Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Amitabh Bachchan arrived in Mumbai in the late 1960s, carrying only a driving license and dreams of becoming an actor. With no steady income, he considered becoming a cab driver to survive in the bustling city.
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Rejecting a lucrative ad offer of ₹10,000, Bachchan stayed true to his dream, sleeping on Marine Drive’s benches among rats, believing that commercials would compromise his pursuit of serious acting.
Despite being the son of renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh struggled to find a place in the film industry. He faced rejections for his unconventional voice and tall stature, which were seen as a disadvantage.
Before moving to Mumbai, Amitabh worked in Kolkata at a British firm. But the nine-to-five life did not satisfy him. He longed for the world of cinema, eventually giving up stability for a chance in films.
Even when he faced rejection after rejection, Amitabh refused to let go of his dream. His unwavering focus on acting kept him going, even when it meant sacrificing comfort and financial security.
His deep baritone, which later became his signature, initially closed doors for him. All India Radio turned him down, calling his voice unsuitable for broadcasting, adding to his early struggles.
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In 1999, during an interview with Vir Sanghvi, Bachchan spoke candidly about his struggles with his company ABCL. He reflected on the difficult period, saying, “Without those difficult days, I would have never valued success the way I do.”
Describing his early days in Mumbai in a candid interview, Bachchan shared how he slept on Marine Drive benches, having overstayed his welcome with friends. It was a humbling period for the future superstar.
After a series of flops, his big break came with Zanjeer in 1973, transforming him into the "Angry Young Man" of Indian cinema. Decades later, he embraced a new challenge with his Tamil release Vettaiyan, showing his enduring appeal across industries.
During the same 1999 interview, Amitabh expressed how those tough years shaped him. “Those days taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my path,” he said, looking back at his struggles with a sense of gratitude.