Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has opened up about the difficult beginnings of his acting career, recalling how he faced repeated criticism and rejection before becoming one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated stars.
During a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, Bachchan spoke with Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medalists Lovlina Borgohain, Jhandu Kumar, Sharmila Dhankar and Asmita Dey about the challenges he faced early in his career.
Asmita asked whether Bachchan, like athletes who are often corrected by their coaches, had also been reprimanded while working on film sets.
Bachchan said he had faced plenty of criticism when he was starting out. Some people even questioned his suitability for acting because of his height.
According to the veteran actor, he was told that he did not know how to act and was “too tall,” with some people even suggesting that he should simply go home.
Even after he began receiving acting opportunities, Bachchan said directors and colleagues continued to point out his mistakes. He recalled being instructed on everything from where to stand to how to deliver dialogue.
Rather than being discouraged, he said those experiences helped him improve gradually. Constant feedback and correction eventually helped him develop his craft.
Bachchan also recalled an incident when he arrived late for a shoot and was asked to leave the set. At the time, he did not own a car and had travelled to the location in someone else’s vehicle.
When he arrived, the director was waiting outside and told him that the shoot had already finished and the others had left. Bachchan was then asked to leave as well.
The veteran actor’s recollections offer a glimpse into the struggles he faced before achieving stardom. His journey from being criticized for his appearance and acting ability to becoming one of Bollywood’s most iconic figures is a reminder that success often comes after years of setbacks.
On the professional front, Bachchan is set to appear alongside Prabhas in Kalki 2. The highly anticipated film is currently scheduled for a theatrical release in December 2027.
