Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan turns 84 today, October 11, and fans and celebrities have taken to social media to wish the legendary actor on his birthday. Celebrations are in full swing outside his Mumbai residence, with fans gathering in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their favourite star and wish him on his special day.
Many fans have been waiting outside his residence since Saturday night for Big B's birthday appearance. They are also looking forward to his Sunday ritual of meeting and greeting fans outside his residence, Jalsa.
As Amitabh Bachchan celebrates another year of his remarkable life and career, it is the perfect occasion to revisit his love story with wife, Jaya Bachchan, their marriage that has lasted more than five decades, and some of his most iconic dialogues that continue to live on in the hearts of cinema lovers.
Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's love story
Did you know that Jaya Bachchan was the first to fall for Amitabh Bachchan? Over the years, their relationship developed into one of Bollywood's most talked-about love stories.
Jaya first noticed Amitabh when she was a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. The two later met on the sets of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Guddi, and their friendship gradually grew into something deeper.
Years later, Jaya recalled the early days of their relationship during a conversation with Simi Garewal. Reflecting on her first impressions of Amitabh, she said, "When I first met him, I saw danger."
Amitabh, who was sitting beside her, appeared surprised by the remark. Jaya explained that he was the only person who could influence her decisions in a way that few others could.
"I got frightened because he was the only one who, out of a lot of people that I've known, could dictate things to me and I allowed him to do that," she said.
She clarified that Amitabh was not necessarily someone who ordered her around. Rather, even when he made a mild suggestion, she found herself wanting to follow it because she wanted to please him.
Before Amitabh was dropped from Guddi, the two had already started spending time together, initially in groups. Both were living independently in Bombay, now Mumbai, and gradually discovered how much they enjoyed each other's company.
Although Jaya sensed a romantic connection, Amitabh was reserved and did not openly express his feelings. Recalling those days in a conversation with Bhawana, Jaya said she could see that he enjoyed her company, but she was unsure whether he felt the same way romantically.
Jaya Bachchan recalls Amitabh wasn't an 'easy boyfriend'
Their relationship reportedly became more serious while they were working on the 1972 film Ek Nazar. A major argument between the two in Pune marked a turning point in their relationship, and resolving it brought them closer.
Jaya recalled that Amitabh would often ask her, "I care for you, do you?" However, he would say it casually, almost as a joke, leaving her uncertain about his feelings.
She also revealed that Amitabh never formally proposed to her, and she remained unsure about the seriousness of their relationship until they decided to get married.
Describing him as an introverted and hypersensitive person, Jaya admitted that he was not an easy boyfriend. Nevertheless, by then, she had come to understand him and their relationship had grown stronger.
How Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan got married
The success of Zanjeer in 1973 proved to be a turning point in Amitabh's career. The couple had planned to travel to London with friends to celebrate the film's success.
However, when their parents learnt about their travel plans, they insisted that the two get married before leaving. The couple subsequently tied the knot in June 1973 in a private ceremony.
Their marriage also came with an understanding about work and family life. During an episode of her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast, What The Hell Navya, Jaya recalled that Amitabh had made his expectations clear.
"We had decided we will marry in October, because by then my work would have reduced. But he had told me, 'I definitely don't want a wife who will be 9 to 5. Please work, but not every day. You choose your projects and work with the right people'," she recalled.
Amitabh and Jaya have now been married for more than five decades. Like any long relationship, their marriage has experienced its share of ups and downs.
Speaking about the challenges of marriage, Jaya once observed that when two sensitive and creative people live together, disagreements can arise easily. She also shared that understanding when to speak and when to remain silent had helped her navigate the relationship.
The couple have two children, daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda and son Abhishek Bachchan. They are also grandparents to Navya Naveli Nanda, Agastya Nanda and Aaradhya Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan's most iconic dialogues
Apart from his memorable performances and personal life, Amitabh Bachchan has given Indian cinema several dialogues that remain popular across generations. From his angry young man roles to his larger-than-life screen characters, these lines have become part of Bollywood's cultural legacy.
"Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai!" – Don (1978)
One of Amitabh Bachchan's most recognisable dialogues comes from the action-crime film Don. The actor played a dual role, portraying the ruthless underworld figure Don and Vijay, a simple street singer who becomes entangled in a dangerous mission.
"Rishte mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hain, naam hai Shahenshah!" – Shahenshah (1988)
The dialogue continues to be remembered for its powerful delivery and larger-than-life appeal.
"Main aaj bhi phenke hue paise nahin uthata" – Deewaar (1975)
"Hum jahan khade ho jaate hain, line wahi se shuru hoti hai" – Kaalia (1981)
"Keh diya na... bas keh diya" – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
International Business Times, India wishes Amitabh Bachchan a very Happy Birthday!
