— Tanveer Zaidi (Actor, Author, Educationist)
Let me start the write-up with Warm Birthday greetings, best wishes, congratulations, regards to the Living Legend and one of the most influential Superstars of the Planet earth, Amitabh Bachchan . As he celebrate 82 years of his remarkable life, I wish him more energy with best of his health, lot’s of wealth and infinite happiness.
Today is October 11, 2024, exactly 82 years ago in 1942 a baby was born to a Hindi litterateur/ Poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, Father gave his child a unique name– Amitabh Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The child grew up and became one of the most iconic film Superstars in the history of Indian cinema. Superstar of the Millennium- Amitabh Bachchan started his schooling from Boy’s High School
Allahabad, later he went to Sherwood College, Simla.
After completing his education he moved to Calcutta (Now Kolkata), but this 6’2 tall man wasn’t made for an ordinary job, destiny had something precious for him, he went to Bombay ( Now Mumbai ) after winning a contest by Filmfare.
Amitabh Bachchan’s father was very near and dear to the Nehru/ Gandhi family, it is said and believed that with the reference of Indira Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan met Nargis, Sunil Dutt snd khwaja Ahmad Abbas, these three big personalities helped him in his debut. He was launched through Sunil Dutt’s ‘Reshma aur Shera’ with a small role. He got a full fledged role in a film titled ‘Saat Hindustani’. He was one of the seven protagonists in the film ‘Saat Hindustani,’ directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas and rest is the History.
After hard times and long struggle, slowly and gradually Amitabh Bachchan became the biggest Superstar of the country, he was felicitated by many titles ie Superstar, One man Industry, Angry young man, Superstar of the Millennium etc.
Amid his Superstardom Amitabh Bachchan joined Indian National Congress and Contested Parliamentary Election from our constituency in hometown Allahabad ( now Prayagraj ) opposite Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, a great Politician.
Amitabh Bachchan won with a huge difference of two lakhs vote. During election campaign We met quite a few times, I remember one incident engraved on my heart from our first meeting.
He came in my locality, I was a kid but got a place to sit on the stage beside him, people were shouting, clapping, making noise but avoiding all the ruckus I introduced myself to him with few words, ” Sir, I am Tanveer Zaidi, I am your biggest fan.” I was a fortunate guy that he not only paid attention to my words with a smile, also, he took hold of my hand for almost 5 minutes, although his eyeballs were busy watching and inspecting other colleagues on the stage.
My hand in his hand was just like an academy award’s trophy for me, I felt like in heavens as I knew that he is an endearing personality, a living legend.
He was famous for his admirable qualities that stand out. His companionate behaviour, charitable actions and humbleness were not unknown. His dedication to work was an inspiration for everyone. His baritone voice and his characters played on the silver screen won applauds and love of the country.
However we met quite a few times more.
I am very much thankful and highly obliged to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan as he wished me Good luck through his blog for my film Kahe Gaye Pardes Piya in 2009, his kind gesture and blessings for me created news for almost all the newspapers.
For our generation Amitabh Bachchan is Goat (Greatest Of All Time).