Amitabh Bachchan is a name that needs no introduction. The iconic actor is known as the “Man with the Midas Touch” and is associated with hard work, excellence, and success. The actor turned 80 on October 11, this year.  

Amitabh Bachchan has offered numerous classic films and proven his mettle on the big screen over the course of his five-decade illustrious career. He is the owner of several box-office hits. Zanjeer, Namak Haraam, Deewar, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, Coolie, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Lakshya, Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkar, Bhootnath, and others are among them. Here are some unknown facts about Big B who still remains the heartthrob of the Bollywood industry. 

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan’s near-death injury on the sets of Coolie

1. His initial name was Inquilaab

Amitabh Bachchan was initially called Inquilaab Shrivastava. But, on the advice of his father’s poet friend, Sumitra Nandan Pant, his name was changed to Amitabh.

2. Bachchan has worked with renowned Bengali directors 

He began his acting career in films in 1969 as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s ‘Bhuvan Shome’. Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray also used his voice in his 1977 film ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’. 

3. He aspired to work as RJ before entering Bollywood

Amitabh Bachchan tried to become a radio presenter before trying his luck in Bollywood but he was rejected by All India Radio, Delhi.

4. Amitabh had several flops before rising to stardom 

Amitabh had 12 consecutive flops from 1969 to 1973 before delivering his first hit, ‘Zanjeer’.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan turns 80: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes Bollywood’s megastar

5. He experienced an almost near-death experience while shooting 

In 1982, Amitabh had a near-death experience. The doctors and his family had lost hope after he met with an accident on the sets of the movie Coolie. 

6. Amitabh went bankrupt in the 90’s 

In the 90s, Amitabh Bachchan found himself almost bankrupt. He had to ask Yash Chopra for a job. He was later cast in Mohabbatein. Business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani also offered him a loan during this period but Bachchan refused it.

7. He was titled the ‘Actor of the Millennium’ by BBC

In a poll conducted by BBC News, Amitabh Bachchan won the title of ‘Actor of the Millennium,’ beating Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando.