Amitabh Bachchan’s school days in Nainital: How his boarding-school years shaped Bollywood’s future superstar

Amitabh Bachchan was a schoolboy learning about life away from home long before he rose to fame in Indian cinema. His years at Sherwood College in Nainital, Uttarakhand, hold a special place in his memories. From learning to live independently to experiencing unexpected adventures on campus, the actor has often spoken about how his boarding-school days helped shape his personality.

From Allahabad to Sherwood College

Big B did his schooling at Boys’ High School & College in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. He later moved to Sherwood College in Nainital, a renowned boarding school where he completed his secondary education.




For the actor, Sherwood was more than just an institution where he attended classes. The experience of living away from home, interacting with other students and taking on greater responsibilities became an important part of his growing-up years.

In a statement published on Sherwood College’s official website, Amitabh Bachchan said, "The school that influenced me most was Sherwood College in Nainital. If I had to talk about Sherwood I would write book on it! Those three years were by far the happiest times of my life. Or maybe one feels like now. The feelings weren't there when I was there - but now that I look back on it they were marvellous days. What I am now is largely because of Sherwood. It taught me to be independent, fearless, loyal and truthful. It taught me values and these, I think, have stayed with me through life."

He also credited the school with helping shape his character. According to the website, Big B said his time at Sherwood taught him to be independent, fearless, loyal and truthful. He believed these values remained with him throughout his life.

The leopard incident he recalled on KBC

One of Amitabh Bachchan’s more unusual school memories came up during a 2024 episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. While recalling his boarding-school days, the actor narrated an incident involving a leopard that reportedly appeared near the campus.

According to Bachchan’s account, news of the animal spread quickly, drawing students towards the area where it had been spotted. Some reportedly picked up hockey sticks and tennis rackets as they went to investigate.

The excitement soon turned into panic. When the students spotted the leopard’s tail behind the bushes, they became frightened and ran in different directions towards the safety of the school. The Bollywood megastar added another detail that made the story particularly memorable. His younger brother, who also attended the school, witnessed a boy who generally stayed away from sports suddenly sprinting at remarkable speed.

The boy was usually restricted from participating in physical activities because of health concerns. However, the sight of the leopard prompted him to run faster than anyone expected.

Bachchan recalled the boy suddenly bursting into speed, much to his brother’s surprise. The actor humorously described the event, providing a window into the unforeseen moments that constituted boarding school life.

From school memories to a career in cinema

Big B relocated to New Delhi to pursue further education after graduating. In 1962, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Kirori Mal College at the University of Delhi.

It would take him a few more years to go from being a student to a prominent figure in Hindi cinema. However, Amitabh Bachchan has frequently mentioned Sherwood College's influence and the values he acquired there when talking about his early years.

The actor is still working in the entertainment business. In addition to hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati's 18th season, he will play Ashwatthama again in the upcoming Kalki 2898 AD sequel.