Unquestionably India’s biggest celebrity is “Big B,” as he is affectionately known by his fans, and is also one of the wealthiest performers in the nation right now. But there was a point when he was going through a terrible financial crisis and was neck-deep in debt.
While his admirers have used Twitter to wish him a happy birthday by tweeting various iconic quotes and excerpts from his uncountable blockbusters, another video has gone viral today in honor of his birthday. In that video, the legendary actor from Bollywood talks about his tough times and how Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, volunteered to help him when he practically went bankrupt in the 1990s.
According to reports, the film is from a celebration of Reliance Industries Ltd.’s 40th anniversary that took place in 2017. Amitabh Bachchan said during the ceremony that when Dhirubhai Ambani learned about his financial difficulties, he told his son Anil Ambani to assist him by handing him some money. When reflecting on the event, Big B said, “The amount of money he was trying to gift me would have put an end to all my problems. He was so kind, it made me cry. I was concerned, though, that I wouldn’t be able to reciprocate his kindness. Thankfully, things have changed. I started working and repaid all of the loans.”
The renowned actor recounted yet another interaction with the Reliance founder at the occasion. “I attended one of the events when all the prominent business people and celebrities were invited as Anil Ambani’s guests. This youngster fell but got back up on his own, Dhirubhai beckoned me in front of the visitors as I sat quietly speaking with Anil. He has my respect for it.”
Years later, at the yearly celebration, Amitabh Bachchan declared that he still values those comments more than the sum of money Dhirubhai Ambani offered him.
When compared to Big B’s net worth of Rs 60.52 crore in 1999, his debts hit an all-time high of Rs 90 crore, leaving the firm in ruins.
Big B has claimed in several interviews that his famed bungalow Pratiksha was threatened with confiscation and creditors started showing up at his home to demand their money back. In order to get its money back, Canara Bank actually asked the Mumbai High Court for permission to attach Pratiksha.
All terrible things must come to an end, and the actor’s situation improved when Kaun Banega Crorepati came his way. The performer agreed to host the programme. Amitabh Bachchan made his television hosting debut on July 3, 2000, with the opening of the first season of KBC on Star TV. The first season of KBC was a huge hit.
In addition, Big B requested employment from his former buddy, coworker, and director Yash Chopra. With the help of Mohabbatein, Big B returned to Bollywood, and the rest is history. Over time, he not only paid off all of his debts, but he also regained his popularity and prosperity.
Source: OpIndia
