When Rajinikanth shared how Amitabh Bachchan was once buried in nearly Rs 90 crore of debt, feared losing his Juhu home Prateeksha and was mocked by Bollywood before turning things around with KBC and brand endorsements

Amitabh Bachchan’s decades-long career has seen him rise to the top of Bollywood with several blockbuster films. However, the veteran actor also faced a severe financial crisis in the late 1990s after his production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), suffered heavy losses, reportedly leaving him burdened with debts of nearly ₹90 crore.

The difficult chapter in Bachchan’s life came up during the audio launch of Vettaiyan, when his co-star Rajinikanth recalled how the actor faced the prospect of losing his Juhu bungalow, Prateeksha. Rajinikanth also spoke about Bachchan’s remarkable turnaround, highlighting how television, brand endorsements and sustained hard work helped him recover from the crisis and rebuild his career.

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Rajinikanth recalls Amitabh Bachchan’s financial struggles

Bachchan’s financial troubles deepened after his production venture, ABCL, suffered significant losses, with the actor reportedly struggling to cover expenses and facing the prospect of losing his Juhu home, Prateeksha, through a public auction, India Today reported.

Recalling that period, Rajinikanth said Bachchan received little sympathy from parts of the film industry, where his setbacks became a subject of ridicule rather than an occasion for support.

“When Amit ji was producing films, he suffered huge losses. He couldn’t even pay his watchman. His Juhu home was put up for public bidding. The entire Bollywood was laughing at him. It’s sad, but the world often waits for your downfall,” Rajinikanth reportedly said.

Rajinikanth recalls how Amitabh Bachchan rebuilt his career through KBC

Rajinikanth shared that Bachchan did not give up despite the mounting financial pressure. Rajinikanth recalled how the actor took up advertising assignments and turned to television, hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

The game show became a major success and helped Bachchan connect with a new generation of viewers. Along with brand endorsements and other work, it played a key role in his professional and financial recovery.

“In just three years, he worked tirelessly, did advertisements, and earned money through KBC. Not only did he clear his debts, but he also bought back his home and even added two more homes on the same street. Amitabh Bachchan is a true inspiration,” Rajinikanth reportedly said.

Amitabh Bachchan takes social media break

Amitabh Bachchan has shared a fresh update on his health, saying he needs more rest as he continues his recovery. The update comes after the veteran actor announced a temporary pause in online communication, citing medical advice to focus on rest and recuperation.

Bachchan, who regularly connects with fans through his blog and social media accounts, shared the latest message on his blog. “Yet more rest needed .. adjusting .. thinking and wondering .. the human body and its uniqueness,” he wrote.

The Sholay actor had earlier informed fans about his break while extending Dussehra greetings on X. He said his doctors had instructed him to follow a strict rest and recovery schedule, leaving him unable to communicate online for the time being.

“First Dussehra greetings to all .. love happiness, fulfilment, prayers. Under very strict rest and recuperation .. so am not allowed to communicate .. do excuse .. my apologies,” he wrote.

Mumbai police investigate reported bomb threat email

Amid his break and health update, Mumbai Police are investigating a reported bomb threat email allegedly targeting Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow in the city. The development comes amid the actor’s recent health update and announcement of a temporary break from online communication. According to reports, a school in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) received the email on Friday.

It is yet to be established whether the email specifically named Bachchan’s residences, Jalsa or Prateeksha. Police are continuing their investigation, and no connection has been established between the reported threat and the actor’s health update.