Amitabh Bachchan, (born 11 October 1942 in Allahabad, India), Indian film actor, perhaps the most popular star in Indian film history, best known for roles in action films. Bachchan, the son of the well-known Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, attended Sherwood College in Nainital and the University of Delhi. He worked as a business manager in Calcutta (Kolkata) and acted on stage before embarking on a film career. Bachchan made his screen debut in Saat Hindustani(1969; "Seven Indians") and received the first of his many Filmfare Awards for his performance in Anand (1971). His first big hit came with Zanjeer (1973; "Chain").
A series of action films followed, including Deewar (1975; "Wall"), Sholay (1975; "Embers") and Don (1978). Nicknamed "Big B", Bachchan embodied a new generation of action stars in India. films, that of the "angry young man" instead of the romantic hero. He was often compared to Clint Eastwood, although unlike Eastwood and other American action stars, Bachchan was known for his versatility and many of his roles showcased his talent. in song, dance and comedy. By the late 1970s, Bachchan had acted in more than 35 films and was considered India's leading film star. Such was his popularity that he became a cultural phenomenon, drawing huge crowds of screaming fans wherever he went.
A near-fatal accident on the set of his film Coolie in 1982 prompted a national prayer vigil for his recovery. His subsequent films did not do well at the box office, however, and Bachchan entered politics at his friend's encouragement. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He was elected to the Indian Parliament in a landslide in 1984, but resigned in 1989 after becoming involved in a bribery scandal that brought down the Gandhi government. Bachchan returned to film and won aNational Film Award for his portrayal of a crime boss in Agneepath (1990; "Path of Fire").
He later ran Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd., an entertainment company specializing in film production and event management. However, the business was plagued by financial difficulties and Bachchan eventually returned to acting. His later films include the crime drama Hum (1991); Mohabbatein (2000; Love Stories), a musical which was a huge box office success; and Black (2005), inspired by the life story of Helen Keller.
Bachchan won another National Film Award for the latter film, and he also received this honor for his performance in the drama Paa (2009), in which he plays a boy suffering from a Progeria-like disease of old age.