Amitabh Bachchan (born as Amitabh Harivansh Srivastav on October 11, 1942), is an Indian film actor of Hindi cinema. He gained popularity in India in the 1970s as an action hero, angry young man and over the decades of his career which have since spanned numerous film genres, he has become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema. Amitabh is still celebrated for his wide-ranging performances as romantic hero, dramatic lead, comedian and now elder statesman. Undoubtedly it can be said that Amitabh still rules the Bollywood industry.
Born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Amitabh Bachchan hails from a Hindu Kayastha family. His father, Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet, while his mother, Teji Bachchan was a Sikh from Karachi (now in Pakistan).
Amitabh Bachchan completed his education from Nainital and Delhi. His career started in Kolkata as a stage actor. Initially, he worked for “All India Radio”. Amitabh Bachchan biography witnessed a change when he did his first movie “Saat Hindustani” in 1969. In 1970 with his film” Zanjeer” he became a superstar. Some of the better known films are “Sholay”, “Trishul”, “Amar Akbar Anthony”, “Deewar”, “Don” etc of his younger days and “Paa”, “Bhootnath” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham” the more recent ones. In 1983, he injured himself seriously while shooting for the movie “Coolie”. Recovering from that accident was a turning point in for Amitabh Bachchan. In 2000, he anchored a Television Show, “Kaun Banega Crorepati” which was a huge success. This programme was aired again in 2010 with fresh episodes. Amitabh Bachchan is also the brand ambassador of several products. He is seen in the advertisements of hajmola, parker pens, Himani Navratna oil. Amitabh Bachchan biography reveals that he has won a number of awards which include 4 National Film Awards and 14 Film fare Awards. He has shown to the world that a strong will power and hard work can bring success. Amitabh Bachchan is married to Jaya Bachchan. They have two children, Shweta Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan. The beautiful and talented Aishwarya Rai, is his daughter-in-law. Other than acting, Bachchan has worked as a playback singer, film producer and was an elected member of the Indian Parliament from 1984 to 1987.
Other than being a fine actor, Bachchan is known for his deep, baritone voice. He has been a narrator, a playback singer and presenter for numerous programmes. Renowned film director Satyajit Ray was so impressed with Bachchan's voice, that he decided to use his voice as commentary in Shatranj Ke Khilari since he could not find a suitable role for him.[46] In 2005, Bachchan has lent his voice to the Oscar-winning French documentary March of the Penguins, directed by Luc Jacquet, Amitabh Bachchan is also a good playback singer.
He has lent his voice to several songs in his films. His film songs, either sung by him or by some other playback singer, are a craze in India. The popularity of Amitabh Bachchan songs can be assessed by the fact that it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Some of the popular songs sung by Amitabh Bachchan are ‘Mere angane mein tumhara kya kaam hai…’ (Film: Laawaris), ‘Rang barse bheege chunarwaali, rang barse…’ (Film: Silsila), ‘Neela aasman so gaya…’ (Film: Silsila), ‘Tu maike mat jaiyo, mat jaiyo meri jaan….’ (Film: Pukar), ‘kitne baaju kitne sar, ginle dushman dhyaan se….’ (Film: Main Azad Hoon). He has also sung songs for films Aks, Kabhi khushi Kabhi gham, Aankhen, Baghban, Aetbaar, Baabul, Nishabd, Cheeni Kum, Bhoothnath, Aladin, Paa and Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap. Amitabh Bachchan songs of his films have usually been a box office hit. He has sung several songs for his private album ‘Aby Baby’ too.