By Devyani Segan
B-town’s biggest superstar, Amitabh Bachchan:
B-town’s biggest superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, turned 80 on October 11, 2022, and fans cannot keep calm. Big B came out at midnight to address his fans lined up in front of Jalsa. Friends, family, and relatives from all around are pouring in their wishes for the megastar.
Credit: Zeenews
However, all this success did not magically find its way to his doorstep. For Amitabh entering showbiz was never on the list. He started from scratch like a normal human being. All that glitters is not gold falls perfectly in his case. One of the most popular stars of three generations had his fair share of bittersweet failures. But this is exactly what made him write history and help Hindi cinema reach the masses.
Rejections and failures in initial years:
Big B’s first-ever job interview was for All India Radio as a presenter. When his friends and people of his age were filling out forms from universities and colleges, Big B applied for a job. But he was rejected not only there but in Mumbai as well. Every audition he went to, and every job he applied for ultimately led to more and more rejections. Big B doesn’t leave a chance to convey the same message to his fans. He celebrates his failures just as people celebrate success. His posts on Instagram are living proof of the same.
Big B had more than fourteen flop films before bagging his mega-hit Zanjeer. The movie helped him get his breakthrough. But it was not long enough when he met with a near-death experience when he was filming another movie. Because of this he nearly had to retire and give up his acting career. Even after returning from his hiatus, his movies were going downhill.Â
Credit: NDTV News
After hundreds of trial and error methods, Big B launched his venture. ABCL: Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd which had various departments and started with flying colors. It made more than 15-20 crores profit in its initial years. The company was Big B’s last straw to revive his failing acting career. But it was too soon to celebrate. The company soon lost millions of assets. Big B was now in more debt than he was before starting the venture. Again one more failure added to the list!Â
The only option left was now Yash Chopra and his movies. Disheartened Big B turned to him and requested he cast him in Mohabbatein. The film successfully helped Big B pay off his existing debts due to the company. The movie wasn’t his end but the beginning.
Credit: amarujala.com
Big B’s decision to host a television show was not well received by everyone. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Even though he was criticised heavily, he was able to reach the masses through television. He soon became a household name because of his show.
From then onwards it has been a roller coaster ride for Big B to get back the stardom that he received in his initial years. He has been going back and forth with some of the most non-conventional choices of movies. Indian cinema’s biggest treasure creates magic whenever he comes on the screen. Despite all the odds, Big B never gave up. He never stopped. Even after failing consistently he did not lose his patience and continued to make more movies.
