When Amitabh Bachchan wanted to become auto-rickshaw driver for THIS reason: 'Even got my driving license...'

Amitabh Bachchan is widely regarded as a legendary actor in Indian cinema due to his unparalleled career span of over five decades. His versatility has effortlessly helped him transition between genres, and portray iconic roles in films like Sholay, Deewar, and Black. Interestingly, he once harboured ambitions of becoming an auto-rickshaw driver, and he even took steps to prepare for the profession, a stark contrast to his eventual rise to cinematic stardom.

In a surprising revelation, Amitabh shared on Kaun Banega Crorepati that he once considered driving an auto-rickshaw for a living, even going so far as to prepare for it. The legendary actor candidly discussed what led him to contemplate this unusual career path and what ultimately changed his mind. He revealed initial setbacks when his first few films didn't succeed prompted him to consider alternative careers. 

Before moving to Mumbai, Amitabh worked in Kolkata with a humble salary. Undeterred, he obtained a driving license as a backup plan, contemplating a career as a taxi driver if acting didn't pan out. “I had worked in two or three films, but they didn’t succeed, which left me discouraged. Before moving to Mumbai, I worked in Kolkata, earning just 400-500 rupees a month. But when I arrived in Mumbai, I was determined to make it work. I thought, if I didn’t find work in films, I would drive a taxi. I even got my driving license in preparation.” he said. 

Before Amitabh's iconic role in Deewaar, he starred in Salim-Javed's Zanjeer, which helped revive his struggling career. Reminiscing about how he landed the iconic role, he said that at the time, Rajesh Khanna was India's biggest superstar, with a massive following and an aura that drew worshippers. “Kya aura tha, kya following thi…His presence was so powerful that when he arrived, women would take the dirt from his car’s tyres and apply it to their foreheads as a blessing. I was a nobody.” He recalled how Salim-Javed insisted on casting him for the role, despite him being a relatively unknown face.