Happy birthday Amitabh Bachchan: 10 lesser known facts about the Bollywood legend

Amitabh Bachchan Birthday: Amitabh Bachchan needs no introduction for film fans. A true legend, Big B started his career with the 1969 release Saat Hindustani. He went through his fair share of struggles before becoming the personality he is today.

At a time when very few leading men in Bollywood preferred action films, Bachchan donned the angry young man avatar in director Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer.

Amitabh Bachchan featured in many similar iconic characters written by writer Salim- Javed. The team became a superhit combination and worked together in many iconic films in the 1970s and 80s.

Some facts about Amitabh Bachchan that you didn't know:

1. Amitabh Bachchan was named Inquilaab Shrivastava. However, at the suggestion of his father's poet friend, he changed his name to what it is now.

2. Amitabh Bachchan who now charges a bomb to be a part of a film, made his Bollywood debut for only Rs 1000.

3. Big B has played more double roles than any other actor in Bollywood. In the film 'Mahaan' that released in 1983, he even had a triple role.

4. Amitabh Bachchan was the first choice for Shekar Kapoor's iconic 80s hit film Mr. India.

5. Amitabh Bachchan is the first Asian actor to have a wax model displayed at Madame Tussauds' in London.

Also Watch: Lesser known facts about Big B, the century's biggest star!

6. Big B has played 'Vijay' more than 20 times. In fact, it is his favourite onscreen name.

7. The Bachchan bungalow called Jalsa was gifted by director Ramesh Sippy in lieu of payment for his performance in 'Satte Pe Satta'.

8. The megastar is ambidextrous, it is a term for a person who uses both hands equally.

9. Amitabh Bachchan tried to become a radio presenter before trying his luck in Bollywood but he was rejected by All India Radio, Delhi.

10. Amitabh had 12 consecutive flops from 1969 to 1973 before delivering his first hit, ‘Zanjeer’.