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A living legend in Hindi-language cinema, Bachchan has made over 180 films in a career spanning five decades. Hailed by many as India's greatest living actor, he is revered -- some would even say worshipped -- in his home nation.
Born on October 11th, 1942, Bachchan's father was renowned Hindi poet, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and his mother was Sikh socialite, Teji Bachchan.
After his on-screen debut in 1969, Amitabh's meteoric rise to fame began in 1973, when he got his first big break in Prakash Mehra's 'Zanjeer.' His portrayal of a rebel police inspector avenging the death of his parents catapulted him to fame, and set the actor on an anti-establishment path that was well-suited to the time.
Bachchan's rebellious roles in films like 'Zanjeer' and 1975's 'Deewar' encapsulated the frustrations of the time. These charismatic characters flaunted law and order, and railed aggressively against corrupt police and politicians. He was dubbed India's 'angry young man' and quickly started to inspire a mass following.
A string of hits followed, cementing his success on the silver screen. His roles, however, changed with the times. India's own 'rebel without a cause' became an all-singing, all-dancing, comedic, romantic leading man and one of the best paid actors in Bollywood.
Highs and lows
However, in the late eighties his film career stalled.
But in 2000, things turned around. 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' approached Bachchan with the proposal that he host the Indian edition of the popular game show.
The televised quiz became massive in India and propelled Bachchan back into the limelight. He told local media it played a large part in an overall turnaround.
Big B's second coming was underway.
Movie-making royalty
Today, Bachchan is head of a Bollywood dynasty that includes his son, Bollywood star Abhisek Bachchan, and his daughter-in-law, renowned Bollywood beauty and former Miss World, Aishwarya Rai.
He is still making films, and in 2014 made his Hollywood debut in The Great Gatsby.
But he told CNN he still gets nervous. "I like to feel the butterflies in the stomach, I like to go home and have a restless night and wonder how I'm going to be able to accomplish this feat, get jittery," he said once in an interview.
"I'd like to believe that tomorrow is another challenge for me. I'm sure there is lots more for me to do, because there is lots and lots of stuff still to be explored."