Amitabh Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, is admired across the globe today. But the journey to stardom wasn’t always smooth. Big B, who recently turned 82, had his share of ups and downs in his long and illustrious career. While he enjoys megastar status now, there was a time when things were much harder for him, both professionally and personally.
One incident that still resonates with him happened during the difficult phase of his career in the 1990s. Back then, Bachchan faced continuous box-office failures, and his company was struggling financially. In 1999, during an interview with Veer Sanghvi, Amitabh opened up about a deeply hurtful experience when he was publicly insulted, with his parents witnessing the entire ordeal.
When People Abused Amitabh Bachchan in Front of His Parents
In the interview, Amitabh Bachchan recalled a day when he was driving with his parents in his car. Suddenly, they were stopped by a group of people on the road. Instead of showing admiration, these individuals hurled insults at the actor. According to Bachchan, they leaned into the car window and criticized his acting, even using abusive language.
What made the situation more painful for Amitabh was the fact that his parents were sitting in the back seat and heard everything. “You feel bad because your parents are sitting behind you in your car,” he said, sharing the emotional weight of the moment. The shame and embarrassment he felt then were tough to bear, as he was already struggling to cope with his declining career.
The Tough Early Days in Mumbai
In the same conversation, Amitabh Bachchan spoke about his initial days in Mumbai, when life wasn’t any easier. During those times, people often stopped him on the streets and told him to leave the city. They felt that pursuing an acting career was a waste of time for someone like him. Bachchan revealed how these remarks shook him and made him question his decisions. He even considered quitting the film industry because he felt that the audience didn’t want him anymore.
The Turnaround: Amitabh’s Big Comeback
Just a year after this emotional interview, everything began to change for Amitabh Bachchan. In 2000, he was chosen to host the TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), which became an instant hit. His charisma and style as the host brought him back into the spotlight and gave his career a much-needed boost.
Not long after, his role in Yash Chopra’s Mohabbatein in 2000 helped revive his film career. The film became a huge success, marking his return to the big screen and cementing his status as one of Bollywood’s most revered actors.
Amitabh’s Latest Projects and Continued Success
Fast forward to the present, and Amitabh Bachchan continues to rule both TV and cinema. In 2023, he appeared in Kalki 2898 AD, where his portrayal of Ashwatthama received widespread praise. The film became a blockbuster hit. Recently, Vettaiyaan, co-starring Rajinikanth, also did exceptionally well at the box office, collecting over ₹110 crore in just six days.
Amitabh’s journey from public humiliation to incredible success is a true testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the criticism and setbacks, he rose stronger each time, proving why he is still regarded as one of Bollywood’s finest stars.