Maira Gupta, Grade 11
UWCSEA East Campus
There is always that one person in our lives who we look upto. Most of the time, this is one of our family parents, most often parents, siblings etc. But what if you were asked who your idol is, and you had to answer with someone who is not related to you.
My answer to this would be Amitabh Bachchan - famous Bollywood actor who has done a plethora of films and made a huge name for himself in the industry. His acting is great and his personality even more admirable, but the key reason I chose to write about him is because of his inspiring, difficult journey that he travelled to get himself where he is today.
Even at the age of 79 today (2022), he is one of the most influential actors and is prominently seen working hosting GK (general knowledge) shows such as ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (Who wants to be a Millionaire?) and even starring in movies. I think this is enough proof to show that he is truly significant and has done many exceptional works that are still regarded as some of the most iconic and timeless films of all time in the industry.
Q:What inspired you to be an actor?
A: Hi! Thanks so much for having me. So I have grown up in a house where free expression was our artistic legacy. Our Father. Mr. Harivansh Rai had already established himself as a Hindi writing poet, yet, quite ironically he received a doctorate in English literature from Cambridge University! Now our Mother, Ms. Teji Bachchan had a keen interest in theatre. So she was the one who first, originally sparked the interest in the performing arts, but still even at that time, films were something that was never really an option.
So quite honestly in the early years while growing up, I never thought as a child that I'd enter films. When we went to see films in Allahabad, I never imagined that one day, you know, I'll actually be on that big screen."
So I had started my studies in Allahabad and then I went to Sherwood College, which was a boarding school in the hills of Nainital. Now this place holds a very special place in my heart. It's the place where I was able to truly find my direction in life and recognize that I am interested in the acting industry.
After completing formal education from Kirori Mal College of Delhi with double Master of Arts degrees from Delhi University, I travelled eastward to Calcutta to earn my livelihood. My first job at the time was with Shaw Wallace and I then later worked as a freight broker for the shipping firm Bird and Co. But considerations of livelihood and a regular pay at the end of the month was no compensation for what the heart desired. By 1968, I had decided to give it all up, and fully focus on what I really wanted to do, which was acting.
Q:What struggles did you have to face?
So, as I told, I had decided to finally pursue acting, so I boarded a train to what was often called the city of opportunities- Mumbai. For some time it seemed to me that you know my unconventional looks and great height would make my way back to a life of dejection. Every filmmaker that I had approached during those days thought he was too tall at 6 feet 3 inches. They thought him a bit too dark to be exposed on film. These things, like physical features mattered a lot in the day right, actors had to fit that small specific set of characteristics. Through multiple attempts, I only failed again and again. I was also rejected by All India Radio after an audition test- so basically, nothing worked out. Then in 1969, when I was on the verge of giving it all up, came my break as Khwaja Ahmed Abbas ,in Saat Hindustani where I played one of the seven.This film wasn't really a big financial success, but for this film, I won my first ever National Award as the best newcomer.Now just because of one award, does not mean the road became any easier! I still had to struggle and make my way up. What one would imagine is that producers must be lining up to sign me, but no no, not yet at all. All these things were far far from happening. I started doing voice overs and smaller roles that took his career nowhere. Eventually though, more people joined my journey, helped me, supported me and essentially helped me get to where I am today. It wasn't an easy ride, but no one said it was going to be.
Image Courtesy: https://starsunfolded.com/amitabh-bachchan/
My answer to this would be Amitabh Bachchan - famous Bollywood actor who has done a plethora of films and made a huge name for himself in the industry. His acting is great and his personality even more admirable, but the key reason I chose to write about him is because of his inspiring, difficult journey that he travelled to get himself where he is today.
Even at the age of 79 today (2022), he is one of the most influential actors and is prominently seen working hosting GK (general knowledge) shows such as ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (Who wants to be a Millionaire?) and even starring in movies. I think this is enough proof to show that he is truly significant and has done many exceptional works that are still regarded as some of the most iconic and timeless films of all time in the industry.
Q:What inspired you to be an actor?
A: Hi! Thanks so much for having me. So I have grown up in a house where free expression was our artistic legacy. Our Father. Mr. Harivansh Rai had already established himself as a Hindi writing poet, yet, quite ironically he received a doctorate in English literature from Cambridge University! Now our Mother, Ms. Teji Bachchan had a keen interest in theatre. So she was the one who first, originally sparked the interest in the performing arts, but still even at that time, films were something that was never really an option.
So quite honestly in the early years while growing up, I never thought as a child that I'd enter films. When we went to see films in Allahabad, I never imagined that one day, you know, I'll actually be on that big screen."
So I had started my studies in Allahabad and then I went to Sherwood College, which was a boarding school in the hills of Nainital. Now this place holds a very special place in my heart. It's the place where I was able to truly find my direction in life and recognize that I am interested in the acting industry.
After completing formal education from Kirori Mal College of Delhi with double Master of Arts degrees from Delhi University, I travelled eastward to Calcutta to earn my livelihood. My first job at the time was with Shaw Wallace and I then later worked as a freight broker for the shipping firm Bird and Co. But considerations of livelihood and a regular pay at the end of the month was no compensation for what the heart desired. By 1968, I had decided to give it all up, and fully focus on what I really wanted to do, which was acting.
Q:What struggles did you have to face?
So, as I told, I had decided to finally pursue acting, so I boarded a train to what was often called the city of opportunities- Mumbai. For some time it seemed to me that you know my unconventional looks and great height would make my way back to a life of dejection. Every filmmaker that I had approached during those days thought he was too tall at 6 feet 3 inches. They thought him a bit too dark to be exposed on film. These things, like physical features mattered a lot in the day right, actors had to fit that small specific set of characteristics. Through multiple attempts, I only failed again and again. I was also rejected by All India Radio after an audition test- so basically, nothing worked out. Then in 1969, when I was on the verge of giving it all up, came my break as Khwaja Ahmed Abbas ,in Saat Hindustani where I played one of the seven.This film wasn't really a big financial success, but for this film, I won my first ever National Award as the best newcomer.Now just because of one award, does not mean the road became any easier! I still had to struggle and make my way up. What one would imagine is that producers must be lining up to sign me, but no no, not yet at all. All these things were far far from happening. I started doing voice overs and smaller roles that took his career nowhere. Eventually though, more people joined my journey, helped me, supported me and essentially helped me get to where I am today. It wasn't an easy ride, but no one said it was going to be.
Image Courtesy: https://starsunfolded.com/amitabh-bachchan/
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