Amitabh Bachchan: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Indian film actor (born 1942)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}

   || party              = [[Indian National Congress]] (1984–1987)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/535211/unlike-amitabh-wont-quit-politics.html | title=Unlike Amitabh, I won't quit politics: Shatru | date=18 March 2016 | access-date=13 September 2022 | archive-date=13 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913083855/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/535211/unlike-amitabh-wont-quit-politics.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/urmila-to-amitabh-celebs-who-joined-and-then-quit-politics-in-a-short-span-2304979.html| title=Urmila to Amitabh: Celebs Who Joined and Then Quit Politics in a Short Span| date=14 May 2023| access-date=14 May 2023| archive-date=1 December 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201015311/https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/urmila-to-amitabh-celebs-who-joined-and-then-quit-politics-in-a-short-span-2304979.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

| caption            = Bachchan in 2018

| 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 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726074040/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/in-latest-episode-of-kbc-amitabh-bachchan-reveals-he-was-never-named-inquilab-2959868.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

| birth_place        = [[Allahabad]], [[United Provinces (1937–50)|United Provinces]], [[British Raj|British India]]

| alma_mater        = [[Kirori Mal College]], [[Delhi University|University of Delhi]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])<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|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=10 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710211112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/delhi/Alumni-meet-at-Kirori-Mal-College/articleshow/5615636.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/delhi-university-kirori-mal-college-hostel-amitabh-bachchan-bsc-read-here-du-history/articleshow/92466073.cms | title=किरोड़ीमल कॉलेज हॉस्टल का कमरा नंबर-66, दीवार पर टंगी बिग बी की तस्वीर... डीयू का इतिहास | access-date=13 September 2022 | archive-date=13 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913073040/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/delhi-university-kirori-mal-college-hostel-amitabh-bachchan-bsc-read-here-du-history/articleshow/92466073.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/10-bollywood-stars-who-passed-out-from-du-306417-2016-02-17%26ved%3D2ahUKEwj44Nm1nZH6AhXQR2wGHeFIDLk4ChAWegQIBRAB%26usg%3DAOvVaw2ArnWWIc3N2qbnMjlQUjGe | title=10 bollywood celebrities who graduated from DU | access-date=13 September 2022 | archive-date=13 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913073053/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/10-bollywood-stars-who-passed-out-from-du-306417-2016-02-17%26ved%3D2ahUKEwj44Nm1nZH6AhXQR2wGHeFIDLk4ChAWegQIBRAB%26usg%3DAOvVaw2ArnWWIc3N2qbnMjlQUjGe | url-status=live }}</ref>

'''Amitabh Bachchan''' ({{IPA-hi|əmɪˈt̪ɑːbʱ ˈbətːʃən|pron}};<!--per WP:INDICSCRIPT]] Article lead should not contain regional or Indic language script--> born as '''Amitabh Shrivastav''';<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 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009072531/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-amitabh-bachchan-on-70th-birthday/20121007.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional [[playback singer]] and former politician, who works in [[Hindi cinema]]. In film career spanning over five decades, he has starred in more than [[Amitabh Bachchan filmography|200 films]]. Bachchan is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the [[Cinema of India|history of 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=Why Amitabh Bachchan is more than a superstar |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-19893525 |publisher=BBC |access-date=11 October 2012 |date=11 October 2012 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014013931/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-19893525 |url-status=live }}

* {{cite news |last=Wajihuddin |first=Mohammed |title=Egypt's Amitabh Bachchan mania |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-12-02/india/27839664_1_bachchan-fan-mania-indians |access-date=22 November 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=2 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501071157/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-12-02/india/27839664_1_bachchan-fan-mania-indians |archive-date=1 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}

* {{cite news |last=Jatras |first=Todd |title=India's Celebrity Film Stars |url=https://www.forbes.com/2001/03/09/0309bollywood.html |work=[[Forbes]] |access-date=22 November 2011 |date=9 March 2001 |archive-date=20 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220031815/http://www.forbes.com/2001/03/09/0309bollywood.html |url-status=live }}

* {{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> Referred to as the ''[[Shahanshah|Shahenshah]] of [[Bollywood]]'', ''Sadi Ke Mahanayak'' ([[Hindi language|Hindi]] for, "Greatest actor of the century"), ''Star of the Millennium'', or ''Big B''.<ref name="AB4">* {{cite web |title=Amitabh Bachchan at 73: An ode to the undisputed 'Shahenshah' of Bollywood |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-at-72-an-ode-to-the-undisputed-shahenshah-of-bollywood/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=11 October 2015 |date=11 October 2015 |archive-date=28 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028155451/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-at-72-an-ode-to-the-undisputed-shahenshah-of-bollywood/ |url-status=live }}

* {{cite web |title=Rajinikanth reveres Amitabh Bachchan as the 'Emperor of Indian Cinema'! |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/rajinikanth-reveres-amitabh-bachchan-as-the-emperor-of-indian-cinema-hindi-news-144373.html/ |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=10 October 2015 |date=10 October 2015 |archive-date=6 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506041550/http://www.indiaglitz.com/rajinikanth-reveres-amitabh-bachchan-as-the-emperor-of-indian-cinema-hindi-news-144373.html |url-status=live }}

* {{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 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304133104/http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/delhis-date-with-big-b-at-adda-on-friday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His dominance in the Indian movie scene during the 1970s{{ndash}}1980s made the French director [[François Truffaut]] call it a "one-man industry".<ref>{{cite web |last= |date=1 November 2017 |title=Amitabh Bachchan: The Man and The Legend |url=https://diplomacybeyond.com/amitabh-bachchan-man-legend/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=Diplomacy & Beyond |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024164542/https://diplomacybeyond.com/amitabh-bachchan-man-legend/ |archive-date=24 October 2021}}</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 achieved greater stardom in later years, dubbed India's "angry young man" for several of his on-screen roles in [[Hindi]] films. He consistently starred in top grossing Indian films with critical acclaim since mid 1970s to 80s, such as ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony]]'', ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'', ''[[Trishul (film)|Trishul]]'', ''[[Muqaddar Ka Sikander]]'', ''[[Kaala Patthar]]'', ''[[Kaalia]]'', ''[[Naseeb (1981 film)|Naseeb]]'',  ''[[Namak Halaal]]'', ''[[Coolie (1983 Hindi film)|Coolie]]'', ''[[Sharaabi]]'' and ''[[Mard (1985 film)|Mard]]'', as well as some of his most acclaimed performances include ''[[Namak Haraam]]'', ''[[Abhimaan (1973 film)|Abhimaan]]'', ''[[Mili (1975 film)|Mili]]'', ''[[Silsila (1981 film)|Silsala]]'', ''[[Dostana (1980 film)|Dostana]]'', ''[[Shakti]]'', ''[[Shahenshah (1988 film)|Shahenshah]]'' and ''[[Agneepath (1990 film)|Agneepath]]''. After taking break from acting in 1990s, his resurgence marked in 2000 with ''[[Mohabbatein]]''. Since then he starred in several successful and acclaimed films such as ''[[Aankhen (2002 film)|Aankhen]]'', ''[[Baghban (2003 film)|Baghban]]'', ''[[Black (2005 film)|Black]]'', ''[[Sarkar (2005 film)|Sarkar]]'', ''[[Paa (film)|Paa]]'', ''[[Bhoothnath]]'' and ''[[Piku]]''; for which he won his fourth [[National Film Award for Best Actor]], making him the only actor to do so. Bachchan also made an appearance in a Hollywood film, ''[[The Great Gatsby (2013 film)|The Great Gatsby]]'' (2013), in which he played a non-Indian Jewish character.

He 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]] 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 34 nominations in [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] and 42 nominations overall. The [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Shri]] in 1984, the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2001, the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2015 and India's highest award in the field of cinema, [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] in 2018 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.

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. Bachchan has also been involved in several [[humanitarian aid|humanitarian works]] and he is a leading [[Celebrity branding|brand endorser]] in India. 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]], [[Central Asia]], the [[Caribbean]] ([[Guyana]], [[Suriname]], and [[Trinidad and Tobago]]), [[Oceania]] ([[Fiji]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]]), [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].<ref name="AB2">* {{cite book |last=Willis |first=Andrew |title=Film Stars: Hollywood and Beyond |date=2004 |publisher=[[Manchester University Press]] |isbn=978-0-7190-5645-1 |page=4 |url={{Google books|_2ZXBaDJ6DUC |pages=PA4 |keywords= |text= |plainurl=yes}} }}

* {{cite news |title=As more satellite TV networks target Asia, the picture is one of confusion and uncertainty |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19930930-as-more-satellite-tv-networks-target-asia-the-picture-is-one-of-confusion-and-uncertainty-811618-1993-09-30 |work=[[India Today]] |date=30 September 1993 |access-date=22 December 2018 |archive-date=22 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222130920/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19930930-as-more-satellite-tv-networks-target-asia-the-picture-is-one-of-confusion-and-uncertainty-811618-1993-09-30 |url-status=live }}

* {{cite news |last1=Sinanan |first1=Anil |title=The Bachchans in TNT: it's dynamite! |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-bachchans-in-tnt-its-dynamite-fpkjvxrkw8k |access-date=7 April 2020 |work=The Times |date=23 July 2008 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407030832/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-bachchans-in-tnt-its-dynamite-fpkjvxrkw8k |url-status=live }}

* {{cite news |title=India's biggest superstar Amitabh Bachchan has no interest in celebrating his 77th birthday |url=https://www.pressreader.com/fiji/the-fiji-times/20191013/282522955227391 |access-date=7 April 2020 |via=PressReader |date=13 October 2019 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407030832/https://www.pressreader.com/fiji/the-fiji-times/20191013/282522955227391 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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 |archive-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224222316/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-take-a-tour-of-amitabhs-home-in-allahabad/20121009.htm%20 |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=13 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013050650/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-am-proud-of-my-surname-Amitabh-Bachchan/articleshow/9393354.cms |url-status=live }}</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=978-0-415-93014-7 |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=978-1-108-24631-6 |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 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119051930/http://www.oneindia.com/2006/03/05/jaya-inaugurates-library-in-memory-of-harivansh-rai-bachchan-1141626344.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Teji Bachchan was a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] [[Sikh]] [[Khatri]] from [[Faisalabad|Lyallpur]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British Raj|British India]] (present-day [[Faisalabad]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]]).<ref name="sikh" /><ref>{{cite news |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 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429032403/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/amitabh-bachchan-remembers-most-beautiful-woman-mother-on-her-birthday/articleshow/40115335.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Bachchan has a younger brother, Ajitabh, he is 5 years younger than him.<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=0-14-027663-7}}</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 |access-date=19 May 2017 |archive-date=13 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813134240/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know-/Amitabh-was-initially-named-Inquilaab/articleshow/15889267.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="N18Kbc" /> 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 |archive-date=30 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830194021/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-am-proud-of-my-surname-Amitabh-Bachchan/articleshow/9393354.cms |url-status=live }}</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 |date=30 July 2019 |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=2 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002091321/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-got-his-surname-bacause-of-caste-system-1.65525580 |url-status=live }}</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=978-0-670-88158-1}}</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's secondary education was  at [[Boys' High School & College (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh)|Boys' High School & College]] in [[Allahabad]] and [[Sherwood College]] in [[Nainital]]. He attended [[Kirori Mal College]] at the [[University of Delhi]] in [[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|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011115047/https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines-today-top-stories/story/amitabh-bachchans-journey-to-the-top-58283-2009-10-10|url-status=live}}</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 |archive-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225021631/https://m.hindustantimes.com/cities/bachchan-77-big-b-was-a-boxer-when-he-was-chhota-b/story-IhMWG9vPh7cq2DMZV6sR0N_amp.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He graduated with [[Bachelor of Science]] degree from Kirori Mal College in 1962.<ref>{{cite web |title=किरोड़ीमल कॉलेज हॉस्टल का कमरा नंबर-66, दीवार पर टंगी बिग बी की तस्वीर... डीयू का इतिहास |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/delhi-university-kirori-mal-college-hostel-amitabh-bachchan-bsc-read-here-du-history/articleshow/92466073.cms |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=Navbharat Times |language=hi |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913073040/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/delhi-university-kirori-mal-college-hostel-amitabh-bachchan-bsc-read-here-du-history/articleshow/92466073.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 September 2022 |title=KBC 14: जब BSc लेकर पछताए थे अमिताभ बच्चन, नहीं याद रहते थे त्रिकोणमिति के फॉर्मूले, सुनाया मजेदार किस्सा |url=https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/television/story/amitabh-bachchan-took-bsc-difficult-to-learn-trigonometry-formula-kbc-14-komal-gupta-50-lakh-tmovk-1529627-2022-09-02 |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=Aaj Tak |language=hi |archive-date=12 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912232412/https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/television/story/amitabh-bachchan-took-bsc-difficult-to-learn-trigonometry-formula-kbc-14-komal-gupta-50-lakh-tmovk-1529627-2022-09-02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=10 bollywood celebrities who graduated from DU |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/10-bollywood-stars-who-passed-out-from-du-306417-2016-02-17 |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913115932/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/10-bollywood-stars-who-passed-out-from-du-306417-2016-02-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> When Bachchan finished his studies his father approached [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], the founder of [[Prithvi Theatre]] and patriarch of the [[Kapoor family|Kapoor acting family]], 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=0-14-027663-7}}</ref> Bachchan was a friend of [[Rajiv Gandhi]] and [[Sanjay Gandhi]], before he became an actor. He used to spend time with them when he was a resident in New Delhi. Bachchan's family were very close to the [[Nehru-Gandhi family]] of politicians. When [[Sonia Gandhi]] first came to India from Italy before her marriage, Bachchan had received her at the [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Palam International Airport]] on 13 January 1968. She spent 48 days at Bachchan's house with his parents before her marriage to Rajiv.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kidwai |first=Rasheed |date=11 October 2018 |title=Amitabh Bachchan, Rajiv Gandhi and a tale of two families |url=https://news.abplive.com/blog/amitabh-bachchan-rajiv-gandhi-and-a-tale-of-two-families-766548 |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913081231/https://news.abplive.com/blog/amitabh-bachchan-rajiv-gandhi-and-a-tale-of-two-families-766548 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan applied for a role as a newsreader for [[All India Radio]], Delhi but "failed the audition".<ref name="page412" />{{When|date=September 2022}} He became a business executive for ''Bird & Company'' in [[Kolkata]] (Calcutta),<ref name="page412" /> {{When|date=September 2022}}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 |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214212940/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amitabh-Bachchan |url-status=live }}</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 |page=9 |title=My Life: Amitabh Bachchan |author=<!-- not stated --> |publisher=General Press |date=22 October 2019 |isbn=978-9389440737 }}</ref>{{According to whom|date=September 2022}}

Bachchan made his film debut in 1969, as a voice narrator in [[Mrinal Sen]]'s [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|National Award]]-winning film ''[[Bhuvan Shome]]''.<ref>{{cite news |author=Suresh Kohli |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3428922.ece |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205112700/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3428922.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 February 2013 |title=Arts / Cinema: Bhuvan Shome (1969) |work=The Hindu |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=11 December 2012 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> His first acting role was as one of the seven protagonists in the film ''[[Saat Hindustani]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://scroll.in/reel/852519/before-stardom-amitabh-bachchans-drudge-years-are-a-study-in-perseverance-and-persona-building |title=Before stardom: Amitabh Bachchan's drudge years are a study in perseverance and persona building |first=Nandini |last=Ramnath |website=Scroll.in |date=8 October 2017 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821085713/https://scroll.in/reel/852519/before-stardom-amitabh-bachchans-drudge-years-are-a-study-in-perseverance-and-persona-building |url-status=live }}</ref> directed by [[Khwaja Ahmad Abbas]] and featuring [[Utpal Dutt]], [[Anwar Ali (actor)|Anwar Ali]] (brother of comedian [[Mehmood (actor)|Mehmood]]), [[Madhu (actor)|Madhu]] and [[Jalal Agha]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Avijit Ghosh |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-07/india/28085479_1_amitabh-bachchan-saat-hindustani-malayalam-actor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615185810/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-07/india/28085479_1_amitabh-bachchan-saat-hindustani-malayalam-actor |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2013 |title=Big B's debut film hit the screens 40 yrs ago, today |access-date=11 December 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=7 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="First national award">{{cite web |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/09amitabh.htm |title=I felt I did a good job in Black |work=Rediff.com |date=9 August 2007 |access-date=24 March 2012 |archive-date=25 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525045308/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/09amitabh.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[Anand (1971 film)|Anand]]'' (1971) followed, in which Bachchan starred alongside [[Rajesh Khanna]]. His role as a doctor with a cynical view of life garnered Bachchan his first [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. He then played his first antagonist role as an infatuated lover-turned-murderer in ''[[Parwana (1971 film)|Parwana]]'' (1971). Following Parwana were several films including ''[[Reshma Aur Shera]]'' (1971). During this time, he made a guest appearance in the film ''[[Guddi (1971 film)|Guddi]]'' which starred his future wife Jaya Bhaduri. He narrated part of the film ''[[Bawarchi]]''. In 1972, he made an appearance in the road action comedy ''[[Bombay to Goa (1972 film)|Bombay to Goa]]'' directed by [[S. Ramanathan (film director)|S. Ramanathan]] which was moderately successful.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=178&catName=MTk3Mg== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012163932/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=178&catName=MTk3Mg== |archive-date=12 October 2012 |title=Box Office 1972 |publisher=Box Office India |date=12 October 2012 |access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Many of Bachchan's films during this early period did not do well.<ref name=iconic1>{{cite web |title=80 iconic performances 1/10 |url=http://www.filmfare.com/details.php?id=950 |date=1 June 2010 |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118035457/http://www.filmfare.com/details.php?id=950 |archive-date=18 January 2012}}</ref> His only film with [[Mala Sinha]], ''[[Sanjog (1972 film)|Sanjog]]'' (1972) was also a box office failure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lokapally |first1=Vijay |title=Sanjog (1972) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Sanjog-1972/article16926488.ece |access-date=14 March 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224230427/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Sanjog-1972/article16926488.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan was struggling, seen as a "failed newcomer" who, by the age of 30, had twelve flops and only two hits (as a lead in ''Bombay to Goa'' and supporting role in ''Anand''). He was offered with a dual role movie by the director O.P Goyle, and writer [[O. P. Ralhan|O.P Ralhan]] for the film ''[[Bandhe Haath|Bandhe Hath]]'' in 1973. This was Bachchan's first movie where he had played double role.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amitabh Bachchan's double roles |url=http://www.imdb.com/list/ls076070644/ |access-date=9 August 2021 |website=IMDb |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406143348/https://www.imdb.com/list/ls076070644/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bachchan was soon discovered by screenwriter duo [[Salim–Javed]], consisting of [[Salim Khan]] and [[Javed Akhtar]].<ref name="indianexpress2">{{cite news |title=Revisiting Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer: The film that made Amitabh Bachchan |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/revisiting-prakash-mehra-zanjeer-the-film-that-made-amitabh-bachchan-4714064/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=24 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033352/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/revisiting-prakash-mehra-zanjeer-the-film-that-made-amitabh-bachchan-4714064/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Salim Khan wrote the story, screenplay and script of ''[[Zanjeer (1973 film)|Zanjeer]]'' (1973), and conceived the "angry young man" persona of the lead role. Javed Akhtar came on board as co-writer,<ref name="timesofindia">{{cite news |title=Why Salim Khan was angry with Amitabh Bachchan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Why-Salim-Khan-was-angry-with-Amitabh-Bachchan/articleshow/27245793.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=13 December 2013 |access-date=27 November 2017 |archive-date=2 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102180945/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Why-Salim-Khan-was-angry-with-Amitabh-Bachchan/articleshow/27245793.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Prakash Mehra]], who saw the script as potentially groundbreaking, as the film's director. However, they were struggling to find an actor for the lead "angry young man" role; it was turned down by a number of actors, owing to it going against the "romantic hero" image dominant in the industry at the time.<ref name="indianexpress2" /> Salim-Javed soon discovered Bachchan and "saw his talent, which most makers didn't. He was exceptional, a genius actor who was in films that weren't good."<ref name="hindustantimes">{{cite news |title=Deewaar was the perfect script: Amitabh Bachchan on 42 years of the cult film |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/deewaar-was-the-perfect-script-amitabh-bachchan-on-42-years-of-the-cult-film/story-x2hy87zQ0ebVlsVMV59U2I.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=29 January 2017 |access-date=24 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030549/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/deewaar-was-the-perfect-script-amitabh-bachchan-on-42-years-of-the-cult-film/story-x2hy87zQ0ebVlsVMV59U2I.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Salim Khan, they "strongly felt that Amitabh was the ideal casting for ''Zanjeer''".<ref name="indianexpress2" /> Salim Khan introduced Bachchan to Prakash Mehra,<ref name="timesofindia" /> and Salim-Javed insisted that Bachchan be cast for the role.<ref name="indianexpress2" />

''Zanjeer'' was a [[crime film]] with violent action,<ref name="indianexpress2" /> in sharp contrast to the [[Romance film|romantically themed films]] that had generally preceded it, and it established Amitabh in a new persona—the "angry young man" of Bollywood cinema.<ref name=angryyoungman>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1945451.stm |title=Film legend promotes Bollywood |work=BBC News |date=23 April 2002 |access-date=15 January 2010 |archive-date=24 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324060409/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1945451.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He earned his first [[Filmfare Award]] nomination for [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]], with ''[[Filmfare]]'' later considering this one of the most iconic performances of Bollywood history.<ref name=iconic1 /> The film was a huge success and one of the highest-grossing films of that year, breaking Bachchan's dry spell at the box office and making him a star.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=179&catName=MTk3Mw== |title=Box Office 1973 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020131818/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=179&catName=MTk3Mw%3D%3D |archive-date=20 October 2013}}</ref> It was the first of many collaborations between Salim-Javed and Amitabh Bachchan; Salim-Javed wrote many of their subsequent scripts with Bachchan in mind for the lead role, and insisted on him being cast for their later films, including blockbusters such as ''[[Deewaar]]'' (1975) and ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975).<ref name="hindustantimes" /> Salim Khan also introduced Bachchan to director [[Manmohan Desai]] with whom he formed a long and successful association, alongside Prakash Mehra and [[Yash Chopra]].<ref name="timesofindia" />

Eventually, Bachchan became one of the most successful leading men of the film industry. Bachchan's portrayal of the wronged hero fighting a crooked system and circumstances of deprivation in films like ''Zanjeer'', ''Deewaar'', [[Trishul (film)|''Trishul'']], ''[[Kaala Patthar]]'' and ''[[Shakti (1982 film)|Shakti]]'' resonated with the masses of the time, especially the youth who harboured a simmering discontent owing to social ills such as poverty, [[hunger]], unemployment, corruption, [[social inequality]] and the brutal excesses of [[The Emergency (India)|The Emergency]]. This led to Bachchan being dubbed as the "angry young man", a journalistic catchphrase which became a metaphor for the dormant rage, frustration, restlessness, sense of [[rebellion]] and [[anti-establishment]] disposition of an entire generation, prevalent in 1970s India.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.academia.edu/10614647 |title=The 'Angry Young Man' of 'Zanjeer': From Osborne to Bachchan |first=Maanvi |last=Narcisa |website=Academia |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404051610/https://www.academia.edu/10614647 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19893525 |title=Why Amitabh Bachchan is more than a superstar |date=11 October 2012 |access-date=21 July 2018 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925035704/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19893525 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281116060 |title=Writing the Angry Young Man: Salim-Javed's screenplays for Amitabh Bachchan |first=Claus |last=Tieber |date=21 August 2015 |access-date=21 July 2018 |via=ResearchGate |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011115044/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281116060_Writing_the_Angry_Young_Man_Salim-Javed%27s_screenplays_for_Amitabh_Bachchan |url-status=live }}</ref>

The year 1973 was also when he married Jaya, and around this time they appeared in several films together: not only ''Zanjeer'' but also subsequent films such as ''[[Abhimaan (1973 film)|Abhimaan]]'', which was released only a month after their marriage and was also successful at the box office. Later, Bachchan played the role of Vikram, once again along with [[Rajesh Khanna]], in the film ''[[Namak Haraam]]'', a social drama directed by [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]] and scripted by Biresh Chatterjee addressing themes of friendship. His supporting role won him his second [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/1974/101 |title=Filmfare Awards Winners 1974: Complete list of winners of Filmfare Awards 1974 |website=The Times of India |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011115045/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/1974/101 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He once again resumed double roles in films such as ''[[Kasme Vaade]]'' (1978) as Amit and Shankar and ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'' (1978) playing the characters of [[Don (character)|Don]], a leader of an underworld gang and his look-alike Vijay. His performance won him his second Filmfare Best Actor Award. He also gave towering performances in Yash Chopra's [[Trishul (film)|'' Trishul'']] and Prakash Mehra's ''[[Muqaddar Ka Sikandar]]'' both of which earned him further Filmfare Best Actor nominations. 1978 is arguably considered his most successful year at the box office since all of his six releases the same year, namely ''[[Muqaddar Ka Sikandar]]'', ''[[Trishul (film)|Trishul]]'', ''[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]'', ''[[Kasme Vaade]]'', ''[[Ganga Ki Saugandh]]'' and ''[[Besharam (1978 film)|Besharam]]'' were massive successes, the former three being the consecutive highest-grossing films of the year, a rare feat in Indian cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2012 |title=Boxofficeindia.com |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=184&catName=MTk3OA== |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012163917/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=184&catName=MTk3OA== |archive-date=12 August 2012 |access-date=14 May 2023 |website=BoxOfficeIndia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/oct/11box.htm |title=rediff.com, Movies: The Towering Inferno: Amitabh Bachchan |work=Rediff.com |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041241/http://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/oct/11box.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

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 |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008095556/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-and-amitabh-bachchans-1982-film-shakti-to-return-in-new-avatar/articleshow/77619109.cms |url-status=live }}</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 a blockbuster.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Amitabh Bachchan Hit Movies List {{!}} Amitabh Bachchan Box Office Collection |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/amitabh-bachchan/box-office/ |access-date=5 October 2020 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008212718/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/amitabh-bachchan/box-office/ |url-status=live }}</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 |first=Mitesh |last=Shah |website=realityviews.in |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402052543/http://www.realityviews.in/2012/10/list-of-40-all-time-super-hit-movies-of.html |url-status=live }}</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) |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095432/fullcredits |access-date=9 August 2021 |archive-date=10 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810095349/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095432/fullcredits |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Health issues ===

Bachchan turned producer during his temporary retirement period, setting up [[Amitabh Bachchan Corporation]], Ltd. (ABCL) in 1996. ABCL's strategy was to introduce products and services covering an entire cross-section of India's entertainment industry. ABCL's operations were mainstream commercial film production and distribution, audio cassettes and video discs, production and marketing of television software, and celebrity and event management.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bemoneyaware.com/blog/amitabh-bachchan-from-bankruptcy-to-crorepati |title=Amitabh Bachchan – from bankruptcy to crorepati |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=11 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011234411/https://www.bemoneyaware.com/blog/amitabh-bachchan-from-bankruptcy-to-crorepati |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after the company was launched in 1996, the first film it produced was ''[[Tere Mere Sapne (1996 film)|Tere Mere Sapne]]'', which was a moderate success and launched the careers of actors like [[Arshad Warsi]] and southern film star [[Simran (actress)|Simran]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/business/1999/apr/26abcl.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT Business News: Businessman Bachchan braves a bad patch as ABCL falls sick |work=Rediff.com |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715074014/https://www.rediff.com/business/1999/apr/26abcl.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1997, Bachchan attempted to make his acting comeback with the film ''[[Mrityudata]]'', produced by ABCL. Though ''Mrityudaata'' attempted to reprise Bachchan's earlier success as an action hero, the film was a failure both financially and critically.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/collapse-of-mrityudaata-diminishes-amitabh-bachchans-godlike-status/1/275854.html |title=Collapse of Mrityudaata diminishes Amitabh Bachchan's godlike status |website=India Today |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=3 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903220429/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/collapse-of-mrityudaata-diminishes-amitabh-bachchans-godlike-status/1/275854.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ABCL was the main sponsor of the ''[[Miss World 1996|1996 Miss World beauty pageant]]'', [[Bangalore]], but lost millions. The fiasco and the consequent legal battles surrounding ABCL and various entities after the event, coupled with the fact that ABCL was reported to have overpaid most of its top-level managers, eventually led to its financial and operational collapse in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/after-dream-venture-abcl-go-bankrupt-amitabh-bachchan-faces-legal-battle-with-creditors/1/253830.html |title=After dream venture ABCL go bankrupt, Amitabh Bachchan faces legal battle with creditors |website=India Today |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=29 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229162326/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/after-dream-venture-abcl-go-bankrupt-amitabh-bachchan-faces-legal-battle-with-creditors/1/253830.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.rediff.com/money/1999/apr/26abcl.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT Business News: Businessman Bachchan braves a bad patch as ABCL falls sick |work=Rediff.com |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041151/http://m.rediff.com/money/1999/apr/26abcl.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The company went into administration and was later declared a failed company by the Indian Industries board. The Bombay high court, in April 1999, restrained Bachchan from selling off his Bombay [[bungalow]] 'Prateeksha' and two flats until the pending loan recovery cases of [[Canara Bank]] were disposed of. Bachchan had, however, pleaded that he had mortgaged his bungalow to raise funds for his company.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010304/spectrum/main1.htm |title=Muqaddar Ka Sikandar |author=Patil, Vimla |date=4 March 2001 |access-date=16 May 2007 |archive-date=1 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201142907/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010304/spectrum/main1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan attempted to revive his acting career, and eventually had commercial success with ''[[Bade Miyan Chote Miyan]]'' (1998) and ''[[Major Saab]]'' (1998),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2556 |title=Major Saab – Movie |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=31 August 2018 |archive-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827230924/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2556 |url-status=live }}</ref> and received positive reviews for ''[[Sooryavansham]]'' (1999),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/1999/may/22soo.htm |author=Taliculam, Sharmila |title=He's back! |access-date=16 May 2007 |archive-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224230316/http://in.rediff.com/movies/1999/may/22soo.htm%20 |url-status=live }}</ref> but other films such as ''[[Lal Baadshah]]'' (1999) and ''[[Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999 film)|Hindustan Ki Kasam]]'' (1999) were box office failures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/jan/03box.htm |title=Rediff on the NeT, Movies: A look at the year gone by |work=Rediff.com |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108083140/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/jan/03box.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2007, two of his films: the romantic comedy ''[[Cheeni Kum]]'' and the multi-starrer action drama ''[[Shootout at Lokhandwala]]'' were released. ''Shootout at Lokhandwala'' did well at the box office and was declared a hit in India, while ''Cheeni Kum'' picked up after a slow start and was a success.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=225 |title=Shootout at Lokhandwala – Movie |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041157/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=225 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115223235/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw== |archive-date=15 January 2013 |title=Box Office 2007 |publisher=Box Office India |date=15 January 2013 |access-date=3 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/circuit_collection.php?movieid=347&cityid=1&area=domestic |title=Cheeni Kum – Movie – |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041152/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/circuit_collection.php?movieid=347&cityid=1&area=domestic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="udxlrh">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214 |title=Box Office 2007 |publisher=Box Office India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109040918/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214 |archive-date=9 November 2013}}</ref> A remake of his biggest hit, ''Sholay'' (1975), entitled ''[[Aag (2007 film)|Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag]]'', released in August of that same year and proved to be a major commercial failure in addition to its poor critical reception.<ref name="udxlrh" /> The year also marked Bachchan's first appearance in an English-language film, [[Rituparno Ghosh]]'s ''[[The Last Lear]]'', co-starring [[Arjun Rampal]] and [[Preity Zinta]]. The film premiered at the [[2007 Toronto International Film Festival]] on 9 September 2007. He received positive reviews from critics who hailed his performance as his best ever since ''Black''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/09/11/3020 |date=11 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201132528/http://bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/09/11/3020 |archive-date=1 February 2009 |access-date=12 July 2020 |title=This is Amitabh's best performance after Black|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] }}</ref> Bachchan was slated to play a supporting role in his first international film, ''[[Shantaram (film)|Shantaram]]'', directed by [[Mira Nair]] and starring Hollywood actor [[Johnny Depp]] in the lead. The film was due to begin filming in February 2008 but due to the writer's strike, was pushed to September 2008.<ref name="Hollywood">{{cite web |publisher=ourbollywood.com |title=Amitabh Bachchan to star with Johnny Depp |url=http://www.ourbollywood.com/2007/02/amitabh_bachchan_will_star_opp.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070401195932/http://www.ourbollywood.com/2007/02/amitabh_bachchan_will_star_opp.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 April 2007 |access-date=11 March 2007}}</ref> The film is currently "shelved" indefinitely.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-diary-shantaram-film--lumiere-festival-tom-atkinson-hans-holbein-harold-evans-1819450.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116192639/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-diary-shantaram-film--lumiere-festival-tom-atkinson-hans-holbein-harold-evans-1819450.html |archive-date=16 November 2009 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Underworld tale won't see light of day |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=23 May 2010 |location=London |work=The Independent |first=Arifa |last=Akbar}}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041224/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2009&pageId=4 |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924144120/http://movies.rediff.com/interview/2010/jun/08/south-major-ravi-on-kandahar.htm |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416025433/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/56171.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2010 |title=Big B in 'Kandahaar' along with Sunil Shetty |website=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 |access-date=21 December 2010 |archive-date=23 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423152543/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-to-forego-fee-for-sharing-screen-with-mohanlal/607690/0 |url-status=live }}</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 experiencing 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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722095627/https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/71357/piku-box-office-collections-amitabh-bachchan-starrer-steady-at-rs-21-18-cr-by-day-2/ |url-status=live }}</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 |website=[[International Business Times]] |access-date=21 July 2018 |date=21 May 2015 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722070117/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/piku-13-days-box-office-collection-deepika-amitabh-starrer-grosses-100-crore-worldwide-633076 |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722101129/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-piku-review-must-watch-for-the-thundering-trio-of-amitabh-bachchan-deepika-padukone-and-irrfan-khan-2084192 |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/08/movies/review-in-piku-amitabh-bachchan-plays-a-dad-to-deepika-padukone.html |archive-date=2022-01-01 |url-access=limited |title=Review: In 'Piku,' Amitabh Bachchan Plays a Dad to Deepika Padukone |newspaper=The New York Times |date=8 May 2015 |access-date=21 July 2018|last1=Saltz |first1=Rachel }}{{cbignore}}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722002821/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/poop-dreams/ |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041315/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/18/piku-review-amitabh-bachchan-lets-it-all-out-in-constipation-comedy |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722070130/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/pink-review-amitabh-bachchan-is-still-the-only-boss-around/story-gSCikuuM2WFSvzomGiwB4H.html |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722070106/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/pink-review-by-anupama-chopra-a-tale-of-true-grit-grippingly-told/story-Iiug9rbLpnGDTdgwDzEPJJ.html |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041209/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/pink-movie-review-amitabh-bachchan-aniruddha-roy-chowdhury-taapsee-pannu-341162-2016-09-15 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://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 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=17 September 2016 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011411/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-pink/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bachchan's performance in the film received acclaim. According to Raja Sen of Rediff.com, "Amitabh Bachchan, a retired lawyer with 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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011437/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-pink-a-film-that-must-be-championed/20160916.htm |url-status=live }}</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 news|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|website=[[The 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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041310/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/15/pink-review-subtle-drama-that-grapples-with-indias-culture |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220619/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/102-not-out-teaser-amitabh-bachchan-rishi-kapoor-seen-together-on-screen-after-27-years-4343217.html |url-status=live }}</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 |website=[[The Times of India]] |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 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220221/https://www.screendaily.com/news/sony-pictures-boards-indian-comedy-102-not-out-with-amitabh-bachchan-rishi-kapoor/5126374.article |url-status=live }}</ref> This film released in May 2018 and reunited him with Kapoor onscreen after a gap of twenty-seven years.  

In 2000, Bachchan hosted the first season of ''[[Kaun Banega Crorepati]]'' (''KBC''), the Indian adaptation of the British television game show, ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''. The show was well received.<ref>{{cite news |last=Saxena |first=Poonam |title=Five crore question: What makes KBC work? |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Television/Five-crore-question-What-makes-KBC-work/Article1-771297.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120104000/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Television/Five-crore-question-What-makes-KBC-work/Article1-771297.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 November 2011 |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=24 November 2011 |date=19 November 2011}}</ref> A second season followed in 2005 but its run was cut short by [[Star Plus]] when Bachchan fell ill in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4648470.stm |work=BBC News |title=India scraps millionaire TV show |date=25 January 2006 |access-date=7 May 2010 |archive-date=4 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204185226/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4648470.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2009, Bachchan hosted the [[Bigg Boss 3|third season]] of the reality show ''[[Bigg Boss]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amitabh Bachchan back on TV with 'Bigg Boss 3' |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Amitabh-Bachchan-back-on-TV-with-Bigg-Boss-3/articleshow/4973731.cms |website=The Times of India |date=5 September 2009 |access-date=5 September 2009 |archive-date=26 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526170413/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Amitabh-Bachchan-back-on-TV-with-Bigg-Boss-3/articleshow/4973731.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, he debuted in the fictional [[Sony Entertainment Television]] TV series titled ''[[Yudh (TV series)|Yudh]]'' playing the lead role of a businessman battling both his personal and professional life.<ref name=ix>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/watch-amitabh-bachchan-battles-world-himself-in-tv-show-yudh/ |title=Watch: Amitabh Bachchan battles world, himself in TV show 'Yudh' |date=2 May 2014 |newspaper=The Indian Express |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=1 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701063027/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/watch-amitabh-bachchan-battles-world-himself-in-tv-show-yudh/ |url-status=live }}</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://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 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011115048/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-lends-his-voice-to-animated-mahabharat/922732 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some prominent films featuring his narration are [[Satyajit Ray]]'s 1977 film ''[[The Chess Players (film)|Shatranj Ke Khiladi]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.in/news/specials/amitabh/trivia.htm |title=Specials: Amitabh Bachchan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825135241/http://www.hindustantimes.in/news/specials/amitabh/trivia.htm |archive-date=25 July 2007 |work=Hindustan Times |url-status=usurped}}</ref> and [[Ashutosh Gowarikar]]'s 2001 film ''[[Lagaan]]''.<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 |access-date=19 February 2014 |archive-date=13 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713192448/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ashutosh-had-rejected-Big-B-as-Lagaans-narrator/articleshow/8874233.cms?referral=PM |url-status=live }}</ref>

He also has done voice-over work for the following movies:<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amitabh-to-do-voiceover-for-jodhaa-akbar-1145747 |title=Amitabh to do voiceover for Jodhaa-Akbar |date=17 January 2008 |access-date=6 March 2018 |archive-date=6 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306204313/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amitabh-to-do-voiceover-for-jodhaa-akbar-1145747 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Singh |first=Sunny |title=Amitabh Bachchan |date=2018 |publisher=British Film Institute |isbn=978-1-84457-631-9 |page=171}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://zeenews.india.com/home/amitabh-to-do-voiceover-for-jodha-akbar_418706.html |title=Amitabh to do voiceover for Jodhaa-Akbar |date=17 January 2008 |access-date=6 March 2018 |archive-date=6 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306202838/http://zeenews.india.com/home/amitabh-to-do-voiceover-for-jodha-akbar_418706.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

* ''[[Mahabharat (2013 film)|Mahabharat]]'' (2013)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nivas |first=Nandita |date=8 November 2013 |title=Amitabh Bachchan almost refused a role in Mahabharat |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-almost-refused-a-role-in-mahabharat/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref>

* CBI documentary (2014) – sanctioned by [[Central Bureau of Investigation]]<ref>{{cite web |date=10 February 2014 |title=Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice to CBI documentary |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/amitabh-bachchan-cbi-documentary-lends-voice-180443-2014-02-10 |access-date=6 December 2021 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206101616/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/amitabh-bachchan-cbi-documentary-lends-voice-180443-2014-02-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Around 1994, Bachchan started [[Amitabh Bachchan Corporation|Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd]] (ABCL), an event management, production and distribution company. But the company led into debt with fiasco and gone into bankruptcy, subsequently Bachchan became nearly bankrupt. Reasons of this debacle was flop films such as [[Mrityudata]], [[Major Saab]] (produced by this organisation), [[Miss World 1996]] which was organised-managed by ABCL. Due to this he began work for TV, asked for work to [[Yash Chopra]]. Once he told that, 'it was darkest time for him'.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 November 2021 |title=Backstory: When the Amitabh Bachchan magic faded briefly |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/companies/backstory-when-the-amitabh-bachchan-magic-faded-briefly-11380222.htm |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170320/https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/companies/backstory-when-the-amitabh-bachchan-magic-faded-briefly-11380222.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2021 |first=Anindita |last=Mukherjee |title=Abhishek Bachchan reveals he dropped out of college to support dad Amitabh when he was broke |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/abhishek-bachchan-reveals-he-dropped-out-of-college-to-support-dad-amitabh-when-he-was-broke-1885460-2021-12-08 |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171952/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/abhishek-bachchan-reveals-he-dropped-out-of-college-to-support-dad-amitabh-when-he-was-broke-1885460-2021-12-08 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He has invested in many upcoming business ventures. In 2013, he bought a 10% stake in Just Dial from which he made a gain of 4600 per cent. He holds a 3.4% equity in Stampede Capital, a financial technology firm specialising in cloud computing for financial markets. The Bachchan family also bought shares worth $252,000 in Meridian Tech, a consulting company in U.S. Recently they made their first overseas investment in Ziddu.com, a cloud based content distribution platform.<ref name="The Times of India" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/business/actors-turn-investors-bacchans-make-first-ever-overseas-investment-ziddu-com-2254124.html |title=Actors turn investors: Bachchans make first ever overseas investment with Ziddu.com |work=Firstpost |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=24 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224075741/http://www.firstpost.com/business/actors-turn-investors-bacchans-make-first-ever-overseas-investment-ziddu-com-2254124.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan was named in the [[Panama Papers]] and [[Paradise Papers]], [[Data breach|leaked]] confidential documents relating to [[offshore investment]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tandon |first1=Suneera |title=The Indian superstars of tax haven leaks: Amitabh Bachchan and Vijay Mallya |url=https://qz.com/1121170/from-paradise-papers-to-the-panama-leaks-amitabh-bachchan-and-vijay-mallya-are-never-missing/ |access-date=9 November 2017 |work=[[Quartz India]] |date=7 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107103322/https://qz.com/1121170/from-paradise-papers-to-the-panama-leaks-amitabh-bachchan-and-vijay-mallya-are-never-missing/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Amitabh Bachchan, Family May Be Summoned in Panama Papers Case |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amitabh-bachchans-family-may-be-summoned-in-panama-papers-case-1756057 |access-date=10 November 2017 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=27 September 2017 |archive-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111094856/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amitabh-bachchans-family-may-be-summoned-in-panama-papers-case-1756057 |url-status=live }}</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]]. With 68.2% of the votes in his favour, he won by one of the highest victory margins ever in [[Elections in India|Indian elections]].<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> In 1987, [[Indian Express]] said his brother Ajitabh Bachchan owned an apartment in Switzerland, giving rise to speculations about his involvement in the "[[Bofors scandal]]", revealed in the year before.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Patil |first1=Vimla |title=The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Lead Article |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010304/spectrum/main1.htm |access-date=12 December 2021 |work=www.tribuneindia.com |date=1 March 2004 |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212081854/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010304/spectrum/main1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Bachchan resigned from his seat in July 1987.{{Why|date=September 2022}}<ref>{{cite news |author1=T. N. Ninan |author2=Brij Khindaria |title=Amitabh Bachchan resigns from Lok Sabha, Ajitabh lands in Swiss trouble |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19870815-amitabh-bachchan-resigns-from-lok-sabha-ajitabh-lands-in-swiss-trouble-799845-1987-08-15 |access-date=12 December 2021 |work=India Today |date=15 August 1987 |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212080350/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19870815-amitabh-bachchan-resigns-from-lok-sabha-ajitabh-lands-in-swiss-trouble-799845-1987-08-15 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ajitabh Bachchan sued Swedish newspaper ''[[Dagens Nyheter]]'' for linking him to Bofors payments in 1990 and won damages in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |last1=De Sarkar |first1=Dipankar |title=Swedish newspaper apologises for naming Ajitabh Bachchan in Bofors case |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/international/story/19900815-swedish-newspaper-apologises-for-naming-ajitabh-bachchan-in-bofors-case-812887-1990-08-15 |access-date=12 December 2021 |work=India Today |date=15 August 1990 |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212080352/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/international/story/19900815-swedish-newspaper-apologises-for-naming-ajitabh-bachchan-in-bofors-case-812887-1990-08-15 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sten Lindstrom, the Swedish police chief who had investigated the case, said in 2012 that "Indian investigators planted the Bachchan angle on" ''Dagens Nyheter''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Makkar |first1=Sahil |title=CBI defends its role in investigation |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/LiZNvbjP7WpfnXBEYy0O2J/CBI-defends-its-role-in-investigation.html |access-date=12 December 2021 |work=mint |date=25 April 2012 |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212080352/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/LiZNvbjP7WpfnXBEYy0O2J/CBI-defends-its-role-in-investigation.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Why|date=September 2022}}

Bachchan has claimed to have been banned by film press during [[The Emergency (India)|the emergency years]] for his family's friendship with [[Indira Gandhi]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Sunny |title=Amitabh Bachchan |date=25 July 2019 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-83871-430-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2wj8DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT40 |access-date=13 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404171905/https://books.google.com/books?id=2wj8DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT40 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan has been accused of using the slogan "blood for blood" in the context of the [[1984 anti-Sikh riots]]. Bachchan has denied the allegation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/us-federal-court-summons-amitabh-bachchan-in-an-alleged-human-rights-violation-connects-it-to-the-1984-anti-sikh-riots-969691.html |title=US federal court summons Amitabh Bachchan in an alleged human rights violation; connects it to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots |website=News18 |date=26 February 2015 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011234411/https://www.news18.com/news/world/us-federal-court-summons-amitabh-bachchan-in-an-alleged-human-rights-violation-connects-it-to-the-1984-anti-sikh-riots-969691.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2014, Bachchan was summoned by a court in Los Angeles for "allegedly instigating violence against the Sikh community".<ref>{{cite news |title=US court summons Amitabh Bachchan in connection with 1984 anti-Sikh riots |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150225/entertainment-bollywood/article/us-court-summons-amitabh-bachchan-served-his-hollywood-agent |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235830/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150225/entertainment-bollywood/article/us-court-summons-amitabh-bachchan-served-his-hollywood-agent |url-status=live }}</ref> Bachchan in an interview with journalist [[Arnab Goswami]] offered to fight the case in court and asked the accusers to file the same as also present proof.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frankly Speaking with Amitabh Bachchan – Exclusive – Full Interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9nWqbZyAEo |access-date=17 September 2020 |website=YouTube |publisher=[[Times Now]] |archive-date=3 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903182445/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9nWqbZyAEo |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also one of the trustees of the [[Rajiv Gandhi Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 July 1991 |title=Rajiv Gandhi Foundation established with Sonia Gandhi as chairperson |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/signposts/story/19910715-rajiv-gandhi-foundation-established-with-sonia-gandhi-as-chairperson-814569-1991-07-15 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831011722/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/signposts/story/19910715-rajiv-gandhi-foundation-established-with-sonia-gandhi-as-chairperson-814569-1991-07-15 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Our Board |url=http://rgfindia.org/our-board-rajiv-gandhi-foundation/ |website=Rajiv Gandhi Foundation |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=9 March 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820202638/http://rgfindia.org/our-board-rajiv-gandhi-foundation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Amitabh Bachchan - TeachAIDS Recording Session (19284544383).jpg|300px|thumb|right|[[TeachAids]] character of ''Bachchan'' (left); Bachchan in a 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 news |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 |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011234418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Big-Bs-secret-aspect-finally-revealed/articleshow/13107830.cms |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041218/http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/the-amitabh-bachchan-way-or-the-highway/34825/ |url-status=dead }}</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 |archive-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220115305/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amitabh-bachchan-announces-11-lakh-contribution-for-resul-pookutty-s-foundation-1344672 |url-status=live }}</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 |access-date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=9 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209135319/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amitabh-bachchan-supports-medical-centre-at-kochi-1344945 |url-status=live }}</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 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220115305/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/The-Saturday-Interview-mdash-Sound-Sense/article15534067.ece |url-status=live }}</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 |date=26 December 2012 |work=India Today |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220115305/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 |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=13 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713192502/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-opens-memorial-trust-in-fathers-name/1163953/ |url-status=live }}</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 |date=12 June 2019 |title=Amitabh Bachchan pays off loans of 2,100 Bihar farmers, promises to help kin of Pulwama victims |work=The Times Of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amitabh-bachchan-pays-off-loan-of-2100-farmers-from-bihar/articleshow/69754632.cms |access-date=14 May 2023 |archive-date=7 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233426/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amitabh-bachchan-pays-off-loan-of-2100-farmers-from-bihar/articleshow/69754632.cms |url-status=live }}</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 |access-date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=9 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209134820/http://www.unicef.org/media/media_61032.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, he and his family donated {{INR|2.5&nbsp;million}} ({{US$|{{To USD|2500000|IND|year=2013|round=yes}}|long=no}}) to a charitable trust, Plan India, that works for the betterment of young girls in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid/bachchan-s-charity-side/story-YJgC79hSNoGCJTQHbFb6AJ.html |title=Bachchan's charity side |date=10 February 2013 |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220115305/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid/bachchan-s-charity-side/story-YJgC79hSNoGCJTQHbFb6AJ.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also donated {{INR|1.1&nbsp;million}} ({{US$|{{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 |access-date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=9 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209145912/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article530033.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan was the face of the 'Save Our Tigers' campaign that promoted the importance of tiger conservation in India.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/20-reasons-why-we-love-Amitabh-Bachchan/photostory/30948897.cms |title=20 reasons why we love Amitabh Bachchan |work=The Times of India |access-date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=10 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210223741/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/20-reasons-why-we-love-Amitabh-Bachchan/photostory/30948897.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> He supported the campaign by [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA]] in India to free Sunder, a 14-year-old elephant who was chained and tortured in a temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amitabh-bachchan-madhuri-dixit-back-free-sunder-campaign-543946 |title=Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit back 'Free Sunder' campaign |work=NDTV.com |access-date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=9 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209192349/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amitabh-bachchan-madhuri-dixit-back-free-sunder-campaign-543946 |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=28 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628014157/http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/amitabh-bachchan-joins-s-f-bay-area-nonprofit-teachaids/article_7db6b21c-7cb3-11e4-acab-5b0e15f111e5.html |url-status=dead}}</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 |archive-date=9 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109052424/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/vidya-balan-amitabh-bachchan-and-more-bollywood-bats-for-a-clean-india/story-6esXsSLzIXFQnuxjnb0CgO.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Amitabh Bachchan as 'Coolie' – Swachh Bharat Misssion – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFKrZxL0F3w |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211122/LFKrZxL0F3w |archive-date=22 November 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</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 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211122/mAvm80eP_zI |archive-date=22 November 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2020, Bachchan was helping the Government of India promote its public health message concerning [[COVID-19]] before he and some members of his family themselves became infected. He was hospitalised with reported mild symptoms of the disease on 11 July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amitabh Bachchan is recovering from Kovid, know how Big B's time is passing in Quarantine? |language=en |work=abcFRY.com |url=https://abcfry.com/amitabh-bachchan-is-recovering-from-kovid-know-how-big-bs-time-is-passing-in-quarantine/ |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907063703/https://abcfry.com/amitabh-bachchan-is-recovering-from-kovid-know-how-big-bs-time-is-passing-in-quarantine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=12 July 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan tests positive |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-53375744 |access-date=14 July 2020 |archive-date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714033212/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-53375744 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was discharged from hospital on 2 August.<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-53628587 |title=Amitabh Bachchan: Bollywood star recovers from Covid-19 |date=2 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802235910/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-53628587 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the pandemic he lent his support by donating [[Oxygen concentrator]]s  and 25 cr rupees in various forms.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 2021 |title=Amitabh Bachchan says his personal donation for Covid-19 relief often matches entire fundraisers: 'I didn't ask, I gave' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-says-his-personal-donation-for-covid-19-relief-often-matches-entire-fundraisers-i-didn-t-ask-i-gave-101621141209115.html |access-date=18 September 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172515/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-says-his-personal-donation-for-covid-19-relief-often-matches-entire-fundraisers-i-didn-t-ask-i-gave-101621141209115.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bachchan has been married to veteran actress and politician [[Jaya Bachchan|Jaya Bhaduri]] since 3 June 1973, when he was 30 years old, and together they have two children; [[Abhishek Bachchan|Abhishek]], an actor, and [[Shweta Bachchan Nanda|Shweta]], an author, journalist and former model. Abhishek married actress [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan|Aishwarya Rai]], and they have a daughter named Aaradhya.<ref>{{cite news |title=Abhishek Bachchan reveals Aishwarya Rai teaches Aaradhya at home: 'She already has the world's best teacher' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/abhishek-bachchan-reveals-aishwarya-rai-teaches-aaradhya-at-home-she-already-has-the-world-s-best-teacher-101649910333332.html |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510132327/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/abhishek-bachchan-reveals-aishwarya-rai-teaches-aaradhya-at-home-she-already-has-the-world-s-best-teacher-101649910333332.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shweta is married to businessman [[Nikhil Nanda]] who is a part of the [[Kapoor family]] of actors. They have a daughter, Navya Naveli, and a son, Agastya.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaikwad |first1=Pramod |title=Why Shweta Bachchan-Nanda lives with her parents, separately from in-laws, husband |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/why-shweta-bachchan-nanda-lives-her-parents-separately-laws-husband-811545 |access-date=30 April 2022 |work=IB Times |date=11 January 2020 |language=en |archive-date=30 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430111101/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/why-shweta-bachchan-nanda-lives-her-parents-separately-laws-husband-811545 |url-status=live }}</ref> Amitabh's family lives in [[Mumbai]] in [[Maharashtra]].<ref name="BigBHouse">{{cite web |url=http://www.btownmasti.com/the-lovely-amitabh-bachchan-house |title=Amitabh Bachchan houses in Mumbai |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 news |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 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111061128/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 |url-status=live }}</ref> His younger brother Ajitabh Bachchan is a businessman. He did business and lived in London for brief period of time. Presently he is living in India. He and his family choose to stay away from limelight. His wife Ramola is a fashion designer and was active in business. Ajitabh has one son, Bhim, and three daughters Naina, Namrata and Nilima. Naina Bachchan is married to actor [[Kunal Kapoor (actor, born 1977)|Kunal Kapoor]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-BOL-meet-amitabh-bachchan-brother-ajitabh-bachchan-family-news-hindi-5435781-PHO.html|title=चार बच्चों के पिता हैं अमिताभ के भाई, बेटी नैना ने की है कुणाल कपूर से शादी|date=10 October 2016|website=Dainik Bhaskar|access-date=14 May 2023|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010065940/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-BOL-meet-amitabh-bachchan-brother-ajitabh-bachchan-family-news-hindi-5435781-PHO.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Meet the mystery Bachchan|date= 11 December 2009|url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/meet-the-mystery-bachchan/story-EtzWImVQQjGlHKXXZhvQOI.html|access-date= 13 September 2022|archive-date= 13 September 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220913144730/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/meet-the-mystery-bachchan/story-EtzWImVQQjGlHKXXZhvQOI.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

Bachchan is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of [[Indian cinema]].<ref>{{cite web|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/|work=The independent|accessdate=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=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Why Amitabh Bachchan is more than a superstar |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-19893525 |publisher= BBC |accessdate= 11 October 2012 |date= 11 October 2012 |archive-date= 14 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014013931/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-19893525 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wajihuddin|first=Mohammed|title=Egypt's Amitabh Bachchan mania|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-12-02/india/27839664_1_bachchan-fan-mania-indians|accessdate=22 November 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=2 December 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501071157/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-12-02/india/27839664_1_bachchan-fan-mania-indians|archive-date=1 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Jatras|first=Todd|title=India's Celebrity Film Stars|url=https://www.forbes.com/2001/03/09/0309bollywood.html|work=[[Forbes]]|accessdate=22 November 2011|date=9 March 2001|archive-date=20 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220031815/http://www.forbes.com/2001/03/09/0309bollywood.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He earned respect among critics for his memorable performances and charismatic screen presence, is also considered one of the most respected public figures of India.<ref>{{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|accessdate=24 November 2011 |date=25 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602182846/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data%2Fnewsmakers%2F2009%2FNovember%2Fnewsmakers_November64.xml&section=newsmakers&col= |archivedate= 2 June 2013}}</ref> Referred to as the "[[Shahanshah|Shahenshah]] of Bollywood", "Star of the Millennium" or "Big B",<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|title=Amitabh Bachchan at 73: An ode to the undisputed 'Shahenshah' of Bollywood|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-at-72-an-ode-to-the-undisputed-shahenshah-of-bollywood/|work=The Indian Express|accessdate=11 October 2015|date=11 October 2015|archive-date=28 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028155451/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-at-72-an-ode-to-the-undisputed-shahenshah-of-bollywood/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Rajinikanth reveres Amitabh Bachchan as the 'Emperor of Indian Cinema'!|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/rajinikanth-reveres-amitabh-bachchan-as-the-emperor-of-indian-cinema-hindi-news-144373.html/|publisher=indiaglitz.com|accessdate=10 October 2015|date=10 October 2015|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506041550/http://www.indiaglitz.com/rajinikanth-reveres-amitabh-bachchan-as-the-emperor-of-indian-cinema-hindi-news-144373.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/delhis-date-with-big-b-at-adda-on-friday/|title=Delhi's date with Big B at Adda on Friday|date=27 September 2012|work=The independent|accessdate=27 September 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304133104/http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/delhis-date-with-big-b-at-adda-on-friday/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|title=Amitabh Bachchan's Big B'day bash: Bollywood came calling |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amitabh-bachchan-s-big-b-day-bash-bollywood-came-calling/story-kXEUI1OtpqOkB1AqTvlKoM.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724082236/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amitabh-bachchan-s-big-b-day-bash-bollywood-came-calling/story-kXEUI1OtpqOkB1AqTvlKoM.html |url-status=live |archive-date=24 July 2016 |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=12 October 2012 |date=12 October 2012 }}</ref> He inspired many great and successful [[Indian cinema]] actors for many generations including [[Rajinikanth]], [[Chiranjeevi]], [[Kamal Hassan]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Akshay Kumar]], [[Manoj Bajpayee]], [[Ajay Devgn]], [[Mohanlal]], [[Ranveer Singh]], [[Allu Arjun]] and [[Yash (actor)|Yash]]. Referred to as the "[[Shahanshah|Shahenshah]] of Bollywood", "Star of the Millennium" or "Big B",<ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto2"/> 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| accessdate= 1 February 2008| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080201030338/http://app1.chinadaily.com.cn/star/history/00-07-07/l03-film.html| archivedate= 1 February 2008| url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-10/news-interviews/43032903_1_amitabh-bachchan-saat-hindustani-inquilab/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131023150403/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-10/news-interviews/43032903_1_amitabh-bachchan-saat-hindustani-inquilab/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2013 |title=Amitabh Bachchan: Indira Gandhi helped him get into films |date=10 October 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |accessdate=23 October 2013 }}</ref>

In 1999, Bachchan was voted the "greatest star of stage or screen" in a [[BBC]] ''Your Millennium'' online poll. The organisation noted that "Many people in the western world will not have heard of [him]&nbsp;... [but it] is a reflection of the huge popularity of Indian films."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/381017.stm |title=ENTERTAINMENT &#124; Bollywood star tops the poll |work=BBC News |date=1 July 1999 |access-date=2 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910010951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/381017.stm |archive-date=10 September 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2003, [[TIME]] magazine dubbed Bachchan as "the Undisputed Godfather of [[Bollywood]]".<ref name="Perry">{{cite magazine| url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501031027/int_bachchan.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031023004122/http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501031027/int_bachchan.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=23 October 2003 | magazine=Time | title=The Legend | date=27 October 2003 | first=Alex | last=Perry}}</ref> In April 2005, The [[Walter Reade Theater]] of [[Lincoln Center]] in New York honored Bachchan with a special tribute, retrospective—titled "Amitabh Bachchan: The Biggest Film Star in the World".<ref name="Saltz">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/15/movies/15indi.html |title=A Star the World Over but Almost Unknown Here |work=The Indian Express |date=15 April 2005 |accessdate=7 June 2013 |first=Rachel |last=Saltz |archive-date=19 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050419141138/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/15/movies/15indi.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="thedailybeast.com/newsweek">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2005/04/21/the-biggest-film-star-in-the-world.html |title=The Biggest Film Star in the World|publisher=thedailybeast.com|date=21 April 2005 |accessdate=7 June 2013}}</ref>

In the early 80s, Bachchan authorised the use of his likeness for the comic book character [[Supremo (comics)|Supremo]] in a series titled ''The Adventures of Amitabh Bachchan''.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 November 2009 |title=Remembering Amitabh, the Supremo superhero |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-pammi-bakshi-on-supremo/20091110.htm |access-date=11 December 2012 |work=Rediff.com |archive-date=8 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408044256/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-pammi-bakshi-on-supremo/20091110.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2014, [[La Trobe University]] in Australia named a Scholarship after Bachchan.<ref>{{cite news |title=La Trobe University of Australia names scholarship after Amitabh Bachchan |url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/05/la-trobe-university-of-australia-names-scholarship-after-amitabh-bachchan/ |access-date=2 May 2014 |publisher=news.biharprabha.com |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |archive-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502153915/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/05/la-trobe-university-of-australia-names-scholarship-after-amitabh-bachchan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2000, he became the first living Asian to have been modelled in wax at London's [[Madame Tussauds]] Wax Museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/art-of-cinema-is-a-small-contribution-amitabh-bachchan/441709/ |title=Art of cinema is a small contribution: Amitabh Bachchan |publisher=Screenindia.com |date=1 April 2009 |accessdate=2 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604212708/http://www.screenindia.com/news/art-of-cinema-is-a-small-contribution-amitabh-bachchan/441709 |archivedate= 4 June 2009 }}</ref> Another statue was installed in New York in 2009,<ref>{{cite web|author=Amitabh’s Wax Figure in New York |url=http://whatslatest.com/blog/?tag=amitabh-wax-figure-in-new-york |title=Amitabh Wax figure in New York |publisher=Whatslatest.com |accessdate=2 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202033520/http://whatslatest.com/blog/?tag=amitabh-wax-figure-in-new-york |archivedate=2 December 2012 }}</ref> Hong Kong in 2011,<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news |url= http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1570825.ece |title= Amitabh's wax statue unveiled at Hong Kong Tussauds |work= The Hindu |date= 25 March 2011 |accessdate= 11 October 2012 |location= Chennai, India |archive-date= 15 August 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110815155355/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1570825.ece |url-status= live }}</ref> Bangkok in 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madametussauds.com/Bangkok/en/NewsAndEvents/AmitabhBachchanLaunch.aspx |title=Unveils wax figure of India's all-time superstar: Amitabh Bachchan |publisher=madametussauds.com|date=24 August 2011 |accessdate=12 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114095003/http://www.madametussauds.com/Bangkok/en/NewsAndEvents/AmitabhBachchanLaunch.aspx |archivedate=14 November 2012}}</ref> Washington, DC in 2012<ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite web |url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/big-b-srk-aishwaryas-wax-figures-at-washington-tussauds/1040813/ |title= Big B, SRK, Aishwarya's wax figures at Washington Tussauds |work= The Indian Express |date= 5 December 2012 |accessdate= 5 December 2012 |archive-date= 20 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160120105117/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/big-b-srk-aishwaryas-wax-figures-at-washington-tussauds/1040813/ |url-status= live }}</ref> and Delhi in 2017.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-bachchan-misunderstands-his-wax-statue-at-madam-tussauds-delhi-as-his-photo/articleshow/56517118.cms |title= Amitabh Bachchan misunderstands his wax statue at Madame Tussauds, Delhi as his photo |work= The Times of India |date= 13 January 2017 |accessdate= 13 January 2017 |archive-date= 13 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170113172851/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-bachchan-misunderstands-his-wax-statue-at-madam-tussauds-delhi-as-his-photo/articleshow/56517118.cms |url-status= live }}</ref>

In March 2010, Bachchan has been named the list of [[CNN]]'s "top 25 Asian actors of all time".<ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-in-CNN-s-top-25-Asian-actors-list/H1-Article1-515456.aspx |title=Big B in CNN's top 25 Asian actors list |work=Hindustan Times|date=5 March 2010 |accessdate=4 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101080219/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-in-CNN-s-top-25-Asian-actors-list/H1-Article1-515456.aspx |archivedate= 1 November 2011}}</ref> He was named "Hottest Vegetarian male" by PETA India in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 January 2013 |title=Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan named hottest vegetarians |newspaper=Hindustan Times |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid/amitabh-bachchan-vidya-balan-named-hottest-vegetarians/article1-984421.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217223322/http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid/amitabh-bachchan-vidya-balan-named-hottest-vegetarians/article1-984421.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2015}}</ref> He also won the title of "Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian male" in a contest poll run by PETA Asia in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 June 2008 |title=Faye Wong is Asia's sexiest vegetarian |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/Faye-Wong-is-Asias-sexiest-vegetarian/articleshow/3142261.cms |access-date=17 February 2015 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011115108/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/Faye-Wong-is-Asias-sexiest-vegetarian/articleshow/3142261.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Allahabad, the [[Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex]] and Amitabh Bachchan Road are named after him.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex |url=http://allahabaddekho.com/Home/Sportcenters_of_allahabad |access-date=15 August 2016 |archive-date=19 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019015806/http://allahabaddekho.com/Home/Sportcenters_of_allahabad |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 April 2017 |title=Rename Clive Road as Amitabh Bachchan Marg |url=http://activeindiatv.com/entertainment/44823-rename-clive-road-as-amitabh-bachchan-marg |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214202707/http://activeindiatv.com/entertainment/44823-rename-clive-road-as-amitabh-bachchan-marg |url-status=dead }}</ref> A government senior secondary school in [[Saifai]], [[Etawah]] is called Amitabh Bachchan Government Inter College.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 January 2014 |title=Neighbours' Envy: Remarkable growth of Saifai has left other villages feeling left out |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/neighbours-envy-3/ |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722095625/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/neighbours-envy-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=An oasis in undeveloped Yadav belt |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 April 2014 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/An-oasis-in-undeveloped-Yadav-belt/articleshow/34084463.cms |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=21 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821073108/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/An-oasis-in-undeveloped-Yadav-belt/articleshow/34084463.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Telegraph – Calcutta: Nation |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1040905/asp/nation/story_3719293.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040927053816/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040905/asp/nation/story_3719293.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2004 |access-date=21 July 2018 |website=The Telegraph |location=Kolkota}}</ref> There is a waterfall in Sikkim known as [[Amitabh Bachchan Falls]].<ref name="tribune">{{cite news |author=Shriaya Dut |date=31 August 2019 |title=Been to Amitabh Bachchan waterfall in Sikkim, even Big B is shocked |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/been-to-amitabh-bachchan-waterfall-in-sikkim-even-big-b-is-shocked-825810 |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720061334/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/been-to-amitabh-bachchan-waterfall-in-sikkim-even-big-b-is-shocked-825810 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, on the occasion of Bachchan's 80th birthday, not-for-profit organisation [[Film Heritage Foundation]] announced a film festival as a part of his 11 films collection had screened in 17 cities across the country shown in limited movies theatres.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/film-heritage-foundation-announces-amitabh-bachchan-film-festival-to-mark-cine-icons-80th-birthday-8182291/ | title=Film Heritage Foundation announces Amitabh Bachchan film festival to mark cine icon's 80th birthday | date=30 September 2022 | access-date=5 December 2022 | archive-date=5 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205134655/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/film-heritage-foundation-announces-amitabh-bachchan-film-festival-to-mark-cine-icons-80th-birthday-8182291/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/as-big-b-turns-80-special-film-fest-to-showcase-his-11-iconic-films/articleshow/94555450.cms | title=As Big B turns 80, special film fest to showcase his 11 iconic films - Times of India | website=[[The Times of India]] | date=30 September 2022 }}</ref>

*''AB: The Legend (A Photographer's Tribute)'' in 2006,<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/IDF390 |title=AB: The Legend (A Photographer's Tribute) |date=2 October 2008 |publisher=Exoticindiaart.com |access-date=2 October 2010 |archive-date=20 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720123607/http://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/IDF390/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

*''Bachchanalia'' in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 January 2009 |title=Bachchanalia: Big B as hero, lover, conman |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/bachchanalia-big-b-as-hero-lover-conman/story-0drMSxKamf8Be1yZhTKOOJ.html |access-date=5 October 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009065832/https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/bachchanalia-big-b-as-hero-lover-conman/story-0drMSxKamf8Be1yZhTKOOJ.html |url-status=live }}</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, the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2015 and [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] in 2019. The then-President of [[Afghanistan]] awarded him the Order of Afghanistan in 1991 following the shooting of ''[[Khuda Gawah]]'' there.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.khaama.com/indian-film-star-amitabh-bachchan-cherish-afghanistan-memories-1810/ |title=Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan cherish Afghanistan memories |newspaper=The Khaama Press News Agency |date=27 August 2013 |access-date=20 November 2018 |archive-date=20 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120095505/https://www.khaama.com/indian-film-star-amitabh-bachchan-cherish-afghanistan-memories-1810/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Government of Madhya Pradesh honoured him with Rashtriya Kishore Kumar Samman for 2002–2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amitabh conferred Kishore Kumar award |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-conferred-kishore-kumar-award/articleshow/26698419.cms |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=29 October 2002 |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603100008/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amitabh-conferred-kishore-kumar-award/articleshow/26698419.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=रत्नप्रिया |title=क्या है 'किशोर अलंकरण', किन हस्तियों को मिल चुका है ये सम्मान |url=https://www.amarujala.com/education/kishore-kumar-samman-recipient-list-waheeda-rehman-to-be-awarded-this-year |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=Amar Ujala |date=6 October 2019 |language=hi |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210222443/https://www.amarujala.com/education/kishore-kumar-samman-recipient-list-waheeda-rehman-to-be-awarded-this-year |url-status=live }}</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 |archive-date=4 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004140244/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6306201.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 July 2012, at the age of 69, Bachchan carried the [[Olympic flame|Olympic torch]] during the last leg of its relay in London's Southwark.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-carries-olympic-torch-355100 |title=Amitabh Bachchan Carries Olympic Torch |date=26 July 2012 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Nyay |last=Bhushan |access-date=27 July 2012 |archive-date=30 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730004645/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-carries-olympic-torch-355100 |url-status=live }}</ref>

* ''Soul Curry for You and Me – An Empowering Philosophy That Can Enrich Your Life''. (2002)<ref>{{cite web |title=73 things you must know about Amitabh Bachchan |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/amitabh-bachchan-turns-73-on-sunday/articleshow/49308365.cms |access-date=5 October 2020 |website=Business Insider |archive-date=13 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313061431/http://www.businessinsider.in/Amitabh-Bachchan-turns-73-on-Sunday/articleshow/49308365.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Category:Officers of the Legion of Honour]]