Amitabh Bachchan’s Birth Name Was Almost Inquilab Before “Amitabh Bachchan” became a household name, he was nearly called Inquilab. Inspired by the “Inquilab Zindabad” slogan during India’s independence movement, his parents initially chose it. Luckily for cinema, Harivanshrai Bachchan went with Amitabh — which means “unending brilliance.” (Could you imagine movie posters with Inquilab Bachchan?)
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Rejected by All India Radio It’s hard to believe now, but Amitabh Bachchan was turned down by All India Radio. They thought his voice didn’t fit the job. Fast forward decades later, and that same voice is instantly recognizable, commanding attention in films and TV alike. Talk about irony.
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Jalsa: Gifted by Ramesh Sippy Everyone knows about Jalsa in Juhu, but few know it was a gift. Director Ramesh Sippy gave the bungalow to Amitabh Bachchan after Satte Pe Satta (1982). It’s more than luxury — it’s sentimental, a family landmark, and yes, a pilgrimage spot for fans.
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Childhood Dream: Indian Air Force Before Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan had bigger (literally) ambitions — he wanted to fly with the Indian Air Force. Attempted NDA and CDS exams, but rejected due to his long legs. He also considered engineering at one point. Seems like destiny had a plan that was way more glamorous.
Amitabh Bachchan Is Ambidextrous Not many know this: Amitabh Bachchan can write with both hands. He revealed on KBC that while his father initially trained him to write with his right hand, he taught himself to use both. Makes you wonder how he juggles scripts, autograph requests, and KBC buzzer rounds.
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First Role as a Mute Character In Reshma Aur Shera (1971), his second film, Amitabh Bachchan played Chhotu, a deaf and mute younger brother. Tiny role, but it showed early on he wasn’t afraid to dive into challenging characters. Every legend has humble beginnings.
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First Love: Maya Before Jaya, there was Maya, a British Airways air hostess. The relationship ended when Amitabh Bachchan moved to Mumbai. Career vs. love — a story as old as time. Fans may not know this side of Big B, but it’s part of the journey that shaped him.
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The Origin of ‘Big B’ “Big B” became popular after Mrityudaata in the late 1990s. Fun fact: Amitabh Bachchan doesn’t really like it and prefers “actor.” But the world calls him Big B now, and it stuck (for better or worse).
First Vanity Van in Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan got Bollywood’s first vanity van, a gift from Manmohan Desai. Set a trend, literally changed how stars travel for shoots. Now, every superstar has one, but it all started with Big B.
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First Salary Was Rs 400 Before fame, Amitabh Bachchan earned Rs 400 per month as an executive in Kolkata. Shared a single room with eight friends. Humble beginnings, but it shaped the man we know today. Even legends start small.
