Amitabh Bachchan, the towering icon of Indian cinema, stands as a living chronicle of Bollywood’s evolution — from the black-and-white era of the late 1960s to the digital age of streaming platforms. With over 200 films across multiple languages, the actor, affectionately known as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” continues to redefine longevity and relevance in Indian cinema.
The Rise of the Angry Young Man
Bachchan began his cinematic journey with Saat Hindustani (1969), a modest debut that hinted at his potential. His early supporting roles in Anand (1971) and Bombay to Goa (1972) paved the way for a defining breakthrough in Zanjeer (1973).
This was the film that created the “Angry Young Man” — a persona that mirrored India’s restless youth of the 1970s. What followed was an unprecedented run of blockbusters — Deewaar and Sholay (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Trishul (1978), and Don (1978). Each performance strengthened his image as both a star and a storyteller of the masses.
Amitabh Bachchan: Filmography Overview
Debut and Early Work (1969–1972)
Debut: Saat Hindustani (1969), which won him the National Award for Best Newcomer.
Early roles included Anand (1971) and Parwana (1971).
His narration for Bhuvan Shome (1969) marked the beginning of a lifelong association with voice work.
Rise to Stardom (1973–1979)
Breakthrough: Zanjeer (1973) — the birth of the "Angry Young Man" image.
Followed by classics like Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Don (1978), Trishul (1978), and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978).
Won multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Dominance of the 1980s
Continued success with Dostana (1980), Shaan (1980), Lawaaris (1981), Silsila (1981), Namak Halaal (1982), Shakti (1982), Coolie (1983), and Sharaabi (1984).
Despite a near-fatal injury on Coolie, his popularity soared.
Comeback and Mature Roles (1988–1999)
Returned with Shahenshah (1988) and the cult Agneepath (1990), which won him a National Award.
Other notable works: Hum (1991), Khuda Gawah (1992), Sooryavansham (1999), and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998).
Founded Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL).
New Millennium: Reinvention (2000–2010)
Re-emerged with Mohabbatein (2000) and became the face of Kaun Banega Crorepati (2000–present).
Gave acclaimed performances in Baghban (2003), Khakee (2004), Black (2005 – National Award), Sarkar (2005), Cheeni Kum (2007), Paa (2009 – National Award).
Recent Decade (2011–2023)
Continued with diverse roles: Aarakshan (2011), Satyagraha (2013), Piku (2015 – National Award), Pink (2016), Badla (2019), Gulabo Sitabo (2020), Jhund (2022), Runway 34 (2022), Brahmāstra (2022).
Known for versatility across languages — also appeared in Telugu (Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy), Malayalam (Kandahar), Kannada (Amrithadhare), Bhojpuri (Ganga), Marathi (AB Aani CD), and Gujarati (Fakt Mahilao Maate).
Awards and Honours
National Film Awards (4): Agneepath (1990), Black (2005), Paa (2009), Piku (2015)
Filmfare Awards (16+): Across Best Actor, Supporting Actor, and Critics’ categories
Padma Awards: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (2015)
