Birthday Special: Living legend Amitabh Bachchan turns 72 | Entertainment, Bollywood Published Oct 10, 2014, 6:07 pm IST Updated Oct 11, 2014, 8:37 am IST

Our very own Senior Bachchan turns 72 today!



In his four decades in the Bollywood film industry, Amitabh has grown to become one of the most formidable names in India and the world over.



In 1969, he made his acting debut in 'Saat Hindustani'. A year later, he bagged the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in 'Anand' that also starred Rajesh Khanna.



After the superhit 'Zanjeer' in 1973 and 'Deewar', he was nicknamed 'the angry young man' of Bollywood. But the tag didn't limit his roles. The versatile actor showed his softer side in comedy movies 'Chupke Chupke' and 'Amar Akbar Anthony'.



After the ground breaking hit 'Sholay', Amitabh went on to become one of the biggest stars in the Indian film industry. You couldn't say the same for his co-stars Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan as they could never really achieve the same



From the 70's, Big B and Rekha were paired opposite each other in several movies. There was even a lot of buzz that they were in a love affair but the couple never revealed anything. They were seen together for the last time in Yash Chopra's love



The ruling roost: Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Dimple Kapadia.



His other popular movies include 'Sharaabi', 'Don', 'Namak Halaal ', 'Abhimaan', 'Satte Pe Satta', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar', 'Kaala Patthar' to name a few.



He made a comeback of a different kind in 2000 when he took on roles that included that of a teacher in 'Black', a police officer in 'Khakee', a stern disciplinarian in 'Mohabbatein' and the 'Godfather' inspired series 'Sarkar'.



His 2009's performance as Progeria-affected 13-year-old in 'Paa' won him his third National Film Award for Best Actor and fifth Filmfare Best Actor Award. In the film, he played son to his own son Abhishek.



In 2011, he stunned everyone with his movie 'Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap' only went to prove that age was just a number to him and that he was here to stay.



Big B was roped in to play Meyer Wolfshiem in his first Hollywood venture, 'The Great Gatsby'. Although a small role, he was paired alongside Oscar nominated actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.



Movies or not, the greatest gift ever is the intangible love of his family - his wife, children and grandchildren, whose warmth and affection keep him going steady in his personal and professional life. Given his massive online presence, the actor



His active involvement in social issues, as well as his compassionate connect to the masses through TV show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', he has given viewers and fans a window to his philanthropic side over the years.



Amitabh became the first living Asian to be immortalised in wax at London's Madame Tussauds Museum.



His health issues are a known fact, but it never comes in the way of Amitabh Bachchan's commitment. The megastar believes if you promise something, you cannot backpedal.



He is gearing up for his next, 'Shamitabh' with Akshara Haasan and Dhanush and the glimpse into the film has raised up the curiosity quotient.



Even after so many years, fan frenzy surprises Big B. And while he is grateful, he is more humbled than anything else.



He will be connecting to his millions of fans online. Not only will they get digitally signed posters but a few lucky one will also get a video message from the actor.

