Amitabh Bachchan, often referred to as the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, has a career filled with remarkable stories and iconic moments.
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One of the most significant events in his life occurred during the filming of the 1983 movie Coolie, which became an unforgettable part of his personal and professional history.
The Coolie Accident – A Near-Death Experience
While shooting a fight scene for Coolie, Amitabh Bachchan sustained a life-threatening injury. During an action sequence with actor Puneet Issar, Bachchan mistimed a jump and struck his abdomen on a table’s edge, causing a rupture in his intestines. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition deteriorated rapidly. At one point, he was declared clinically dead for a few minutes before doctors managed to revive him.
This accident became a national concern, with millions of fans across India praying for his recovery. His wife, Jaya Bachchan, famously visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai barefoot, praying for his health.
Miraculously, after several surgeries and a long hospital stay, Amitabh made a full recovery, calling it his “rebirth.” He returned to the set of Coolie to finish the movie, which became a box-office hit partly due to the emotional connection audiences had with his real-life survival story.
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Political Career and Return to Bollywood
In the mid-1980s, after his Coolie accident, Amitabh took a break from acting and entered politics at the urging of his close friend, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He contested in the 1984 general elections and won a seat in the Indian Parliament. However, disillusioned by the political landscape, he resigned after three years and returned to Bollywood.
The Comeback with Kaun Banega Crorepati
By the late 1990s, Amitabh’s career was on a decline, and he was also facing severe financial difficulties. It was during this time that he took a bold decision to host a TV game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), which turned out to be a game-changer.
The show’s massive success not only revived his career but also re-established him as a beloved figure in Indian households.
His dignified presence and hosting skills helped redefine his public image, leading to a second phase of stardom in films such as Mohabbatein (2000).
Black (2005)
Paa (2009)
Amitabh Bachchan’s journey is a tale of determination, resilience, and the ability to reinvent himself across decades in the public eye. Today, he continues to remain one of the most respected and beloved figures in Indian cinema, even at the age of 80. His work ethic, humility, and connection with audiences have earned him the admiration of generations of fans.
