PADMA SHRI BHARATH MAMMOTTY

Mammootty (born on September 7, 1953 as Muhammed Kutty at Chempu near Vaikom, Kottayam district, Kerala) is a popular Indian film actor. He has acted in more than three hundred films, most of them in Malayalam cinema. Mammootty is the recipient of four National film awards for Best Actor, five State awards and five Filmfare awards in the "best actor" category. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1998. He is called as the Super Star of Malayalam Cinema along with Mohanlal. He is rated as one of the talented actors in Indian film industry. Mammootty is also the current Chairman of TV channel Kairali.

Contents
1 Biography
2 Acting career
3 Trivia
4 Awards and honours
4.1 National Awards
4.2 State Awards
4.3 Filmfare Awards
4.4 Film Critics
4.5 Other Awards
5 Filmography
5.1 Eighties
6 Notes
7 External links



Biography
Mammootty was born to Ismail (an agriculturist) and Fatima (a homemaker). He has two younger brothers, Ibrahim and Zakariah; and three sisters, Ameena, Sauda and Shafina. He received his education from Maharaja's College, Ernakulam and then studied law at Ernakulam Government Law College. It was during his days at Maharajah's that he got his first role in Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971). He practised as a lawyer in Manjeri, Kerala for two years. He got married in 1980 to Sulfath and has a daughter, Surmi and a son, Dulquar Salman.


Acting career
His first film as an actor, Devalokam (World of Gods), was not released in theatres. Famous writer and auteur M. T. Vasudevan Nair and Film director K. G. George played an important part in blooming his career. His talent was noticed in films like Vilkanundu Swapnangal directed by M T Vasudevan Nair and films like Mela and Yavanika, by K.G George.

One thing that sets Mammootty apart from his contemporaries is the fact that from the beginning itself, he has been able to treat both art-house cinema and commercial potboilers with ease. He made his mark during the early period of his career itself by enacting roles in films of stalwarts like M. T. Vasudevan Nair, K.G. George, Padmarajan, P.N. Menon, and Bharathan. Later on his talent was utilised by internationally renowned directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, T. V. Chandran, and Pavithran. He was a regular in movies of Harikumar, Mohan, et al. The movies by M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Padmarajan, arguably among the best of Malayalam writer-directors, widened Mammootty's acting horizon.

It may be mentioned that two of M.T. Vasudevan's movies which bear his autobiographical elements were enacted by Mammootty - Aksharangal (I.V. Sasi) and Sukrutham (Harikumar).

The film New Delhi directed by Joshy was a turning point in his career. The film was based on the novel, "The Almighty" by Irving Wallace. His portrayal of a victimized journalist, who systematically took revenge on politicians who beguiled him, was noticed and well accepted well by the masses. By then he had achieved superstardom.

His Oru CBI Diary kurippu was also a major landmark in the history of Malayalam Cinema. It brought to fore a new concept of an investigative thriller, fresh presentation of politicians and above all a refreshing idea of the hero.The film went on to create box-office history in Kerala.

Following the success of the first CBI film three more murder mysteries sequels were produced with the same cast of characters: Jaagrutha (1989), Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004) and Nerariyan C.B.I (2005, all directed by K Madhu, with Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer, an efficient but unassuming CBI officer.

Mammootty touched the pinnacle of his career in [[Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha]] (roughly translated as 'A northern heroic folklore'), again an M. T. Vasudevan Nair creation. His depiction of a Chekavan of distinguished valour but vilified by circumstances won him the top honours of the country, National Award for best acting. His histrionics matched the literary genius of M. T. in each and every minute detail.

It was his acting talent, coupled with his willingness to go to any extent to rationally portray the roles, that enabled him to act in both offbeat and commercial movies.

Mammootty became almost a regular face in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's films. He starred in three of his movies, Anantharam('Thenceforth'), Mathilukal('Walls') and Vidheyan ('The Servile'). The easiness with which he illustrated on screen the protagonist in Mathilukkal(based on Mathilukal, a novel by the Malayalam literary genius Vaikom Muhammad Basheer) was also instrumental in getting him his first National Award for Best Actor. His performance in two commercially off-beat movies, Ponthan Mada by TV Chandran, and Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Vidheyan won him the award for the second time. His performance in "Ambedkar", an English movie by Jabbar Patel, won him the National award for a third time. He is also a recipient of Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India.

Mammootty had briefly crossed the boundaries of Malayalam cinema and acted in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. Though he proved only a moderate success in Tamil after Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi, his fan following is on par with other Tamil film stars. His notable successes in Tamil include Anandam by Linguswamy and Kandukondain Kandukondain by Rajiv Menon. However, his maiden Hindi film, Dhartiputra went unnoticed. Mammootty, nonetheless made his presence felt on the national level with the biographical film on Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Directed by Jabbar Patel.

Though he has been criticised as unable to portray comic roles, his latest movies Rajamanikyam, Thommanum Makkalum, and Thuruppugulan gave a fitting reply to critics. Mammootty, though a hugely popular star, is an exception in Indian films where dancing skills have to be a necessary part of an actor's repertoire. But the emotion and the depth that he lends to his characters makes him a well revered actor and makes up for his shortcomings.


Trivia
Mammootty met with an accident on 20.03.07 on the sets of Amal Neerad's Big B that could have even cost his life. A dummy bomb used during the shoot exploded sending an iron rod flying towards him. He managed to dodge away in time. The shoot was stopped immediately. But the professional he is, the shoot was restarted soon after.[1]
Mammootty is the only second star after Prem Nazir to complete 300 films as the hero in Malayalam. Mammootty reached this feat as he completed his latest film with Renjith titled Kaiyoppu.
Mammootty also holds the rare distinction of appearing as hero in an astonishing 35 movies released in a single year, 1986, a feat exceeded only by Prem Nazir who acted in 39 movies as hero released during 1979.
In what is believed to be the first time in the banking history in south India, Mammootty was appointed as brand ambassador by Kerala-based South Indian Bank on 16 October 2006. The Bank chairman said this was taking into consideration the huge following Mammootty enjoys among the NRIs and his image as a clean, pan-Indian actor.
He is the Patron of the Pain and Palliative Care Society, a charitable organization in Kerala formed with the aim of improving the quality of life among patients with advanced cancer.
Akshaya, the prestigious Information Technology dissemination project of the Government of Kerala, has Mammootty as the star campaigner. He formally took over as the Goodwill Ambassador of Akshaya on February 26 at a video networked programme which was linked to all the district headquarters of the state. Mammootty will take up the responsibility of spearheading a campaign by appearing in print and visual media advertisements and other publicity materials that will send the message of Akshaya to the grassroots.
"Mathilukal (The Walls) has been shown in almost 40 international film festivals beginning with Venice. Among my films, it is Mathilukal which has invited the maximum number of internaional honours. The sincere co-operation by Mammootty, the actor has played a major role in the success of the movie" - Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
There was a rumour prevailing that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) would field him for one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Kerala during June 26 elections. Later on the news subsided as Mammootty denied any such possibility. However, Mammootty is known to be close to the CPI-M. He is the chairman of Kairali television channel in which the CPI-M has a high stake.
He was offered to act as Coca-Cola's brand ambassador/Model in Kerala during March 2004. But, pressure from various quarters, it seems, has prompted the superstar to give up the ambitious offer. Several environmental groups were calling for the soft drink's boycott.
He recently published a book Kazhchapadu (perspectives), a compilation of articles he had penned for a column in the largest ciruclated Malayalam newspaper Malayala Manorama. M.T.Vasudevan Nair the doyen of Malayalam writers and a personal friend of Mammootty released the book published by Current Books, Trichur to C.V. Sreeraman.
His remarks during the 2006 IIFA Awards ceremony held at Dubai had gained a lot of media and public attention. He openly criticised the organisers of the IIFA awards for completely ignoring South Indian films. Mammootty suggested that the Bollywood film industry stand up to competition from the South Indian film industry before calling itself international. Take into account that South Indians have won 14 out of 26 National Film Awards over that many years (Mammootty has himself won it thrice, Amitabh Bachchan once, Shahrukh Khan never!) and that a significant number of Hindi films are remakes of successful South Indian films — Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. And these include all old record-breaking Telugu and Tamil remakes. He boldly made comments like, Indian cinema is not just Bollywood, and Hindi is not the only language. Why should our films be called South Indian cinema instead of being under the banner of Indian films?

Awards and honours
Mammootty was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998, for his contributions to the Indian Cinema


National Awards
1989 Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Mathilukal (Actor)
1993 Vidheyan, Ponthanmada (Actor)
1998 Dr. Ambedkar (Actor)

State Awards
1981 Ahimsa (Supporting Actor)
1984 Adiyozhukkukal (Actor)
1985 Yathra, Nirakkoottu (Special Award)
1989 Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha, Mahayaanam, Mrigaya (Actor)
1993 Valsalyam, Vidheyan,Ponthanmada (Actor)
2004 Kazhcha (Actor)

Filmfare Awards
1984 Adiyozhukkukal
1985 Yathra, Nirakkoottu
1990 Mathilukal
1991 Amaram
1997 Boothakannadi
2004 Kazhcha (Actor)

Film Critics
1982 Yavanika (Supporting Actor)
1984 Aksharangal, Kanamarayathu
1985 Yathra, Nirakkoottu
1987 Thaniyavarthanam, New Delhi
1989 Mathilukal, Mrigaya, Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha
1992 Sooryamanasam, Aayirappara, Pappayudey Swantham Appose
1994 Sukritham
1997 Boothakannadi (Special Award)
2004 Chalachitra Ratnam
2006 Karutha Pakshikal

Other Awards
V. Shantaram Award (Movie : Dr. Ambedkar)
Asia Pacific Merlian Award
Cinema Express (Various Movies, years)
Ramu Karyat Award
Screen Award
Asianet Film Awards
Mathrubhumi Award
FOCCANA Award (USA)
Amritha Channel Award
Vanitha Award
Jesey Foundation Award
Everest Malayalam Ever Best Actor Award.

PADMA SHRI BHARATH MOHANLAL

Mohan Lal (born May 21, 1960), is an Indian actor of Malayalam films. He is also known as Padmasree Bharath Mohanlal and Lalettan. He is an actor who has won accolades from both the commercial and parallel film industry. Having acted in more than 270 movies, most of them in Malayalam, he is rated as one of the talented actors in the present day Indian film industry. He is reffered as the Super Star of Malayalam Cinema along with Mammootty. Some of his critically acclaimed performances are in the movies Kireedam, Sphadikam, Bharatham, Iruvar, Company, Vaanaprastham and Thanmathra.

He is a recipient of the “Padma Shri”, one of India's highest civilian honours. He also won the National Film AwardsNational Award]] for the best actor two times for films Bharatham (1991) and highly acclaimed Indo-French production Vaanaprastham (1999). He won the Special Jury Award for the film Kireedam. The film Vanaprastham, produced by him also won the National award for the best feature film in 1999.

contents
1 Early Life
2 Career
3 Business ventures
4 Critic's View
5 Trivia
6 Mohanlal through ages
7 Awards & Achievements
7.1 National Film Awards
7.2 Kerala State Film Awards
7.3 International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA)
7.4 Star Screen Awards of Bollywood
7.5 Film Fare Awards
7.6 Asianet Film Awards
7.7 Vanitha - Manorama Film Awards
7.8 Other Awards
7.9 Kerala Film Audience Council Award
8 Filmography
8.1 Acting
8.2 Production
8.3 Ashirwad Production
9 External links



Early Life
Mohanlal was born on May 21, 1960 in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State (India) to Sri Viswanathan Nair and Smt. Santhakumari. He also had an elder brother named Pyare Lal.

He did his schooling from Mudavanmukal School and Model School, Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum) and completed his BCom from M.G. College (Thiruvananthapuram).

He married Suchitra, daughter of veteran actor-producer K. Balaji, on 28 April 1988. He has two children - Pranav and Vismaya.


One of his classmates Priyadarshan is also one of the reputed film makers of Malayalam and Hindi film industry.


Career
While in college, he teamed up with his friends to establish a company called Bharath Cine Group and began shooting his first film titled Thiranottam, in which he played the role of a mentally retarded servant. The movie was directed by his friend Ashok Kumar who was his college mate in Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram. Unfortunately, the film ran into trouble with the Censor Board and was never released.

His first major breakthrough came in the film Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), in which he played a villain. The film was a major hit, and Mohanlal followed it up with more roles as a villain, most notably in Uyarangalil.

In the meantime, he ventured into comedies as well, playing a role in his director-friend Priyadarshan's debut, Poochakkoru Mookkuthi. He soon established his credentials as an actor by proving his versatility by playing different roles.

The film named 'Rajavinte Makan' was a real break-through in his career. It was this movie that made him a superstar. This period also saw him joining hands with many noted artistes like Padmarajan, Sreenivasan, Sathyan Anthikkad, Priyadarshan giving many notable movies like "Naadodikkattu", "Thoovaanathumbikal", "Nammukku Paarkan Munthirithoppukal", "T.P.Balagopalan M.A.", etc.


Business ventures
Vismaya Max, Film post production studio and College for Dubbing artists at Kinfra film and Video Park, Kazhakoottam, Trivandrum
Partner of Navarasa Creations, Film Production Company. Other Partners are Antony Perumbavoor & Dr. Bose
Pranavam Arts, Film Production Company (Currently inactive)
Pranamam, Film Distribution Company (Currently inactive)
Partner of VisualMagic, TV production company
Partner and Director of Uni Royal Marian Exports, a major Kozhikode-based seafood export company
Restaurant in Dubai called Lal's Tastebuds
Restaurant in Bangalore named The Harbour Market
Lal's Tastebuds, a pickles and curry powder production company




Critic's View
This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims.
Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the talk page for details.

Mohanlal in CHOTTAMUMBAIMalayalam film critics and enthusiasts regard his work in the 80s and 90s to be among the good ones in Malayalam cinema. At its peak, his art was noted for its versatility, understated intensity, emotional depth, comic timing, and the ability to portray characters that embodied the Malayali ethos. He was successful in portraying the entire gamut of human emotions through a wide range of characters.

His best work spans a wide range. They include:

Comedies (Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Nadodikkattu, Pattana Pravesham, Kilukkam, Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Vellanakalude Naadu, TP Balagopalan MA, Gandhinagar Second Street, Mukundetta Sumithra Vilikkunnu,Chitram and numerous others)
Dramas
(Thoovana Thumbikal, Chithram, Namukku Parkan Munthirithoppukal, Kanmadam and numerous others)
As an intense villain (Manjil Virinja Pookkal, Uyarangalil)
As an iconic antihero (Rajavinte Makan, Irupatham Noottandu, Devasuram, Spatikam)
In parallel cinema (Vaastuhara, Vaanaprastham, Guru, Aham,Thanmathra)
In crossover cinema (Iruvar, Kaala Paani, Keerthi Chakra)
Tragedies (Sadayam, Kireedam, Chenkol, Ulsavappittennu, Dasharatham)
Musicals (His Highness Abdullah, Bharatam)
Artistic Genre (Rajasilpi, Kamaladalam)
Crime ( Company, Aryan, Abhimanyu)
Political (Lal Salam,"Raktha Sakshikal Sindhabad" Unaroo)
Thrillers (Thazhvaram, Manichitrathazhu, Season, Kariyilakkattu Pole, Mukham, Nirnayam,Yodha)
Mohanlal rose to stardom through the anti-hero role in the film Raajavinte Makan in the year 1986. That year saw the rise of a superstar and the revival of another(Mammootty in New Delhi). He acted in more than 30 movies that year, which include classics like Sanmanasullavarkku Samadhaanam, T.P.Balagopalan M.A.(for which he got the state award), Thalavattom(which was later remade into the Hindi movie Kyon Ki).

He would later go on to star in many quality movies like Naadodikkattu, Dasharatham(a path breaking movie), Kireedom (for which he got the jury award at the National level), Bharatam (National Award, Best actor), Manichitrathazhu, Devasuram, Sphadikam, Kaalapani, Vaanaprastham (National Award, Best actor, Producer), Thanmathra.





Trivia
Aishwarya Rai made her debut against Mohanlal in Iruvar (tamil)
Mohanlal and Priyadarshan used to be arch enemies during their time at college. Both supported different rival political wing.
Mohanlal and his friends produced their first movie in 1978 'Thiranottam' which was never released.
Mohanlal was a amateur wrestler. He was due to go for the National championship in Delhi when he was called for auditioning by Navodaya for the role of Narendran in Manjil Virinja Pookkal directed by Fazil. His friends had sent his photographs to Navodya productions that was looking for fresh actors. He decided to go for the audition and rest is history.

Mohanlal's personal Assistant and Producer Antony Perumbaavoor was a taxi driver in Eranakulam and used to take Mohanlal from his hotel to the location of 'Pattanapravesam'. This started a good friendship and by the end of shooting Mohanlal asked Antony if he wants to be his driver. Antony has since been with Mohanlal and now produces films under the banner Aasirvaad Productions. His first movie (Narasimham)was a megahit.
Most of his best school-college mates are with him in the film industry....Priyadarshan, M.G.Sreekumar, Raju and prodcuer Suresh Kumar.
Mohanlal's friends and family call him Lalu.

Mohanlal's main hobby is collecting antiques and artifacts. He has a great collection of paintings
Mohanlal has acted only in three tamil films even though his father in law was a famous tamil producer. He agreed to do Iruvar only because of Mani Ratnam's persuasion.
Mohanlal is the youngest actor to get national award for the Best Actor
It is a little known fact that Mohanlal won a Best Actor Award when in the sixth standard in school, an award usually won only by the people from tenth standard. Actor Maniyanpilla Raju directed that stage drama and was the first person to put make up on Mohanlal's face.
Mohanlal reached Trivandrum in a helicopter from Palakkad because of tight schedules to attend Kaumudi honouring director Priyadarshan. Mohanlal said he would have felt ashamed of himself if he couldnt make it to a function that was honouring his best friend and their friendship


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AMITAB BACHAN

Birth name Amit Shrivastava
Height 6' 3" (1.91 m)

Mini biography

Son of well known poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan. He has a brother named Ajitabh. He completed his education from Uttar Pradesh and moved to Bombay to find work as a film star, in vain though, as film-makers preferred someone with a fairer skin, and he was not quite fair enough. But they did use one of his other assets - his deep baritone voice - which was used for narration and background commentary. He was successful in being cast in Saat Hindustani. He got his break in Bollywood after a letter of introduction from the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, as he was a friend of her son Rajiv Gandhi. This is how Amitabh made an entry in Bollywood, starting with Zanjeer, co-starred with his future wife-to-be Jaya Bhaduri, and since then there has been no looking back. He married Jaya Bhaduri, an actress in her own rights, he has two kids, Shweta and Abhishek. Shweta has been married, lives a non-filmi life and has a child. Being friends with Rajiv Gandhi, got him to decide to run for seat in the Congress from his hometown but had to leave midterm because of controversies, particularly after Rajiv and he were implicated in the now infamous "Bofors" case along with the U.K. based Hinduja Brothers. After a four year break, he was back in the unsuccessful Mrityudaata (1997), a comeback which the actor wanted to forget. Critics written him off but his career was saved with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998). But four flops in 1999 and incurring debt of over 90 crores rupees of his sinking company ABCL saw him at an all-time low. To make matters worse, after the defeat of the Congress party, Amitabh lost considerable political support, the opposition made him a target, and his credit rating deteriorated to such an extent that a leading nationalized bank, Canara Bank, sued him for outstanding loans. He did bounce back, presenting the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire called "Kaun Banega Crorepati?" (2000). After a series of hits with Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and Baghban (2003) and his most recent Khakee (2004), a 60 plus Bachchan is showing no signs of slowing down and proving the critics wrong once again. His son Abhishek is also an actor by his own rights. Amitabh and Jaya were interested in getting Abhishek married to Karishma Kapoor, the daughter of Babita and Randhi Kapoor, they went through a formal engagement, but later broke it off. Now Ajitabh and the rest of the family have recently consulted an astrologer and compared the astrological charts of former Miss World and Bollywood actress, Aishwarya Rai, with that of Abhishek, hoping that they are compatible, and if so, Amitabh may get his only son married around September, 2006. However, a number of events contributed to the delay, as prayers and Havans were performed to remove any doubts about Aishwarya being a Manglik, and finally both youngsters were formally engaged on Sunday January 14, 2007, at the Bachchan residence in Juhu, Bombay.Currently, he is one of the most busiest actors and singers in Bollywood as well as on TV, as can be seen from the commercials that he appears on, especially on Sahara One. Looks like there are no limits for this super-star and once the "Angry Young Man". of Bollywood.IMDb mini-biography by: rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)
Mini biography
The trademark deep baritone voice, the tall, brooding persona, and intense eyes, made Amitabh Bachchan the ideal "Angry Young Man" in the 1970s, thereby changing the face of Hindi cinema. The son of the late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, he was born in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. After completing his education from Sherwood College, Nainital, and Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, he moved to Calcutta to work for shipping firm Shaw and Wallace. Later, he moved to Bombay and struggled for a while to get his foot in the door of the Hindi film industry. The lanky, dark, and intensely brooding persona did not go down well with directors who were looking for wise-cracking, fair, loverboys - the trademark of the Indian hero in the 1960s. Starting with the low key Saat Hindustani, Bachchan struggled through many roles and was relegated at times to doing voice-overs and in one instance playing a deaf-mute (his deep baritone voice might have overshadowed the other actors!). He broke through with Zanjeer (the Chain) in 1973 playing opposite his real-life love interest and future wife Jaya Bhaduri. His persona seemed apt for the 1970s, capturing the resentment of underemployed youth and the increasing cult of violence. Bachchan reworked the image of the Hindi film hero with major hits like Deewar, Sholay, Trishul, Don, Kala Patthar, and Shakti. Adapting former screen idol Dilip Kumar's mannerisms and adding his own flamboyance, he popularized the violent melodrama. He proved that he had an equal flair for tragedies (Deewar, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Shakti) and comedies (Chupke Chupke, Don, Naseeb, Amar Akbar Anthony) as well. His most memorable performance was as the renegade against a harsh society in Deewar. After Amar Akbar Anthony in which he reveled in the role of the Cathlolic bootlegger - he played similar "masala" roles, movies that required action, comedy, tragedy, and romance in one character. This had disastrous consequences later with movies disintegrating into Amitabh variety shows rather than plot-driven stories. Bachchan was dubbed the Superstar, taking over that title from Rajesh Khanna, something he hung on to until the mid 1980s when the floor widened after his temporary departure. At the height of his popularity he was injured in an accident while shooting for the film Coolie - long lines of people prayed for his recovery at the Breah Candy hospital, underscoring his megastar status. He left films in 1985 to become a Member of Parliament from Allahabad constituency as a Congress party candidate, as a favor to his family friend Rajiv Gandhi - the new Prime MInister of India. A report of involvement in financial irregularities (of which he was completely cleared later) made him decide to step down as MP. His return in 1987 was lukewarm as the Hindi film industry had moved on and newer, younger heroes essayed the part of Angry Young Man with more conviction. Bachchan seemed to have lost his heart in making films as his later roles did not show the flicker of passion that had marked earlier efforts in the 1970s. In 1989, for the first time since 1976, three of his films were flops i.e. they could not recover their money (in the Hindi film industry a flop is a film that does not recover a distributor's price, not the producer's cost). A series of lackluster films in the 1990s pointed to a long overdue exit, common to many other stars. A seemingly well-thought out venture to start a production company ABCL landed him in immense debts. Astonishingly, he burst back with a double act: one, playing the stern patriarch (the kind against which he had rebelled in the 1970s but which role was suited to his gravelly voice), and two, reinventing himself as a brand that in turn, could market anything. He began the latter by hosting the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (Kaun Banegaa Crorepati) and is now back in demand for endorsements, advertisements as well as many movie roles. At sixty plus, Amitabh Bachchan is a greater icon than he was at the height of his popularity three decades ago. His son, Abhishek is considered a talented actor who has not yet broken out as a star.IMDb mini-biography by: darashukoh
Spouse
Jaya Bhaduri
(3 June 1973 - present) 2 children
Trade mark
His baritone voice.
Trivia
Arguably India's greatest ever superstar.
He launched a multi-faceted commercial enterprise known simply as Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited, or ABCL. ABCL is engaged in production, distribution and all other aspects of the movie industry.
Had a very close association with the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv Gandhi (also Prime Minister) and he was elected to parliament with a huge majority from his home town of Allahabad. But his stint in politics did not last long and he was implicated in the infamous Swedish Bofors Gun deal scandal along with Rajiv Gandhi, the U.K. based Hinduja brothers, and others.
Was one of the judges for the 1995 Miss World beauty pageant.
While filming Coolie (1983/I) he received a near fatal injury. He was hospitalised and the Indian press issued daily bulletins on his health.
Was a former stage actor, radio announcer and freight company executive in Calcutta, India.
Went to Sherwood College, a boarding school in the hill-station town of Nainital, and from there to Delhi University where he earned a double MA degree.
When he was just trying to get a break in movies he was told to soften his 'deep' voice. However it was soon realised that his deep rich voice was excellent for narration. He has provided narrations for several films.
Suffered from a rare muscular disorder known as myasthenia gravis.
Father of Abhishek Bachchan
Is a vegetarian
Presenter of Kaun Banega Crorepati, India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire
The first Asian actor having a wax model of his likeness displayed at Madame Tussaud's in London, UK
Highest paid Bollywood actor in the film industry.
Was named Actor of the Millennium in a BBC News Poll ahead of such luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Sir Lawrence Olivier, and Marlon Brando.
Was considered 'finished' in the late nineties after super star status for 20 years, a string of flops and failed political and business ambitions. But made an unexpected comeback as host of the popular TV quiz series "Kaun Banega Crorepati?" (2000) which put him right back on the number one spot of Bollywood actors over 40, reaffirming his reputation as the living legend of Indian cinema with a new series of high profile films (Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) etc.)
Formed a popular screen couple with Rekha
He also sung in many movies such as Laawaris, Toofan and Silsila.
Became a grandfather in 1997 when his daughter Shweta gave birth to a daughter, Navya Naveli Nanda.
Works with the Indian government's media campaign to publicize the National Immunization Days and encourage people to take their children to be vaccinated against polio and other deadly diseases.
Son of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who passed away in January 2003.
Suffers from asthma.
His favourite screen name is Vijay, which he had as his character name in over 20 movies.
His father Harivansh Rai Bachchan was considering naming him 'Inquilab' (which means 'revolution') before settling down for Amitabh which means 'brilliance unlimited'.
On his 61st birthday, he relaunched ABCL as AB Corp. ABCL had to be closed after debts of more than millions of rupees. However, Amitabh has decided to relaunch it with a name change.
Actress Nirupa Roy is mostly cast as his mother and last time she featured was in Lal Baadshah (1999).
Has a double M.A. (Master of Arts) degree.
The facial caricature of the Indian comic book character 'Supremo' is based upon him.
Following a near fatal accident while shooting Coolie (1983/I), during which he suffered internal bleeding and required 17 bottles of blood, he became a champion for the cause of encouraging more people to donate blood.
Singer Sudesh Bhonsle dubs his voice for playback songs in many movies.
At the age of 58, he jumped from a height of 30 feet, along with co-star Manoj Bajpai, for his 2001 movie Aks (2001).
In 1996, he released an album called "Aby Baby". This album was released under ABCL and featured songs like "Eer Bir Phatte" and remixes of his songs from his early movies "O Saathi Re" and "Kabhi Kabhi". "Eer Bir Phatte" was inspired by one of his famous dialogues in his movie _Adalat (1976/I)_ .
In 1984, he was honored by the Indian government with the Padma Shri Award for his outstanding contribution to the Hindi film industry.
He is the only actor who achieved at least one hit every year for 15 consecutive years - from 1972 in Bombay to Goa (1972) to 1986 in Aakhree Raasta (1986).
He has played double and triple roles in a number of films. His double role starrers include _Adalat (1976/I)_ , Don (1978), Kasme Vaade (1978), The Great Gambler (1979), _Bemisaal (1982)_ , Desh Premee (1982), Satte Pe Satta (1982), Aakhree Raasta (1986), Toofan (1989), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Lal Baadshah (1999) and Sooryavansham (1999). Mahaan (1983) had the superstar in a triple role.
He was closely associated with Indira Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister, and her son, Rajiv Gandhi. It was Mrs. Gandhi who wrote a letter of introduction for Amitabh, and that's how he got his break in Bollywood.
He was the original choice to play a role in Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai (2003), which he declined and was finally played by Om Puri
His survival and his success could in short be termed best in his wife's own words that "Amit ji is a loner !"
Although Amitabh Bachchan's Immaan Dharam (1977) proved to be a disaster, the producer went ahead and announced Asmaan with Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, with Mohan Kumar in the director's seat. Salim-Javed, who had penned the script of Immaan Dharam, were scripting Asmaan as well. However, the film was shelved subsequently.
Rakesh Kumar, who had directed Khoon Pasina (1977), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Do Aur Do Paanch (1980) and Yaarana (1981), had turned producer and announced Charlie, with Amitabh Bachchan enacting the title role. Padmini Kolhapure had been cast opposite the Big B. However, the project never got made.
Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar were seen on screen for the first time in Ramesh Sippy's Shakti (1982). But much before Shakti happened, Eagle Films had signed Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Amjad Khan for their new project, which was to be directed by Yash Chopra. However, the project did not materialize subsequently.
In 1976 Amitabh Bachchan was to star in Manoj Kumar's Naya Bharat, alongside Amitabh it was also supposed to star Manoj Kumar, Hema Malini, Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Zeenat Aman and Rishi Kapoor. The film was shelved subsequently.
Amitabh Bachchan, Parveen Babi, Mithun Chakraborty and Rati Agnihotri were teamed in Tala Chabi, produced by Romu Sippy and directed by Raj N. Sippy. One of the foremost character actors then, Pran, had been signed to enact the main villain's role. An official announcement was made in April 1982. The movie never took off.
Amitabh Bachchan was supposed to play one of the lead roles in Shashi Kapoor's Utsav (1984) however; Amitabh opted out of the film. Shashi Kapoor replaced him.
Amitabh Bachchan was the first choice of Rakesh Roshan's King Uncle (1993). But since the actor wasn't signing films then, Roshan opted for Jackie Shroff.
Prakash Mehra was planning on making Chankaya Chanddragupta and had signed Amitabh Bachchan for the main role. The movie was shelved.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra wanted Amitabh Bachchan to play the lead role of Inspector Inayat Khan in Mission Kashmir (2000). The reason why Amitabh Bachchan declined the role was because of his commitment to Yash Chopra's Mohabbatein (2000).
Kader Khan wanted to direct him as the lead hero in Jaahil, unfortunately the movie was never made.
He hates the word Bollywood, the word that describes the Hindi film industry.
Is teetotal
On 31 October 2006, he shocked the unit of a forthcoming movie Shootout at Lokhandwala by recording 23 scenes in 5 hours. Achieving this feat was unheard of.
Personal quotes
I have never really been confident about my career at any stage.
Everyone must accept "that we will age and age is not always flattering".
I wish I had time to learn all the languages of our country, I wish I knew how to play a musical instrument. There are many things that I feel I have missed out on.
(Referring to Abhishek Bachchan) "Like any other father I feel proud to see my son on the silver screen."
(When asked about his dancing with Shilpa Shetty in Lal Baadshah (1999)) "But I would dance with my daughter if I could. And if I can dance with Shilpa Shetty, then I will do that."
I have never been a superstar and never believed in it.
"The amount of things I have been through and the remarkable ways in which the body has reacted is just phenomenal. No wonder I became religious, because you don't know why something's happening to you and you don't know how you bounced back."

His thoughts on working in Hollywood: "You don't see Indians in Hollywood films around which a story can revolve. As soon as we have a social presence in your society, I am sure there will be many actors from our part of the world that will be acting in Hollywood films. I have always been a great admirer of Marlon Brando, Al Paccinno, Robert De Niro. I would love to walk into the frame, hold their briefcase!"