Amitabh Bachchan has enjoyed a career spanning over five decades, starring in more than 150 movies and being dubbed the ‘Undisputed Godfather of Bollywood.’ Considered to be among the most dominant actors and successful leading men in the Indian film industry in the 1970s and ’80s, Bachchan gained a following across the world in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, the UK, Russia and the US. He has earned numerous accolades at international film festivals and award ceremonies, and was also appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003.
BACKGROUND
DATE OF BIRTH
11 October 1942
BIRTHPLACE
Allahabad (India)
EDUCATION
Double MA degree from the University of Delhi
OCCUPATIONS
Actor
Producer
Singer
Television presenter
Composer
HIGHLIGHTS
Founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation
Padma Shri in 1984
Padma Bhushan in 2001
Padma Vibhushan in 2015
Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019
QUOTE
Make your own choices in the light of your own wisdom
Amitabh Bachchan
Q: What attributes have contributed to Amitabh Bachchan’s standout career as a Bollywood personality?
A: Bachchan burst on the screen in an ‘angry young man’ avatar at a time when ‘chocolate box’ heroes were the order of the day, serving a gut punch for audiences as he simmered in role after role.
His baritone voice, perfect diction, powerful acting chops and literally towering presence sealed a presence at the top of the industry.
Along the way, the audience discovered that he had perfect comic timing with some of the best comedy scenes in Hindi movies of that era credited to him.
His sense of discipline, dedication to his craft and perhaps even family heritage (his father being a celebrated national poet, close friendship with the Gandhi dynasty and marriage to Jaya Bhaduri, herself a leading actress) has rendered the Bachchan family to be called the ‘first family of Bollywood.’
Sustaining a successful career for 50 years in what is a cutthroat industry, his filmography reads like the top hits of Bollywood.
Q: What lessons can be learned from his life?
A: The greatest lesson one can learn from him is the humility and grace with which he treats one and all.
Moreover, the secret of Bachchan’s longevity is the ability to reinvent himself whether as a TV host or the favourite brand ambassador for TV commercials or narrator, as well as the fact that his bankable performances in film after film ensures a win-win for all involved… and that age is only a number!
Q: And what can aspiring Sri Lankan cinema and media personalities do to be as defining in their field?
A: Identify and own a niche that plays to your strengths, and believe in yourself and your talent. However, be cognisant of the fact that while talent is a valuable gift, hard work and dedication go a long way too.
Reading up on your craft and learning from the greats that have gone before you is as important since you never know what may inspire brilliance.
Yamini Sequeira
Contributing Editor
LMD
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