Last Updated:October 23, 2025, 18:27 IST

From his “Angry Young Man” image to becoming the “Sadi Ke Mahanayak” Amitabh Bachchan is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan has received 6 National Film Awards, 16 Filmfare Awards. (Photo Credit: X)

Amitabh Bachchan, the ‘Shahenshah’ of Bollywood, needs no introduction. With a career spanning over five decades, he has starred in over 200 films and delivered some of the groundbreaking performances in the history of Indian cinema. From his “Angry Young Man” image to becoming the “Sadi ke Mahanayak” (Superstar of the Century), he is undoubtedly one of the greatest, most accomplished and commercially successful actors in Indian cinema.

His dominance in the industry during the 1970s–80s even led French director François Truffaut to describe it as a “one-man industry.” He has received several accolades, including six National Film Awards and 16 Filmfare Awards.

Here’s a look back at some of his outstanding performances to celebrate his rich legacy:

Don (1978)

“Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai”, this iconic dialogue delivered by Amitabh Bachchan alone proved why he is the biggest superstar. Directed by Chandra Barot, the 1978 classic featured Big B in a double role as the notorious Don and his doppelganger Vijay. The film also starred Helen, Pran and Zeenat Aman in key roles. Watch it now on Zee5.

Sholay (1975)

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay quickly became a cult classic upon its release in 1975. The film’s iconic characters, Jai, Veeru, Gabbar, Thakur and Basanti along with its gripping storyline, have cemented its place as a fan favourite, with its dialogues still quoted by audiences today.

The plot follows Jai and Veeru, two petty criminals hired by former police officer Thakur Baldev Singh to capture the dacoit Gabbar Singh, who has been terrorising Thakur’s village and family. The film also stars Dharmendra, Hema Malini, the late Amjad Khan and Sanjeev Kumar in pivotal roles. Sholay continues to captivate viewers and is available for streaming on Prime Video.

Deewar (1975)

Released in 1975, Deewaar remains a landmark in Indian cinema, remembered for its unforgettable dialogues, intense performances and engaging narrative. Helmed by the late Yash Chopra, the film starred Amitabh Bachchan alongside Shashi Kapoor, Nirupa Roy, Neetu Singh and Praveen Babi in pivotal roles. You can stream this classic on Zee5 or Prime Video.

Black (2005)

In this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Bachchan played a strict teacher to Rani Mukerji’s deaf and blind character. It showed a young woman struggling with both blindness and loss of hearing and how a gifted teacher brings light into her black world. The film was based on Helen Keller’s life and struggles. Amitabh’s performance in this film counted as one of his best role’s ever.

Piku (2015)

Amitabh Bachchan, usually seen in larger-than-life roles, played Bhaskor Banerjee, the 70-year-old father of Deepika Padukone’s Piku. The film, directed by Shoojit Sircar, follows their road trip from Delhi to Kolkata, with Irrfan Khan as the reluctant taxi driver. The authentic and relatable performances of each actor made Piku a heartwarming and comforting watch. For his role, Bachchan won his fourth National Film Award, further showing that his talent only grows with time.

Kashvi Raj Singh

Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-…Read More

Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-… Read More