QUICK FACTS NAME: Amitabh Bachchan OCCUPATION: Film actor BIRTH DATE: October 11, 1942 PLACE OF BIRTH: Allahabad Amitabh Bachchan can be categorized as India's most popular and successful hero of  Hindi films. He was born at Allahabad in 1942. He has been hailed as a 'super star' in India. Because of his immense popularity, he has been labeled 'one man industry'. Before joining films, he was working as an executive in a shipping firm at Kolkata. His career graph took an upward swing with the release of  'Janjeer' in 1973. He monopolized the Hindi cinema after providing his worth as an accomplished actor when pitted against Rajesh Khanna in 'Anand' and Dilip Kumar in 'Shakti' (1982).  His most successful film are: Anand(1970), Namak Haram(1973), Abhiman(1973), Milli(1975), Deewar, Sholay(1975), Mukaddar ka Sikandar(1978), Trishul(1978), Silsila(1981), Agni-Path (1990).

Amitabh features best in song and dance sequences. His rendering of 'Khai Ke Paan Banaraswla' (Don) and Jumma Chumma dede (Hum) became a craze with the younger generation. He has won Filmfare Award, National Award and has been conferred Padma Shri for his histrionic achievements.

Amitabh Bachchan retired from the film industry to briefly enter politics by winning a seat in parliament from Allahabad constituency in 1984, but within a short span of time, he resigned from the Parliament.

After a pause for some time he is back to silver screen to perform some selective roles. He has established his own company. Amitabh Bachchan corporation Ltd (ABCL) concerning Various facets of entertainment including film distribution, culture and music. In the same year, Amitabh Bachchan once again re-entered Indian popular culture by anchoring the hugely popular quiz program Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?He is also active in television with the popular Hindi show 'karorepathi'.

Amitabh married Jaya Bhaduri, a well known actress. It was on the sets of Ek Nazar (1972) that Amitabh and Jaya Bhaduri fell in love. The couple has two children Swetha and Abishek and Abhishek has already followed his father's footsteps having starred in such movies as Refugee, L.O.C, Kuch Na Kaho etc.