Amitabh Bachchan, the "Shahenshah of Bollywood" and "Star of the Millennium," is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over five decades and more than 200 films, his impact on the industry is undeniable. But, what if destiny had other plans? What if Amitabh Bachchan never became the superstar we know today? In a recent interview, the actor revealed a surprising alternative career path he would have pursued in his birthplace, Allahabad (now Prayagraj).
Born in Allahabad on October 11, 1942, to renowned Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan, Amitabh's early life was rooted in academia and culture. He attended Sherwood College in Nainital and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. Before his foray into the world of acting, Bachchan explored various career options. He worked for a shipping company and briefly in theatre. He also applied to be a newsreader for All India Radio in Delhi but was rejected.
It was during his time working as a business executive for Bird & Company in Kolkata that Bachchan seriously considered his future. Had his acting career not taken off, he confessed that he would have likely returned to Allahabad to become a lawyer. This revelation provides a glimpse into an alternate reality where one of India's most iconic actors might have traded the silver screen for the courtroom.
Bachchan's connection to Allahabad remains strong. His birth name was Inquilab Shrivastava, later changed to Amitabh, meaning "boundless light". His father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, had close ties with Prithviraj Kapoor, and the two would often spend time together in Allahabad. This connection highlights the rich cultural and artistic environment that shaped Bachchan's early life.
Despite initial struggles and setbacks, including a rejection from All India Radio, Bachchan's determination propelled him forward. His debut film, "Saat Hindustani," was released in 1969. Though not a major success, it paved the way for future roles that would solidify his position in Bollywood. His role in "Anand" (1971) earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The 1970s marked the rise of the "angry young man" persona, with films like "Zanjeer" (1973) catapulting Bachchan to superstardom. His dominance in the Indian film industry during this era was so profound that French director François Truffaut famously described it as a "one-man industry".
Even after achieving unparalleled success, Bachchan faced challenges, including a near-fatal injury on the set of "Coolie" in 1982 and financial difficulties with his production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL). However, his resilience and versatility allowed him to bounce back, embracing television hosting and continuing to deliver memorable performances across genres.
Amitabh Bachchan's journey from Allahabad to Bollywood's biggest star is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unwavering spirit. While the thought of him as a lawyer in Allahabad is intriguing, his contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry and its audiences.
