Hyderabad
October 11, 2008

Amitabh Bachchan! The name says it all. Blessed with a great height, deep-rich unmatchable voice, intense eyes, supreme gait AND the chutzpah that remains invincible, Amitabh became the face of Indian cinema to the world. His anointing as an emperor of the Indian box is considered to be a turning point in the history of Indian films.

Amitabh Bachchan was born on October 11, 1942 to renowned poet Harivansh Rai and Teji Bachchan. After his graduation from Delhi University, Amitabh began working for a private company in Calcutta. He later moved to Bombay to test his luck in films but had to struggle to get a break in the industry. At that time, the industry was ruled by romantic and chocolate heroes and Amitabh's imposing height, intense looks and base voice became a disadvantage and he was considered unfit to become an actor.

Amitabh made his debut through Saat Hindustani in 1969 but it flopped at the box office. Critical acclaim and best supporting actor award came by in 1971 for Anand but his rough run continued until 1973. Zanjeer happened and the rest, as they say, is history. The industry's search for an angry young man had ended. Amitabh's invincible journey as the leading hero of Bollywood took off from that juncture with an avalanche of super duper hits like Abhiman, Namak Haraam, Chupke Chupke, Deewar, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony, Do Aur Do Paanch, Suhaag, Kabhi Kabhi, Trishul, Don, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal, Naseeb, Lawaaris, Namak Halaal, Shakti, Pukar, Inquilaab, Giraftaar, Shahenshah, Hum and many more.

Amitabh's performance in Deewar (1975) is regarded as one of the most appealing performances on Indian screen and personified an extraordinary elevation of heroism emulated in many Indian movies down the line. He intelligently chose scripts that encircled a wide gamut of emotions from performance, action and comedy.

At the peak of his career, Amitabh met with an accident in a movie called Coolie. Puneet Issar accidentally punched Amitabh causing an internal intestinal bleeding causing the latter to be hospitalized. The accident became breaking news including a mention in BBC news; folklores are still told as to how people all across the world prayed for his recovery.

Early and mid-nineties were unkind to the legend who floated ABCL corporation and ended up in the mire of huge debts. His detractors wrote him off as a "spent force". This is where god distinguishes between normal and extraordinary individuals. Amitabh bounced back and how - through the Indian version of "who wants to be a millionaire?" or Kaun Banega Crorepati. This program became a super success and brought Amitabh where he rightfully belonged to - pinnacle of success. The impact of the program was such that traffic on roads became thinner and lesser was the rush for second shows in various cities. His bouncing back to the peak from an abyss like situation became a popular and frequent topic among many personality development and HR sessions in various corporate houses across the country.

Amitabh migrated to roles that suited his age. He starred in blockbusters Sarkar, Mohabattein, Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham, Black, Khakee, Lakshya, Bunty aur Babli, Baghban, Sarkar Raj among many others. Even today at the age of 65, he is ever busy with movies, advertisements and programs.

Amitabh Bachchan was named the "Greatest Star of the Millennium" by BBC online poll where he surpassed many Hollywood legends such as Marlon Brando and Charlie Chaplin. He was the first living Asian to be "waxed" at the Madame Tussauds museum in London. Writing about his awards and achievements would make this article one of the longest ones to read (and write). Beyond a shadow of doubt, Amitabh will remain the most influential person for having inspired generations of Indian youth through his stardom, achievement and above all an affable nature.

Wish you a happy birthday and may god bless you!

Sreekanth Devarakonda