Swinging Sixties

Bachchan starred in his first film in 1969. Since then, he has dominated the silver screen for nearly half a century -- most of India's 70 years as an independent nation. As the country experienced political upheaval, economic change, and sporting victories, in war and in peace time, Bachchan has been a constant -- appearing in light-hearted comedies, emotional family dramas, love stories, action-packed entertainment flicks and, recently, more experimental cinema with a powerful message.

He has amassed a fanatical fan base -- in fact, as the most recognized Indian both in the wider world and at home, he is hero worshipped. And that's putting it mildly.

Dialogues from films such as the 1998 blockbuster "Shahenshah" are so well known there's barely an Indian who cant finish memorable lines from these films -- and that transcends generations.

Bachchan's signature dance moves (think Shava Shava in the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham") are copied at every Indian celebration. His songs -- he's recorded several for his movies in his unmistakeable baritone -- are classics that are played on the radio every day.

In short, Bachchan's influence is everywhere.

Soft power

To really get a sense of the soft power Bachchan wields, let me take you back to 1982.

Bachchan suffered a near-fatal accident while shooting a fight sequence for a movie "Coolie". I was not even 10 years old at that time but my memories of this moment in India's history are vivid.

Life came to a standstill. The nation prematurely mourned, the nation prayed. It prayed hard. Police were deployed to manage the crowd outside the hospital where he was being treated. It felt like the country held its collective breath until the star made a miraculous recovery.

I don't recall another time that India has rallied for one individual the way it did for Bachchan.

That's Bachchan the film star. Now let me tell you about Bachchan the TV star -- a role that brought him right into the living rooms of millions of Indians and even closer to his fans.

In 2000, Bachchan became the host of a television game show called "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) -- the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". It was a game changer. People got to see their favorite Indian play himself.

Bachchan floored fans with his warmth and humility, and the unaffected manner with which he engaged the everyday guests on his show.

The response was staggering. I remember trying to make dinner plans with friends. Yes, sure, they would see me. But only after KBC.

The power of celebrity

With such stardom comes huge responsibility. Bachchan seems to be well aware of the weight he shoulders.

He's been careful to steer clear of controversy, doesn't like to speak about his brief stint in politics, and any comments made in public are carefully worded. When he does choose to throw his weight behind a cause though, the impact is tremendous.

Who else has the power to make a billion plus people listen?

Bachchan recently starred in courtroom drama "Pink", in which he plays the role of a lawyer fighting for three young female victims of unwanted sexual advances. The three women live in New Delhi, often considered one of the most unsafe cities for women in India.

The film has received rave reviews by both critics and fans and has reignited a national conversation about a woman's place in Indian society.

Bachchan himself has gone beyond the promotional circuit to talk passionately about gender equality.

In multiple interviews, as well as on his blog, social media, and at public appearances, he has strongly backed a woman's right to be herself and not be judged by society. Empowered by "Brand Bachchan", "Pink" has become much more than a movie. It's become a movement and the message behind it is this -- "when a woman says no, it means no."

At 74, Bachchan has delivered his most powerful message yet to his country.

I hope India is listening.