Amitabh Bachchan at 82: Bollywood Sees Him as an Actor, South Treats Him Like a Star*

Amitabh Bachchan, who celebrates his 82nd birthday this Friday, remains one of Indian cinema's greatest icons. His presence is unmatched, and his legacy is undeniable. However, industry insiders say Bollywood has increasingly limited his roles, often casting him in "grandfather" parts, while the South continues to embrace his megastar status.

In 1991, while filming in Jaipur, Bachchan went to watch Hum at the Raj Mandir cinema, and despite no announcements, a massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of him. "Even today, that kind of crowd doesn't show up for stars with a PR blitz," said veteran distributor Raj Bansal, highlighting Bachchan's unmatched aura.

While Bachchan's career soared in the 70s with his "Angry Young Man" persona, insiders believe Bollywood is no longer utilizing his star power effectively. As exhibitor, Vishek Chauhan pointed out, "Bollywood sees Bachchan as an actor, while the South continues to treat him as a megastar." This distinction is evident in his roles: in Kalki 2898 AD (a Telugu blockbuster), Bachchan was cast as the towering, action-packed Ashwathama. In contrast, Bollywood has largely confined him to more subdued, character-driven roles, often sidelining his larger-than-life image.