prestigious honour marked a defining moment in Amitabh’s career.
prestigious honour marked a defining moment in Amitabh’s career.
It was one and only one name Amitabh Bachchan that persists to sparkle in Hindi Cinema for over four decades. When he set his foot in the Indian Entertainment industry, few would have imagined that a tall, lanky young man would go on to be credited as the ‘Greatest Superstar of the Century’. Today, his fan base extends far beyond India, reaching admirers in countries across the seven seas.
It was on September 10, 2001, Amitabh was honoured with the title of ‘Actor of the Century’ at the Alexandria International Film Festival in Egypt. This was more than just an award, it was a prestigious international recognition of Indian cinema itself.
Notably, Amitabh Bachchan’s cinematic journey began in 1969 with the film “Saat Hindustani”. Whilst the film didn’t fare well at the box-office, his performance caught the attention of critics and audiences alike.
His breakthrough came with Anand, where he played Dr Bhaskar, a role that touched hearts and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
All said, it was the 1973 Prakash Mehra’s directorial and blockbuster film “Zanjeer” that inarguably established his identity. His portrayal of Inspector Vijay Khanna won him the moniker of Bollywood’s ‘Angry Young Man’. After this success, the actor never looked back.
This was followed by iconic films like Laawaris Muqaddar Ka Sikandar Namak Halaal and Sharaabi of the makers. Thereafter followed films like Deewar Sholay Amar Akbar Anthony Don Silsila and Trishul that cemented his position as the number one star of the era.
The 1970s and 1980s were undoubtedly ruled by Amitabh Bachchan, with nearly every release turning into a blockbuster hit.
In 1982, amidst the filming of Coolie, he suffered a life-threatening injury. The incident sent shockwaves through the nation, with millions offering prayers for his recovery in temples, mosques, and gurudwaras alike.
Beyond cinema, Amitabh Bachchan also made a significant impact on television. In 2000, he made his small-screen debut with Kaun Banega Crorepati, which turned out to be a massive success and revitalised his public persona.
He went on to portray mature, nuanced roles in films such as Mohabbatein, Baghban, Black, Paa, Pink, and Shamitabh, reflecting both his age and extraordinary talent.
His crowning as ‘Actor of the Century’ in Egypt marked a moment of immense pride, not only for him but for Indian cinema as a whole. The audience, including international critics, gave him a standing ovation in honour of his remarkable legacy.
Over the years, Amitabh Bachchan has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), and Padma Vibhushan (2015). He has also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema.
News Edit KV Raman
