Meet actor who owns three bungalows, went bankrupt once, requested work, shifted to TV, he is now...

There is hardly anyone in this world who isn't aware of the aura and presence of Amitabh Bachchan, a megastar and a pioneer in the film industry. While many people remember Amitabh Bachchan for his success, there are only a few who are aware of his numerous struggles to get there. With a film career spanning over five decades, Amitabh Bachchan has played pivotal roles in over 200 films, but his journey to becoming the 'Star of the Millennium' was anything but easy. 

Today, Amitabh Bachchan needs no introduction, but there was a time when he came into the city of dreams with only a driver's license. He used to earn just Rs 50 for a living and used to sleep on Marine Drive due to lack of accommodation. 

In the late 1960s, Amitabh Bachchan applied to be a newsreader for All India Radio, Delhi but "failed the audition" as his voice did not fit their criteria. Amitabh Bachchan then worked as a business executive for Bird & Company in Kolkata. 

Amitabh Bachchan made his film debut in 1969, as a voice narrator but his debut as a lead actor came with 'Saat Hindustani'. Amitabh Bachchan worked in many films after that but failed to establish himself in the industry. 

He was seen as a "failed newcomer" who, by the age of 30, had 12 flop films and only two successes - 'Bombay to Goa' and 'Anand'. 

However, Amitabh Bachchan's fate changed when he starred in 'Zanjeer'. It established the actor in a new persona - the "angry young man" of Bollywood. He then starred in several hits like 'Sholay', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan', and more. 

Amitabh Bachchan established himself as a superstar in the 70s, however, things again took a dark turn in the 80s. In July 1982, while filming 'Coolie', the actor had a near-fatal intestinal injury. Amitabh Bachchan underwent multiple surgeries and emerged victorious in the face of death. However, this injury severely impacted his path to success. 

A little later when he was diagnosed with Myasthenia gravis, Amitabh Bachchan took a sabbatical from the industry and ventured into politics.

Despite seeing so many struggles, Amitabh Bachchan refused to give up. He turned producer during his temporary retirement period and set up the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation, Ltd. (ABCL) in 1996. ABCL, which initially was profitable, soon spiraled into debt. ABCL ended up owing over Rs 100 crore to financial institutions, bringing the superstar on the verge of bankruptcy. 

In 2000, while facing financial ruin, Amitabh Bachchan found a lifeline with Yash Chopra's film 'Mohabbatein'. Amitabh Bachchan then played several roles, appearing as an older family patriarch, and established himself yet again, as one of the most versatile actors the world has ever seen. 

In the same year, Amitabh Bachchan also ventured into the television world and hosted the first season of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC). This move, combined with his array of hit films, forever established Amitabh Bachchan as a megastar and a cultural icon. 

Amitabh Bachchan is an exceptional example of someone being brought down repeatedly in life, personally and professionally, and yet he fought back. Now 81, Amitabh Bachchan is still one of the most famous names in the Indian film industry. He is still working, fighting, and succeeding, despite all odds.

Today, Amitabh Bachchan charges around Rs 6 crore per film and Rs 5 to Rs 8 crore per endorsement. The superstar's net worth is estimated to be a massive Rs 3,160 crore. 

Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bachchan own five bungalows in the Juhu-Vile Parle Development Scheme. They also own two flats in Juhu, an apartment in France, and a flat in Gurgaon. He resides with his family in Mumbai at the opulent 'Jalsa' which is no less than a tourist attraction. 

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