Amitabh Bachchan celebrates his 80th birthday on October 11, 2022. He has had an incredible career in Bollywood spanning over 50 years, beginning with his film debut in 1969. He is widely considered the greatest actor in Bollywood history, known for his versatile roles and iconic performances. The document highlights 80 memorable moments from Bachchan's movie career in chronological order, from his early roles that established him as a star to recent performances still wowing audiences in his late 70s. His illustrious career continues with new films still being released in 2022 as he turns 80 years old.

1. Big B
turns 80: Journey of a
film icon

2. Being the greatest Bollywood star of all time
has given Amitabh Bachchan many landmark
moments throughout his distinguished career.
Although he has had many achievements
apart from acting including national honours,
helping to eradicate polio in India, hosting a
popular TV quiz show, recording a hit album,
becoming the first living south Asian to get a
Madame Tussaud’s waxwork, and smashing
open doors globally for Indian talent, the Big B
has been at his very best in films.
This has resulted in an incredible body of
work. From his acting debut in Saat Hindustani
in 1969 to headlining five films in 2022, the
unstoppable superstar has entertained cross-
generational audiences globally and continues
to inspire all those following in his giant
footsteps.
He follows up superhero adventure
Brahmastra last month with this week’s big
Hindi cinema release Goodbye and Uunchai
on November 11.
He also celebrates his landmark 80th
birthday on Tuesday (11).
Eastern Eye decided to
mark the occasion by selecting
80 magic moments from his
cinema journey in chronological
order. From his landmark
movies, records and special
scenes, to hidden gems, awards
and ground-breaking roles, the
list has it all. So, strap in and get
ready for a Big B movie ride.
1. In 1969, Amitabh Bachchan
makes his film debut as a
narrator in the National Award-
winning drama Bhuvan Shome,
marking the beginning of a
superb cinema journey.
2. He makes a winning acting
debut with National Award
winner Saat Hindustani (1969).
The movie would become a cult
classic thanks to his later superstardom.
3. Bachchan stars opposite reigning
superstar Rajesh Khanna in Anand (1971) and
wins a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor award
for his performance. That would be the first
of many honours throughout his incredible
career.
4. Bachchan plays his first negative role
as the infatuated lover-turned-murderer in
Parwana (1971), and shows early on that he will
dare to be different in his film choices.
5. A first lead role in Bombay To Goa (1972)
enables the actor to show that he is leading
man material. The film includes the high-
energy song Dekha Na Haye Re.
6. The success of Zanjeer (1973) turns
Bachchan into the hottest property in Hindi
cinema and helps to craft his angry young
man image. Incendiary scenes in the film and
his explosive dialogues ignite his unstoppable
rise.
Magic moments from
Amitabh Bachchan’s
amazing movie career

3. 7. Namak Haraam (1973) will turn out to be
Bachchan’s second and last film with Rajesh
Khanna, before dethroning him to become the
king of Bollywood. His powerful performance
shows that he is here to stay.
8.Theactordelivershislastrawperformance
before superstardom kicks in with an intense
turn in Abhimaan (1973), which has many great
song-driven moments.
9. Bachchan plays the first of many double
roles of his career in Bandhe Hath (1973). The
story of a criminal stealing a lookalike poet’s
identity was an early indicator of his acting
range.
10. He perfectly illustrates the pain and hope
of the year’s highest grossing film Roti Kapda
Aur Makaan (1974) with his transformation
from a job seeker with a casual attitude to a
disciplined officer who loses an arm during
his army tenure.
11. Bachchan delivers a magnificent
performance as a terminally ill man who takes
responsibility for a murder he didn’t commit
and then must prove his innocence in hit film
Majboor (1974).
12. The actor has had many dramatic
moments in his career, but few can match the
emotion of his character entering a temple for
the first time and dying in his mother’s arms
in Deewaar (1975).
13. Curry western Sholay (1975), which
becomesthehighestgrossingBollywoodfilmin
history, features Bachchan in many memorable
moments, ranging from the Yeh Dosti song to
an unfulfilled romance, comic one-liners and
sacrificing his life with a double-headed coin.
14. Classic comedy Chupke Chupke (1975)
shows off the actor’s versatility and comic
timing, despite him establishing himself as an
action hero.
15. Bachchan’s portrayal of a doting father
separated from his family in Do Anjaane (1976)
is under-rated and one of many hidden gems
in his impressive body of work.
16. Bachchan does the unexpected by starring
in romantic movie Kabhi Kabhie (1976) during
an action-dominated era, and convincingly
plays a much older character in the second
half.
17. Hera Pheri (1976) is filled with comedy,
action, drama, suspense, and emotion. It has
it all and Bachchan performs every aspect
flawlessly.
18. Bachchan’s first double role in Adalat
(1976) after becoming a superstar sees him
brilliantly bring contrasting personalities to
life – those of a father and son on a collision
course.
19. Amar Akbar Anthony becomes the
highest grossing Bollywood film of 1977. His
magnificent performance in the movie includes
an improvised mirror scene while drunk, and
emerging from a giant Easter egg in the My
Name Is Anthony Gonsalves song.
20. His tough hero named Tiger memorably
wrestles a real big cat to impress the fiery
heroine (Rekha) in Khoon Pasina (1977).
21. Bachchan is the narrator in all-time
Satyajit Ray classic Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977).
He would later narrate many films, including
the Oscar nominated Lagaan (2001), Parineeta
(2005), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and Krrish 3 (2013).
22. Action entertainer Parvarish (1977) sees
Bachchan memorably perform the song Hum
Premee Prem Karna Jaane with Shammi
Kapoor and Vinod Khanna, which is about
love, but cleverly highlights the conflict of
brothers on opposite sides of the law.
23. Bachchan plays an honest teacher who
is murdered early on in Kasme Vaade (1978),
but then makes a memorable reappearance
portraying his lookalike, a wanted criminal
(on a transformative journey).
24. The actor has always been known for
his grand entry sequences. In blockbuster hit
Trishul (1978), he lights a stick of dynamite and
calmy walks away from it, which sets the tone
for an explosive storyline.
25. His iconic movie Don (1978) has several
magic moments, such as his unforgettable
Khaike Paan Banaraswala song performance
and famous dialogue, Don ko pakadna mushkil
hi nahin, namumkin hain. (It isn’t just difficult
to catch Don, but impossible).
26. The megastar makes a scene-stealing
entry on a motorcycle in Muqaddar Ka
Sikandar, while performing the title track. It
becomes the highest grossing movie of 1978.
27. Bachchan follows up the three biggest
movies of 1978 by headlining three out of the
five most successful Bollywood films of 1979.
28. The Great Gambler (1979) is shot at
international locations and features him in the
first Bollywood song (Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki
Kahani) in a gondola in Venice.
29. Bachchan perhaps had the best romantic
chemistry with Rekha. Together they delivered
many magical onscreen moments, including
smash hit song Pardesia in Mr Natwarlal (1979),

4. shot in a beautiful mountainous setting.
30. The incredible Kaala Patthar (1979) poster
fea­
tu­
ring Bachchan’s screaming face becomes
all kinds of iconic, and is backed up by a
compelling performance as an anguished coal
miner.
31. The year’s biggest Bollywood hit Suhaag
(1979), sees the actor deliver everything from
deep angst in the song Aaj Imtihan Hai to
comedy and action in many memorable scenes.
32. The versatile actor shows his comic
timing in Do Aur Do Paanch (1980), with
hilarious scenes that include one where he
breaks the fourth wall and directly speaks to
the audience.
33. Dostana (1980) opens with Bachchan and
his co-star Shatrughan Sinha performing the
fantastic title track, which will go on to become
a timeless friendship anthem.
34. Bachchan reuniting with Dharmendra
for the first time since their record-breaking
film Sholay in Ram Balram (1980) was special,
and so is the song Ek Rasta Do Rahi that they
performed together.
35. Whether it is wooing his lady love on a
bus, carrying out a heist in a tuxedo, or entering
the villian’s lair in the climax, he oozes style
and class in Shaan (1980).
36. The Big B wearing that flashing suit
covered in lights in Yaarana (1981) remains
unforgettable and iconic. Every Bollywood fan
wanted one!
37. John Jani Janardan in Naseeb (1981)
smashes the record for the most stars in a song,
and the centre of attention is the greatest of
them all – Bachchan as a singing waiter.
38. The actor puts aside his tough guy image
to dress up in drag for the iconic Mere Angne
Mein song in Laawaris (1981). What adds to the
magic is that he sang it himself.
39. Silsila (1981) has many special moments,
but the most unique is the song Yeh Kahan
Aa Gaye Hum, which combined the beautiful
voice of playback singer Lata Mangeshkar with
Bachchan’s baritone reciting romantic poetry.
40. His transformation from a simpleton
to a suave thief in Kaalia (1981) is cool, but
outwitting a rival on the dancefloor during the
Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hain song and stealing a
necklace turns out to be even cooler.
41. The struggling Punjabi film industry
gets a much-needed boost with a cameo
appearance from Bachchan in Vilayati Babu
(1981). His song performance draws attention
to the movie and Punjabi cinema.
42. Satte Pe Satta (1982) features phenomenal
comedy from Bachchan, including a hilarious
moment where he tries to woo Hema Malini
with a giant watermelon.
43. The actor perfectly performs the patriotic
anthem Mere Desh Premiyon in Desh Premee
(1982), which asks for love, understanding
and unity between individuals from different
faiths fighting one another, something that is
more relevant than ever today.
44. Classic comedy Namak Halaal (1982) sees
Bachchan perform one of Bollywood’s longest
songs Pag Ghunghroo Baandh, but he also
recites unforgettable lines in the film, including,
“I can talk English, I can walk English, I can
laugh English because English is a very funny
language” and “Daddu tum”.
45. The catchy Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain
song in Khud-Daar (1982) sees Bachchan sing
‘I love you’ in multiple languages and had
everyone singing along.
46. He stars opposite fellow film giant Dilip
Kumar for the only time in all-time classic
Shakti (1982). That perfect casting in movie
history becomes legendary.
47. It is thrice as nice in Mahaan (1983) as
Bachchan takes on a triple role for the first
time, playing contrasting characters in the film.
48. Coolie (1983) is remembered for the
accident that almost ends Bachchan’s life. His
character is supposed to die at the end, but
that is changed to people of all faiths praying
for his recovery and him surviving, just like he
does in real life.
49. A teetotal Bachchan performs drunk
scenes in Sharaabi (1984) better than anyone has
ever done. He also hides a burn mark on his
hand by keeping it in his pocket throughout
the film and turns it into a style statement!
50. From his unique look and performance
to advance bookings for the film breaking
records, Shahenshah (1988) has many majestic
moments and dynamite dialogues like, “rishtey
mein to hum tumhare baap hote hai, naam hai
Shahenshah” (In terms of a relationship, I am
your father, my name is Shahenshah).
51. Main Azaad Hoon (1989), a great remake
of Holly­
wood classic Meet John Doe (1941),
has a rousing beyond-the-grave speech from
Bachchan.
52. A great performance as a gangster
in Agneepath (1990) wins Bachchan his first
National Award as Best Actor. It features
explosive dialogues that have become part of
folklore, like “Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, poora

5. naam” (Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, my full
name).
53. He may have won a Filmfare Best
Actor award for Hum (1991), but the movie is
best remembered for his cheeky song Jumma
Chumma De De, which became a rage globally.
54. Bachchan sports a beard throughout a
film for the first time as an Afghan chief in
Khuda Gawah (1992). That strong beard game
would define the latter part of his career.
55. His high-energy Na Na Na Na Na Re
performancewithDalerMehndiinMrityudaata
(1997) ignites the Indian pop music scene.
56. Playing a disciplinarian principal in
Mohabbatein (2000) wins Bachchan multiple
acting honours, and is the true start of his
stunning second innings in Bollywood, playing
mature author-backed roles.
57. Out-of-the-box thriller Aks (2001) gave
him a Filmfare Best Actor (critics) award, and
a cool new look he has largely kept since.
58. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
smashes box-office records. A highlight is the
ensemble Shava Shava song led by the eye-
catching moves of the actor. Also notable is
the face-off he has with Shah Rukh Khan in
the film.
59. Bachchan plays a begrudged character
who trains three blind men to successfully rob
a bank in hit heist thriller Aankhen (2002). The
legend absolutely bosses the multi-starrer with
his grey-shaded role.
60. Despite Baghban (2003) essentially
portraying the pain of the parent protagonists
let down by their children, Bachchan manages
to add fun, positivity, and romance to his role.
He also sings multiple songs in the movie.
61. Police thriller Khakee (2004) was loaded
with young stars, but the actor owns the action-
drama with his brilliant portrayal of an aging
cop.
62. Bachchan wins every acting honour for
Black (2005), including a National Award. He
magnificently plays the teacher of a deaf and
mute girl. But just when audiences think that
the lead performances can’t get any better,
there is a teacher-student role reversal, when
his character develops Alzheimer’s.
63. What most people remember about hit
film Bunty Aur Babli (2005) is the stunning Kajra
Re song, which is performed by Bachchan, his
son Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai.
64. Bachchan breathes fire into every scene
with an intense performance as Subhash
Nagre in Sarkar (2005). He adopts a memorable
look for the brilliant Bollywood adaptation of
Hollywood classic The Godfather (1972).
65. The coolest character in mega-budget
multi-starrer Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) is
Bach­
chan’s ‘Sexy Sam’, who shines in dynamic
dance number Rock ’N’ Roll Soniye, where he
overshadows everyone, including Abhishek
Bachchan and Preity Zinta.
66. The actor conveys an inspiring message
in emotional drama Baabul (2006), with his
portrayal of a devoted father-in-law seeking
happiness for his widowed daughter-in-law
by getting her remarried.
67. Another rule-breaking performance sees
him play a 64-year-old chef in Cheeni Kum
(2007), who has his first romance with a woman
30 years younger than him.
68. The most memorable moment of Jhoom
Barabar Jhoom (2007) is a winning cameo
appearance from Bachchan as a seriously cool
busker performing the catchy title track at the
very beginning of the film.
69. The actor steps out of his comfort zone
for his first fully English language film The
Last Lear (2007), which wins a National Award
for Best Feature Film in English.
70. Bhootnath (2008) becomes one of the
very few children’s films to become a hit in
Bollywood, thanks to Bachchan’s portrayal of
the ghostly title character. It would spawn a
spooky sequel.
71. The 67-year-old stars goes through the
most remarkable transformation in Bollywood
history to play a 12-year-old with rare genetic
disorder progeria in Paa (2009) and wins every
major accolade, including a National Award.
72. Bachchan finally makes his Hollywood
debut with a cameo in The Great Gatsby
(2013). The five-minute appearance opposite
Leonardo DiCaprio gains global attention.
73. The character of a cranky father with
constipation in a commercial Hindi movie
should not have worked, but Bachchan injects
his role in Piku (2015) with magic and wins
multiple honours, including a National Award.
74. Bachchan made the 90-year leap from
playing a child who is 12 in Paa (2009) to a
102-year-old in 102 Not Out (2018). Just brilliant!
75. Critically acclaimed film Pink (2016)
concludes with a rousing dialogue from
Bachchan playing a lawyer defending a sexual
assault victim, where he emphasises that “no
means no” when a woman says it in the context
of consent. Those lines supporting women put
across an important message that resonated

6. around the world.
76.ThesuperstarwinstheDadasahebPhalke
Award – Indian cinema’s highest honour – in
2018 for his contribution to the film industry.
77. His performance in mystery film Badla
(2019) is full of energy and deceptively brilliant.
78. The actor is once again unrecognisable
in his award-winning portrayal of a grouchy
landlord in Gulabo Sitabo (2020), which
becomes the first Covid-era Bollywood film to
have a straight-to-streaming site premiere.
79.Hischaracterdeliversarousing13-minute
monologue about violence against women and
the need to protect them in Chehre (2021).
80. Bachchan has six film releases in 2022,
including sports drama Jhund, airline thriller
Runway 34 and superhero film Brahmastra.
He also makes his Gujarati film debut with a
cameo in Fakt Mahilao Maate. Goodbye as well
as Uunchai will add to the action-packed year.
With more movies on the way, the 80- year-old
is not showing any signs of slo­
wing down, and
we salute him.