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Entertainment • Actor

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian actor, playback singer, producer, and television host who primarily works in Hindi cinema.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian actor, playback singer, producer, and television host who primarily works in Hindi cinema. Born on 11 October 1942, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and commercially successful actors in Indian film history. He is also known for hosting the Hindi version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Early life

Amitabh Bachchan was born on 11 October 1942 in Allahabad, India, and his birth name was Amitabh Harivansh Srivastav. He is the son of Hindi writer Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

Film career

He began acting in 1969 and rose to prominence in the 1970s with action and drama films such as Zanjeer. Over his career he has worked in more than 200 films and became one of Indian cinema's most recognizable stars.

Other work

Beyond acting, Bachchan has worked as a playback singer, producer, and television host. He became especially well known as host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Indian adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

Recognition

Bachchan is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in Indian film history. He has received major national and industry awards across a career spanning more than five decades.

Key facts

  • Amitabh Bachchan is a leading figure in Hindi cinema with over 200 films.
  • He rose to fame in the 1970s with the 'angry young man' image in films like Zanjeer.
  • He has worked as a producer, playback singer, and television host.
  • He briefly served in politics in the 1980s.
  • He continues to act in film and television into the 2020s.
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Canadian context

Amitabh Bachchan is well known to many Canadian audiences through Hindi cinema, international film distribution, streaming platforms, and the South Asian diaspora in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Amitabh Bachchan?
Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian actor, producer, playback singer, and television host known mainly for his work in Hindi cinema.
How old is Amitabh Bachchan?
He was born on 11 October 1942, which makes him 83 in 2026.
What is Amitabh Bachchan famous for?
He is famous for his long Hindi film career, his 'angry young man' roles, and hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Amitabh Bachchan movies?
Notable films include Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Agneepath, Black, Piku, Pink, and Badla.
Amitabh Bachchan net worth?
Reliable figures vary by source and change over time, so an exact verified net worth is not consistently available from the provided sources.
Is Amitabh Bachchan still acting?
Yes. He is listed as active from 1969 to the present and has continued taking film and television roles.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitabh_Bachchan
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, primary work in Hindi cinema, and scale of film career.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amitabh-Bachchan
    Supports: Biography, major career milestones, influence in Hindi cinema, and notable films.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actor/amitabh-bachchan
    Supports: Early career, debut, political involvement, production work, and hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000821/
    Supports: Birth date, ongoing activity, and selected film credits.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000821/bio/
    Supports: Biographical details, birth name, and career activity.