In the 1990s, Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most iconic figures in the Indian film industry, found himself at an unprecedented low in his life. The actor, whose career had already spanned decades and who was already a megastar, faced severe financial difficulties. At the time, Bachchan had embarked on a business venture called the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), a company that he had hoped would be a new chapter in his career. However, things did not go as planned.
Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most legendary figures in Indian cinema, has never been one to shy away from sharing the raw and often emotional moments from his personal and professional life. One such deeply impactful moment occurred during the 1990s when Bachchan faced the greatest financial crisis of his life. His company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), which he had put his heart and soul into, suffered massive losses and went bankrupt.
Bachchan, speaking candidly about this phase of his life, revealed the extent of his struggles. “Jeevan main ek baar aisa daur aaya jab main bankrupt hogya, diwaalia hogya mera, meri bnai hui company ghaate main chale gayi, karoro ka karza chad gaya,” he recalled. In this period of turmoil, his personal bank balance reached zero, and all avenues of income were blocked. On top of this, the government had raided his house, adding to his distress. “Mera vyaktigat bank balance zero yani shoonya hogya, kamai ke sab jariye band the aur sarkaar ki taraf se ghar pr kurki kay chhaape lagye,” Bachchan said.
It was during this time of immense despair that a helping hand reached out to him from an unlikely source: Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries. Ambani, who had heard about Bachchan’s financial troubles, immediately took steps to offer help, demonstrating his characteristic generosity and empathy. “Yeh baat Dhirubhai ko pata chali, bina kisi se pooche ya jaane unhone apne chotte bete aur mere mitr Anil se kaha, 'Iska bura waqt hai, ise kuch paise dedo',” Bachchan recalled.
The gesture from Dhirubhai Ambani was truly selfless. The amount he wanted to offer would have solved all of Bachchan’s financial problems. However, Bachchan, in his typical manner, felt a sense of pride and could not bring himself to accept such a generous offer. “Anil ne mujhe aakar yeh bataya, devio aur sajjane jitna voh dena chaah rahe the, use meri saari duvidha aur saari pareshaaniyan khatm ho jaati, unki uddaarta pe main bhaavuk hua,” Bachchan shared, explaining how moved he was by Ambani's gesture. Despite this, Bachchan refused the offer, believing that he would not be able to accept such generosity.
Instead, he relied on his own strength and resilience to overcome the adversity. As time went on, and after a period of struggle, things began to turn around for the iconic actor. "Ishwar ki kripa rahi aur kuch sankat ke dino kay baad sama badla kam milna shuru hua aur dheere dheere main apne saare karje utaar paaya," he said, reflecting on the gradual improvement in his fortunes.
However, the story didn’t end with just his refusal of financial help. A few years later, Bachchan was invited to an event hosted by Dhirubhai Ambani at his residence. This event was attended by some of the biggest names in the business world, and it was here that Dhirubhai’s admiration for Bachchan was publicly revealed. Bachchan was sitting in a corner, chatting with his friends when Dhirubhai called him to sit beside him. Initially feeling a little awkward, Bachchan hesitated, but Dhirubhai insisted, urging him to join him.
What followed next was a moment that left Bachchan deeply moved. In front of the distinguished guests, Dhirubhai Ambani praised Bachchan for his strength and determination. “Yeh ladka gir gaya tha, lekin apne bal pe phir khada ho gaya, main iski izzat karta hu,” Dhirubhai said, acknowledging Bachchan’s perseverance.
For Bachchan, these words meant more than any amount of financial help. It was a testament to his character and his will to rise above his circumstances. “Unhone kaha yeh ladka gir gaya tha lekin apne bal pe phir khada ho gaya main iski izzat karta hu,” Bachchan recalled, the emotion still palpable in his voice. “His words and generosity were more valuable to me than the sum he had offered to help me come out of that crisis. This was his character,” Bachchan added.
This public recognition by Dhirubhai Ambani, in front of some of the most influential figures in the country, further solidified Bachchan’s resilience and tenacity. It wasn’t just about financial help or fame; it was about respect for the personal struggle, the ability to stand back up after falling, and the courage to face challenges head-on. Dhirubhai’s words and actions left a lasting impact on Bachchan, and this episode became one of the many instances that demonstrate the deep bond between the two men.
Bachchan’s story of struggle and redemption is a reflection of his character—a testament to his ability to overcome even the most insurmountable challenges. Instead of succumbing to despair, he focused on his strength and took charge of his life. His comeback was not just about returning to the film industry, but about regaining his dignity and respect in the process. As he once said in an interview, “You sit back and think ‘What can I do?’ and I said, ‘You are an actor. Go back to acting.’ So, that’s what I did. I went to Yash ji and said I am without a job. I need it.”
It was during this time that Bachchan returned to the screen with Mohabbatein (2000), marking the start of a new chapter in his career. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and the power of self-belief. It is a reminder that no matter how far one may fall, the strength to rise again lies within. The support of a friend like Dhirubhai Ambani, however, made the journey a little easier, and the words of encouragement he offered Bachchan continue to resonate with the actor today.
This powerful narrative of Bachchan’s rise from bankruptcy to success is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of how even the most successful individuals face challenges. It is their resilience, determination, and the ability to learn from their struggles that ultimately define their success.
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