Birthday boy Amitabh Bachchan’s journey in Bollywood hasn’t been a cake walk

Shehenshah of Bollywood, god of hearts, megastar are just a few names that fans attribute Amitabh Bachchan with. But the actor’s rise to stardom has not been a cakewalk. He faced hurdles at each step and had his share of failures as he carved his way to rule Indian cinema. He has been around for almost five decades now and going strong still.

Drew inspiration from his mother Teji

Post his schooling from Sherwood College, Nainital, and graduation from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Amitabh drew inspiration from his mother Teji. She had a keen interest in theater, and was once offered a film. She, however, turned down the offer owing to family obligations.

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Failure did not affect his enthusiasm

In his initial days, Amitabh faced challenges which could have let anyone down; but despite the hurdles he kept going on and carved a niche for himself. He started his career as a narrator in Mrinal Sen’s National Award winning film Bhuvan Shome, and made his first onscreen appearance in a multi starrer titled Saath Hindustani in the year 1969. It was Rajesh Khanna starrer Anand, which helped him earn fame and win an award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Tasted success after 13 flops

Amitabh could not churn out much at the box office in the following years. However, after almost 13 flops, he got to taste success. His role of Inspector Vijay Khanna in Zanjeer (1973) hit the bulls eye and fans started addressing him as the ‘angry young man’ of Bollywood.

Wanted to make a career as radio presenter

Initially, Big B wanted to make his career at the All India Radio and tried hard to meet the then popular radio presenter Ameen Sayani. After failed attempts at meeting Ameen, a disheartened Amitabh lost hopes and stopped visiting the AIR’s office. In a recent interview, Ameen stated how sorry he felt about not sparing time for Amitabh. He, however, is equally grateful about it as he would have been on the road had Big B taken his place. The actor’s strong baritone is one of the most appreciated things about him.

Much earned love during Coolie

The actor got so much love that fans across the country did hawans and pujas for his recovery when he suffered a fatal injury on the sets of Coolie and was hospitalised.

But when the going gets tough, the tough gets going and the actor overcame all life’s challenges successfully. Even as a young boy, in his initial days in Bollywood, Big B kept going forth despite the odds. He was mentored by Mehmood and stayed at his house. His first salary was a mere Rs.300. Today, he probably has everything one could dream of and continue to win hearts.

Still continues to woo the audience

Today, Bachchan is a megastar and has a sea of fans lined up to get a glimpse of him each Sunday. Although he turns 75 today, we see not even an inch of decline in his acting abilities. He still continues to woo the audience and fans come to a standstill on seeing him. Even at this ripe age, he can give the young actors a run for their money.

An inspiring actor and an individual, Amitabh Bachchan imbibes all characteristics of a successful person. Hence, the person he is today!

Here’s wishing the actor a Happy Birthday.

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