Amitabh Bachchan celebrates 80th birthday: Wishes from Narendra Modi, Rajinikanth pour in

Bollywood’s ‘Angry Young Man’ is celebrating his 80th birthday today on October 11. Bachchan has been active in Bollywood for over five decades. The actor’s net worth is reportedly over $400 million. The Bachchan legacy is one to admire, and the entire family including his son Abhishek and wife Jaya is in the creative industry.

The ‘Shahenshah’ [Emperor] of Bollywood, Bachchan is a prolific social media user and on his birthday he blogged about it. He posted on his blog that he had another 365 days have begun for him and thanked everyone for showering him with love and care. The Bollywood legend took to his blog and wrote: "And another 365 .. and another begins .. as do many other begins .. beginnings are required .. they provide ends .. and ends need love and grace and care to be accomplished .." "It is impossible for me to even attempt what your love and affection means to me .. so I fold my hands and pray for all in the spirit of generous gratitude."

Marking Big B's special day, Prime Minister Modi wished the megastar and called him an actor who has enthralled and entertained audiences across generations. "A very happy 80th birthday to Amitabh Bachchan Ji. He is one of India's most remarkable film personalities who has enthralled and entertained audiences across generations. May he lead a long and healthy life. @SrBachchan," Modi tweeted.

Inspired by the legend, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth taking to Twitter, wrote: "The legend... Someone who has inspired me always. The one true sensation and superhero of our glorious Indian film fraternity enters 80. Happy birthday my dearest and most respected Amitabh ji. With lots of love and best regards always."

However, it was his daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda's comment that caught the eye of many. Taking to Instagram, Shweta shared a bunch of photographs featuring her adorable moments spent with her father. In one of the images, we can see Big B holding little Shweta's hands. Another picture shows little Big B standing with his late parents Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan.

As she posted those nostalgic images, Shweta chose to use the lyrics of Abida Parveen and Naseebo Lal's song 'Tu Jhoom'. "Peeda nu mai seene laavan..Te mai hasdi jaavan..Oooh, peeda nu mai seene laavan..Te mai hasdi jaavan..Dhuppan de naal lad-lad ke ve labhiya apniyan chaavan..Dukh v apne, sukh v apne, mai te bas eh jaana..Sab nu samajh ke ki karna aye..Dil nu eh samjhavan..Tu jhoom, jhoom, jhoom, jhoomTu jhoom, jhoom, jhoom, jhoom -- To my grand old man Happy 80th Birthday," she wrote.

Sharing a throwback photo from the iconic film ‘Sholay' Dharmendra posted picture from the film, calling Bachhan 'most talented actor'. He tweeted "Amit, love you. I got a news from RajShiri production that you are doing a film with them. Great. Most talented actor and the best production house together. Wish you all the best," he wrote.

With around 200 movies under his belt there’s no sign of the actor slowing down in his career anytime soon. Here are the future projects that the actor is set to be a part of. His enigmatic style and presence remains undiminished and is still a big draw.

‘The Intern’: The death of actor Rishi Kapoor in April 2020 left a gaping hole in the film industry, and left the Indian remake of Hollywood movie ‘The Intern’ without a lead actor. In April this year, it was announced that Bachchan would step in and take over the role as Robert De Niro’s character from the original. Deepika Padukone will play Anne Hathaway’s role.

‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’: Apart from his movies, Bachchan will continue to charm audiences as the dignified quiz master on this long-running reality show that he has hosted since 2000. All seasons except the third one was hosted by Bachchan – that season was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. The octogenarian filmed the 14th season in August 2022.

Ahead of his 80th birthday, the 'Agneepath' star released his new family drama 'Goodbye', which is currently running in the UAE theatres, starring Rashmika Mandanna.

A day before he rang in his 80th birthday, the icon revealed his character from 'Uunchai' through a telling poster. The film focusses on the friendship between Boman Irani, Amitabh and Anupam Kher's characters. It also stars Neena Gupta, Sarika and Parineeti Chopra. The poster depicts the two sides of Amitabh. One is seen sitting in the backdrop of a hilltop amid a mesmerising view of the Himalayas. On the other hand, he seems to be the centre of attraction for all the women around him. Sharing the poster, he wrote, "This one from @rajshrifilms is special..Meet me as Amit Shrivastava in #Uunchai on 11.11.22. This movie is directed by Sooraj Barjatya.

Here's hoping that this icon continues to entertain and win over his audiences with one riveting film at a time. Bachchan also has a big following in the UAE and has often visited this country to promote his films. He was also a part of Dubai International Film Festival.