farmers from Bihar.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amitabh Bachchan pays off loans of 2,100 Bihar farmers, promises to help kin of Pulwama victims |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/amitabh-bachchan-pays-off-loans-of-2100-bihar-farmers-children-abhishek-and-shweta-accompany-him/articleshow/69752830.cms?from=mdr |access-date=11 September 2019 |work=The Economic Times |date=12 June 2019}}</ref>

Bachchan was made a [[UNICEF]] goodwill ambassador for the [[Poliomyelitis|polio]] Eradication Campaign in India in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unicef.org/media/media_61032.html|title=Amitabh Bachchan launches new Polio Communication Campaign|date=16 December 2011|work=UNICEF}}</ref> In 2013, he and his family donated {{INR|2.5&nbsp;million}} ({{US$|{{To USD|2500000|IND|year=2013|round=yes}}|long=no}}) to a charitable trust, Plan India, that works for the betterment of young girls in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid/bachchan-s-charity-side/story-YJgC79hSNoGCJTQHbFb6AJ.html|title=Bachchan's charity side|date=10 February 2013|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> He also donated {{INR|1.1&nbsp;million}} ({{US$|{{To USD|1100000|IND|year=2013|round=yes}}|long=no}}) to the Maharashtra Police Welfare Fund in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article530033.ece|title=Maharashtra police keep Big B 'waiting'|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

In 2014, it was announced that he had recorded his voice and lent his image to the Hindi and English language versions of the [[TeachAIDS]] software, an international [[HIV/AIDS]] prevention education tool developed at [[Stanford University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/amitabh-bachchan-joins-s-f-bay-area-nonprofit-teachaids/article_7db6b21c-7cb3-11e4-acab-5b0e15f111e5.html|title=Amitabh Bachchan Joins S.F. Bay Area Nonprofit TeachAIDS|publisher=India West|access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref> He has been a vocal "brand ambassador" of the [[Swachh Bharat Mission]] (SBM) and featured in a few advertisements to promote the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 February 2017|title=Vidya Balan, Amitabh Bachchan and more: Bollywood bats for a clean India|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/vidya-balan-amitabh-bachchan-and-more-bollywood-bats-for-a-clean-india/story-6esXsSLzIXFQnuxjnb0CgO.html|access-date=1 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Amitabh Bachchan as 'Coolie' - Swachh Bharat Misssion - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFKrZxL0F3w|access-date=1 August 2020|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ad 43 Arash with Amitabh Bachchan as 'Jadugar' Swachh Bharat Mission - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAvm80eP_zI|access-date=1 August 2020|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

[[File:Bachchan family still6.jpg|thumb|right|Bachchan, his wife Jaya, his son Abhishek, and his daughter-in-law Aishwarya]]

Bachchan married actress and politician [[Jaya Bachchan|Jaya Bhaduri]] in 1973 and together they have two children [[Abhishek Bachchan|Abhishek]], an actor, and [[Shweta Bachchan Nanda|Shweta]], an author, journalist, and former model. Abhishek married fellow actress [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan|Aishwarya Rai]] and together they have a daughter named Aaradhya. Shweta is married to businessman [[Nikhil Nanda]] who is a part of the [[Kapoor family]] of [[Bollywood]]. Together they have two children Navil and Agastya. The family resides in his two famous houses, Jalsa and Pratiksha, both in [[Mumbai]] in the [[India]]n state of [[Maharashtra]].<ref name="BigBHouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.btownmasti.com/the-lovely-amitabh-bachchan-house|title=Amitabh Bachchan houses in Mumbai|last=BTM|date=6 December 2011|access-date=6 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130231110/http://www.btownmasti.com/the-lovely-amitabh-bachchan-house/ |archive-date=30 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-feature/amitabh-bachchan-and-jaya-bachchans-love-story/Jaya-Bachchan-Amitabh-Bachchan-Abhishek-Bachchan-Shweta-Bachchan-Jaya-Amitabh-marriage/photostory/33492082.cms|title=Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's love story {{!}} The Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=10 January 2018}}</ref>

Bachchan and fellow actress [[Rekha]] were rumoured to be having an affair in the 1970s till the early 1980s. Neither have confirmed or denied the rumours. However, in a [[BBC]] interview, director [[Yash Chopra]], when speaking about the film ''[[Silsila (1981 film)|Silsila]]'', confirmed that the two had an affair saying "I was always on tenterhooks and scared because it was real life coming into reel life. Jaya is his wife and Rekha is his girlfriend and the same story is going on. Anything could have happened because they are working together." Many have commented on the similarities between the plot of ''Silsila'' (which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Rekha) and the private lives of Bachchan, Bhaduri and Rekha.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/truth-behind-the-unfortunate-love-story-of-amitabh-and-rekha-2285|title=After An Affair With Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha Got Married, But Soon Her Husband Committed Suicide|website=BollywoodShaadis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/gossip/story/amitabh-rekha-untold-love-story-affair-1061436-2017-10-10|title=Amitabh-Rekha's untold love story: 10 lesser-known things about their relationship|date=10 October 2017|website=India Today|access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>

In 2003, he was conferred with the Honorary Citizenship of the French town of [[Deauville]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/07/04/stories/2003070400980100.htm |title='Shahenshah' of Bollywood |date=4 July 2003 |access-date=2 October 2010 |location=Chennai, India| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101014135148/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/07/04/stories/2003070400980100.htm| archive-date= 14 October 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]] | url-status=dead}}</ref> The Government of India awarded him with the [[Padma Shri]] in 1984, the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2001 and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2015. The then-President of [[Afghanistan]] awarded him the Order of Afghanistan in 1991 following the shooting of ''[[Khuda Gawah]]'' there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.khaama.com/indian-film-star-amitabh-bachchan-cherish-afghanistan-memories-1810/|title=Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan cherish Afghanistan memories|date=27 August 2013}}</ref> France's highest civilian honour, the Knight of the [[Legion of Honour|Legion of honour]], was conferred upon him by the [[Government of France|French Government]] in 2007 for his "exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond".<ref>{{cite news|last=Pandey |first=Geeta |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6306201.stm |title=South Asia &#124; French honour for Bollywood star |work=BBC News |date=27 January 2007 |access-date=2 October 2010}}</ref>

*''To be or not to be: Amitabh Bachchan'' in 2004,<ref>{{cite web|author=halid Mohamed|title=To Be or Not to Be Amitabh Bachchan|url=http://www.shvoong.com/entertainment/movies/1843754-amitabh-bachchan/|access-date=2 October 2010|publisher=Shvoong.com}}</ref>

{{Commons category}}

{{wikiquote}}

 

{{Sholay}}

[[Category:Indian male film singers]]