When real life acting with a cigar helped Amitabh Bachchan fool US club bouncers

Even before achieving global stardom, Amitabh Bachchan experienced moments that tested his ingenuity and patience. On a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, the legendary actor recounted a humorous incident from his early days in the United States, highlighting how a simple cigar and a limousine helped him gain entry into an exclusive nightclub.

A Night of Rejection in America

During the show, while posing a question related to cigars to a contestant, Bachchan remembered his days in the US. He described how he and his friends wanted to experience the vibrant nightlife at popular clubs where entry was notoriously difficult.

Despite reaching the venue, the group was immediately turned away by the bouncers. Bachchan explained that this rejection did not deter him; instead, it sparked an idea to turn the situation to his advantage.

The Limousine and the Cigar

Bachchan shared that he devised a prank to gain entry. He highlighted the perception of status associated with arriving in a limousine and decided to leverage it. With some resources, they hired a limousine, dressed formally, and prepared to make an impression. Just before stepping out, Bachchan took a cigar in hand, which added to the aura of influence.

As he approached the club, the bouncers, assuming he was a prominent figure, welcomed him and his friends inside. The actor humorously reflected on the incident, noting how the combination of a luxury car and a simple cigar had worked to their advantage.

Early Struggles Before Stardom

Despite his current fame, Bachchan’s early years in Bollywood were far from easy. Screenwriter Javed Akhtar has remarked that many of Bachchan’s initial films failed at the box office, and few recognized his potential at the time.

However, a select group of people, including his future wife Jaya Bachchan and director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, saw the talent beneath the struggles and continued to support his work. Akhtar described Bachchan as a “volcano waiting to erupt,” acknowledging his consistent performance even in films that did not succeed commercially.