Amitabh Bachchan honoured with personality of the year award at IFFI

When he debuted out in 'Saat Hindustani', Bachchan never fit the bill of the quintessential hero in the looks department. Tall, lanky, not-so-fair complexion, and the baritone didn't quite act in his favour initially.

Though his debut didn't set the cash registers ringing, his performance secured him a National Award for the best newcomer.

With 'Zanjeer', Bachchan arrived as the The Angry Young Man in Bollywood. And like they say, there has been no looking back since.

(Instagram: Amitabh Bachchan)

Through the mid-70s and till the early 80s, Bachchan had his charm working on Bollywood, paving the way for a one-man show for many years.

But in 1982, a serious accident on the sets of Manmohan Desai's 'Coolie' had left him out of action for a while. He survived that and returned to continue with films.

In his five-decade career, he has won numerous awards, including four National Awards. He has also bagged 15 Filmfare Awards and is the most-nominated performer in any major acting category at Filmfare with 41 nominations overall.

(Instagram: Amitabh Bachchan)

In 1984, Bachchan took a break from acting and briefly entered politics in support of long-time family friend, Rajiv Gandhi.

His political stint, however, was short-lived: he resigned after three years, after being embroiled in the Bofors controversy.

At 57, there came a huge blow in Amitabh Bachchan’s life when his movies flopped. A major financial crisis followed after the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited tanked even before it took off.

(Image: Instagram/Amitabh Bachchan)

With the new millennium, came a revamped Bachchan in 2000. The role of a stern, older figure in Aditya Chopra’s ‘Mohabbatein’ did all the right things for him.

He also diversified his portfolio, adding television to his kitty. The first season of quizshow 'Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)' became a runaway hit, and there was no looking back for the thespian. He is currently hosting 'KBC' in its ninth season, and people can't seem to get enough of 'Lock kar diya jaye'.

(Image: Instagram/Amitabh Bachchan)

Bachchan's charisma has charmed all age groups - and sections. From endorsing social schemes set up by the Government to turning cultural ambassadors and highlighting the cause of the girl child, he continues to be an inspiration, for the audience and advertisers alike.