October 11 is Amitabh Bachchan’s 83rd birthday, and fans all over the world are marking the day with over-bearing love and devotion. A giant figure in Indian film, Bachchan still charms fans with his brilliance, perseverance, and outstanding versatility despite over five decades of work in the film industry.
As the morning sun rose over the city of Mumbai, the space in front of his legendary Juhu abode, Jalsa, became a celebratory area. Famous for welcoming fans every Sunday, the gates of Jalsa witnessed an even bigger turnout this time, with fans flocking to celebrate their icon’s anniversary. In social media videos, his fans were spotted wearing costumes of Bachchan’s signature characters from his character in the 1983 film Coolie, sporting a white beard and red uniform, to the mythic vigilante look of Shahenshah (1988).
Posters of his hit movies lined the streets, as raucous cheers and sounds characterized by music characterized the environment as carnival-like. In one video, fans were seen dancing with excitement at dawn, mirroring the passion the superstar shares with the fans and their love for him. For others, this was not just a birthday it was a celebration of an era defined by his movie legacy.
Amitabh Bachchan’s career graph in films is nothing less than sensational. From his early low-key entry in Saat Hindustani (1969) playing a freedom fighter to his current modern role in Kalki 2898 AD (2024), he has effortlessly kept pace with the times without diluting his charismatic screen presence. Famous for his rich, sonorous baritone and brooding style of acting, he has played diverse types of characters ranging from action heroes and romantic heroes to troubled anti-heroes and wise men.
Over the past few years, Bachchan has also continued to stay contemporary in films and television. He was recently in Vettaiyan, which also stars Rajinikanth, Fahadh Faasil, and others, releasing in October 2024. Next in line is Section 84, a courtroom drama by Ribhu Dasgupta, in which he stars with Diana Penty and Nimrat Kaur. He will also lend his signature voice as the narrator in 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar.
Today, Big B is hosting the 17th season of popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, a job he has made synonymous with wisdom and elegance.
In his 83rd year, Amitabh Bachchan remains a living legend revered not only for his craft, but also for his grit, humility, and unshakeable bond with his fans.