Amitabh Bachchan turns 84 as fans celebrate his enduring film legacy

MUMBAI: Some stars age with time; Amitabh Bachchan seems to make time wait for his next cue. As the Bollywood legend turns 84 on 11 October, fans have gathered outside his Mumbai residence, Jalsa, with songs, dance moves, oversized posters and tributes celebrating a career that has entertained generations. 

The celebrations carried the familiar energy of an annual tradition. Admirers sang his hit songs, recreated his iconic looks and held up posters marking his 84th birthday. One fan was seen dancing to Main Hoon Don from the 1978 film Don, while children and other visitors joined the gathering to celebrate the actor whose screen presence has endured across decades. 

Born on 11 October 1942 in Allahabad, now Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Bachchan is the son of celebrated Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan. His journey to superstardom was not without early setbacks, but Zanjeer (1973) proved a turning point, establishing the brooding, uncompromising persona that came to define Hindi cinema’s Angry Young Man era.

From Deewaar and Sholay to Don and Agneepath, Bachchan built a screen identity that could shift from simmering intensity to commanding authority. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has moved between action dramas, comedies, family films and character-driven stories, remaining a familiar presence even as the industry and its audiences have changed.

His appeal has also travelled beyond the cinema screen. As host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bachchan has brought his unmistakable baritone and measured warmth to television, connecting with audiences through stories of ordinary people chasing extraordinary opportunities. He is currently hosting the show’s 17th season.

The annual gathering outside Jalsa has become a ritual in its own right, with admirers returning year after year in the hope of catching a glimpse of their favourite star. Bachchan has often stepped outside to acknowledge the crowds, making the birthday more than a date on the calendar for those who have followed him through different phases of their lives.

Birthday wishes have also poured in from across the film industry. Actor Chiranjeevi described Bachchan as his “dearest Guru Ji”, while Ajay Devgn expressed his gratitude for having worked alongside the veteran star and called him his hero. Other actors, including Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit, also extended their greetings. 

At 84, Bachchan remains active on screen and on television. He is set to reprise his role as Ashwatthama in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, returning to the futuristic world of the 2024 science-fiction epic.

For an actor whose career has stretched across generations, the milestone is as much about longevity as it is about reinvention. The films, the voice, the towering screen presence and the familiar appearance at Jalsa have all become part of his larger-than-life legacy.

At 84, Big B is still drawing crowds, commanding attention and giving fans another reason to celebrate. The years may keep adding up, but the Bachchan phenomenon shows little sign of leaving the stage.