Amitabh Bachchan birthday special: Nine amazing facts of the Shahenshah of Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, born to Harivanshrai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, is ambidextrous. Hence, he can write with both hands equally well. His father wanted to name him Inquilaab but later named him Amitabh.

Amitabh Bachchan

The famous duo Salim-Javed have written a number of scripts keeping him into consideration. In fact, the script of ‘Mr. India’ was also written taking him into account.

Amitabh Bachchan

Big B has done a double Masters Degree in Arts, though he wanted to be an engineer and join the air force. His first job was as an executive of a shipping firm in Kolkata where he earned a salary of Rs. 500. He also bought his first car which was a second hand Fiat.

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan

He met his wife Jaya Bachchan at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and later on the sets of 'Guddi'. They went on to work in a number of films and soon tied the knot after their film 'Zanjeer' went on to become a blockbuster and Bollywood got its first angry man. They are the only real life couple who have worked together on screen in more than 30 films.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh is the only actor, who has worked in the remake of his film. His 1975 classic film ‘Sholay’ was re-made in 2007 as 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' in which he had played the role of villain.

Amitabh Bachchan

He was the first Asian actor to have a wax model displayed at Madame Tussaud's in London and was also voted 'Star of the Millenium' by BBC Online above legends like Laurence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando.

Amitabh Bachchan

He has won four National awards and fifteen Filmfare awards. He has been honoured by the government with Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. The Government of France honoured him with its highest civilian honour, Knight of the Legion of Honour, in 2007.

Amitabh Bachchan

He is the only actor who has played lots of double roles in movies such as 'Don', 'Kasme-Vaade', 'Sooryavansham', 'Bade Mian – Chote Mian' and 'Lal Badshah' . In 'Mahaan', he had even played a triple role.

Amitabh Bachchan and SRK

There was time when his professional life was in doldrums but he once again took the reigns of his life in his hand and made a comeback with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' on the small screen. He had even asked for a role from Yash Chopra during his lean phase and that is how he got 'Mohabbatein'.

Amitabh Bachchan

Wishing the legendary actor a very Happy Birthday and a rocking year ahead.