15 interesting facts about Amitabh Bachchan you may not know

Amitabh Bachchan's character often died on-screen in successful films like Deewar and Sholay.

His character in Coolie was also supposed to die, but following the on-set accident that nearly claimed the superstar's life, director Manmohan Desai decided to alter the climax and Big B's character was kept alive.

Amitabh Bachchan has also been a narrator for prominent films. In fact, he made his film debut in 1969 as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen's National Award-winning Bhuvan Shome.

Before venturing into Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan attempted to become a radio host, but was turned down by All India Radio in Delhi.

The legendary actor has made a special appearance as himself in a number of films like Guddi, Gol Maal and Hero Hiralal.

During Amitabh's days of struggle, Mehmood offered him a place to stay in his home.

Apart from acting, Amitabh Bachchan hasn't shied away from singing as well. He sang Main Yahan Tu Wahan from Baghban, Ekla Chalo Re for the Vidya Balan-starrer ,Kahaani and Bol Bachchan from the film of the same name. His Mere Angane Mein song from Lawaaris remains among his most popular ones.

Sunil Dutt cast him as a mute in 'Reshma Aur Shera' after receiving a letter of recommendation from then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to friend Nargis.

From 1969 until 1973, Amitabh had 12 straight flops before scoring his first hit, Zanjeer.

The 1994 film Insaaniyat was his last release before he took a brief sabbatical from acting. The film was scheduled to release in 1991, but was delayed due to several factors, which included the death of co-stars Nutan and Vinod Mehra.

Like in films, Big B was also a trendsetter on the small screen. At the time when movie stars shied away from appearing on television, Amitabh Bachchan took up the challenge of hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati. Television viewing was never the same again.

The Amitabh-Jaya Bachchan starrer Abhimaan released only a month after their marriage, in 1973.

Amitabh Bachchan's screen name has been Vijay in more than 20 films.

In a career spanning over four decades, Big B has played double roles in 14 films.

Here's wishing Big B a very happy birthday!