Amitabh Bachchan Biography: Age, Family, Movies, Awards & Net Worth

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the living legends of Indian cinema, with a massive fanbase. This coming October 11, 2026, he will turn 84. Son of a popular poet Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh rose to become an actor, portraying different kinds of roles from comic, to romantic, action, and even negative. His dialogues of films are still popular, one such is from Zanjeer, the film that become a turning point in his career. Today we bring you Amitabh Bachchan Biography uncovering some interesting facts about this Bollywood stalwart.

Amitabh Bachchan Biography: Early Life

Amitabh Bachchan was born on 11th October to Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). His parents first named him Inquilab, inspired by the freedom fighters' popular slogan, Inquilab Zindabad. However, a poet named Sumitranandan Pant suggested the name Amitabh to his father. Opposed to the caste system, his father adopted the surname Bachchan from Srivastava, a colloquial Hindi term meaning "childlike." Whereas his name ‘Amitabh’ means boundless radiance, infinite light, and immeasurable splendour.

Amitabh Bachchan Education

Bachchan completed his secondary education at Boys' High School & College in Allahabad and Sherwood College in Nainital. He is also an alumnus of Kirori Mal College of Delhi University. He earned his h a Bachelor of Science from this college in 1962. After finishing his education, his father wanted his son to get exposure to films, so he approached Prithviraj Kapoor, the founder of Prithvi Theatre and patriarch of the Kapoor family. But to his surprise, his son got no encouragement.

Amitabh Bachchan Father 

Amitabh Bachchan's biography does mention his father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a well-known poet best known for his early work, Madhushala. Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan was an Indian poet who wrote in the Nayi Kavita Literary movement in 20th-century Hindi literature. He is also associated with Hindi Kavi Sammelan. He is the grandfather of Amitabh’s children, Abhishek and Shweta. At one event, Amitabh was seen singing rhymes from his late father's Madhushala.

Amitabh Bachchan Family 

Amitabh Bachchan is married to his co-star Jaya Bachchan. They are the parents of Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Nanda. Known as Big B, Amitabh is also the father-in-law of actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (wife of Abhishek Bachchan) and the grandfather of Aaradhya Bachchan. For your information, Amitabh also has one brother, Ajitabh Bachchan, who is five years younger.

Amitabh Bachchan Birthday

Amitabh Bachchan will celebrate his 84th birthday on Sunday, 11 October. On this day, fans will pour out their heartfelt wishes for his well-being. He is also an icon for young actors, who see him as a living institution from whom they can learn a lot.

Amitabh Bachchan Wife

When we talk about Amitabh Bachchan's biography, his wife, Jaya Bachchan, is often called his mascot because she supported him during his struggles. Amitabh Bachchan made a hit pair with co-star Rekha and was even said to have been in a relationship with her. But their relationship didn't last, as Jaya was destined to become his life partner. Both married on June 3, 1973. Besides Rekha, Amitabh also made a good pair with Jaya in films like Zanjeer, Milli, Abhimaan, Sholay, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Amitabh Bachchan Age

Amitabh, currently 83, remains active in films, showing no signs of retirement. This is all thanks to the fans who want to see him on screen. Amitabh entered the film industry at 27 and rose to global icon status. Even at 83, he is still popular with his show KBC. The quiz show has been running since July 3, 2000. It features Bachchan in the hot seat, posing questions with options and a lifeline. Besides regular contestants, celebrities also appear on his show.

Amitabh Bachchan Movies 

Amitabh Bachchan's biography can't ignore the diverse roles he played in his films. He made his debut in Saat Hindustani on November 7, 1969. Early on, Bachchan faced indifference because of his lean physique and unconventional looks. He was even looked down upon.

But time proved his critics wrong. Amitabh never took things seriously despite a series of flops. He later became famous as the ‘Angry Young Man’ from Zanjeer. One of his most famous dialogues from the film says, "Jab Tak Baithne Ko Na Kaha Jaaye, Sharafat Se Khade Raho, Yeh Police Station Hai, Tumhare Baap Ka Ghar Nahi."

His other two famous dialogues include:

‘’Hum Jahan Khade Ho Jaate Hai, Line Wahi Se Shuru Ho Jaati Hai’’

‘’Rishto Mein Toh Hum Tumhare Baap Lagte Hai, Naam Hai Shahenshah’’

If we look at his other films worth watching, the list is a bust. Some popular mentions are below.

• Zanjeer – 1973
• Sholay – 1975
• Deewar – 1975
• Agneepath – 1990
• Silsila – 1981
• Coolie – 1983
• Muqadar Ka Sikandar – 1978
• Don – 1978
• Hum – 1991
• Kabhi Kabhi - 1976
• Mr Natwarlal - 1979
• Kaante – 2002
• Ankhein - 2002
• Black – 2005
• Paa - 2009
• Piku - 2015
• Pink – 2016
• Kalki - 2025

Amitabh Bachchan Awards

Because of his illustrious entertainment career, Amitabh Bachchan Biography mentions the prestigious awards he received. These include

• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019
• Padma Vibhushan (2015)
• Padma Bhushan (2001)
• Padma Shri (1984)
• Knight of the Legion of Honour (2007)

Amitabh Bachchan Net Worth

Amitabh Bachchan's net worth is estimated at around Rs 4000 crore. His main income comes from his acting career, brand endorsements, real estate, investments and business, and his luxury car collection.

Final Thoughts

Amitabh Bachchan Biography is a must-read for all cinephiles. It uncovers his childhood, early struggles, controversies, and much more. Amitabh Bachchan, or Big B, remains a living legend in Indian cinema, alongside stalwarts like Dilip Kumar, Devanand, and Raj Kapoor. He carved out a unique niche in his acting and established himself without Bollywood's support.  His self-made success sends a message: if you have the talent, discipline, and hard work, nothing can stop you from tasting success.