Amitabh Bachchan Turns 83: Celebrating Five-Decade Reign of Big B With Iconic Performances That Redefined Indian Cinema

New Delhi, October 11: Amitabh Bachchan, one of India's most celebrated actors, has defined Hindi cinema for over five decades. With his diverse roles, he has created an indelible mark on Indian cinema. He gained popularity in the early 1970s with films such as Anand, Zanjeer and later came a string of cinematic landmarks, including Deewaar, Sholay, and Don, each cementing his place as a cultural icon. Born on October 11, 1942, Bachchan never confined himself to one genre. His versatility shone through in lighter roles, such as Chupke Chupke and Amar Akbar Anthony, where his impeccable comic timing added another dimension to his stardom. While in Silsila and Kabhi Kabhie, the audience got a glimpse of his romantic side as an actor, which proved that he can go beyond his 'Angry Young Man' image. Happy Birthday, Amitabh Bachchan! Bollywood Legend Turns 83, Fans Gather Outside His Home Jalsa to Celebrate Actor’s Birthday (Watch Video).

A Look at Some Best Performances of Amitabh Bachchan

His performance in Mohabbatein, Black, Paa, Piku, Pink, and Jhund showcased his remarkable ability to adapt and excel in unconventional roles. Each role, whether the irritable yet endearing father in Piku or the stern lawyer in Pink, has shown his continued relevance and artistic evolution. Big B also made his impact in regional cinema with films such as Gujarati comedy drama, Fakt Purusho Mate, Telugu epic science-fiction, Kalki 2898 AD, and Tamil action drama, Vettaiyan, also starring Rajinikanth. As the actor continues to inspire generations at the age of 83, here's a look at five of his best movies that reflect his unmatched versatility and screen presence.

'Zanjeer' (1973)

Amitabh Bachchan's rise to superstardom began with Zanjeer, the film that introduced audiences to the "Angry Young Man" persona. Playing Inspector Vijay Khanna, he brought a new intensity to the silver screen. The movie's powerful dialogues, emotional depth, and action-driven story turned Bachchan into a national sensation. Amitabh Bachchan Turns 83: Jackie Shroff Pays Tribute to Bollywood Legend on His Birthday, Says 'My Respects Always' (See Post).

'Deewaar' (1975)

The action crime film written by Salim-Javed and directed by Yash Chopra, is among the cult classics and is often considered one of Big B's greatest performances. His portrayal of Vijay Verma remains one of Indian cinema's most iconic roles. The film's famous line, "Aaj mere paas maa hai," remains etched in cinematic history.

'Sholay' (1975)

Released the same year as Deewaar, Sholay became a landmark in Indian film history. As Jai, one half of the memorable duo with Veeru (Dharmendra), Bachchan balanced action and emotion with ease. His understated performance and chemistry with co-stars helped make Sholay a timeless classic that continues to attract audiences across generations.

'Don' (1978)

In Don, Bachchan showcased his ability to play dual roles with style and confidence. As both the ruthless underworld don and his simple lookalike Vijay, he delivered a performance that remains unmatched. The film's gripping narrative and memorable dialogue made Don a cult favourite and led to several remakes over the years.

'Kalki 2898 AD' (2024)

Even decades after his debut, Amitabh Bachchan continued to surprise audiences with his range. The epic science-fiction film, co-written and directed by Nag Ashwin, features Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. In Kalki 2898 AD, his performance as Ashwatthama has been widely praised for its intensity, commanding screen presence, and acting prowess.

From intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, Amitabh Bachchan has proved that talent has no limits and age is no barrier. With a filmography spanning more than 200 movies, he remains one of India's most respected and admired actors -- a true legend whose influence continues to shape the world of cinema.

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