By Oindrila Muhuri Last Updated:
Amitabh Bachchan needs no introduction. He is one of the most loved actors of his generation. From the beginning of his career in the 1970s with films like Zanjeer, Deewar, Anand, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, to non-stop giving one after other magnanimous performances to date, Amitabh is indeed a gem of Indian cinema. However, once he had a near-death situation, and doctors told him that his acting career was finished. Now, we stumbled upon an interview, wherein, his 1988 released film, Shahenshah's director, Tinnu Anand, revealed the same.
In a throwback interview with Radio Nasha, Tinnu Anand recalled an incident when Amitabh Bachchan informed him about being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Tinnu mentioned that when he reached Mysore, he learned that Amitabh got himself injured on the sets of his film, Shahenshah. Thus, the legendary actor wanted to go to Bangalore for a checkup. And as he reached there, Amitabh calmly explained his condition to Tinnu. In the director's words:
“When I reached Mysore, I was told that he(Amitabh Bachchan) ’s got injured and he’s been taken to Bangalore for a checkup and he has asked you to come to Bangalore. So I reached there and I was told to wait in the hotel where I will meet Amitabh. And then finally, when he arrived, he knew the kind of jittery person I was. He said, ‘just sit down, please, before you fall.’ I’ve got bad news for you.’”
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Further, in the same conversation, Tinnu mentioned that the condition even made it difficult for Amitabh to sip water. The legendary actor was already in a near-death situation. The director continued:
“He asked me to cancel my schedule as he has got something called Myasthenia Gravis, which is a disease of the muscles. He said, ‘During the shoot when I was taking a sip of water, it got stuck in my throat. The message to my brain did not go that I have to swallow it, so it got stuck. I nearly died, suffocating on it.’ He explained that he has been asked to go to Bombay for a checkup and complete rest. He said the doctors had warned him that I might never be able to work again.’ I collapsed, I think he called an ambulance.”
Following this came a report in a newspaper, which changed everything in Amitabh's life. According to Tinnu, a journalist named Khalid Mohamad wrote that he had a meeting with Amitabh and the latter said, "Sorry, I have to give up on acting." This, soon changed the entire situation drastically, and people started finding a replacement and claiming the advance money back from him. However, Amitabh’s brother, Ajitabh Bachchan, assured Tinnu that once Amitabh would get cured, he would return to his acting. Thus, the rest became history. Shahenshah became the third highest-grossing film of 1988.
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Taking to one of his blogs in August 2023, Amitabh Bachchan revealed the secret behind the unbeatable energy he reflects during his show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. He discussed how people are left in awe of his energy, and often ask him about the same. The actor gave the credit for this to his parents, Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan and mentioned that it was only possible due to the duo's upbringing. In Amitabh's words:
“Yes I run onto the set of KBC .. the audience asks me why I do so .. I say I feel like doing it so I do .. they tell me we need to know the secret of your energy .. I tell them I have no secret, I was born thus, and if you need to know you shall have to ask them that created me .. and they have left for the Heavens, so how do I ask them .. they tell me we wish you to live another 500 years .. I smile .. they say yes we do .. I still smile .. they say we would never want you to change, may you remain this way all your life .. I continue to smile…”
What do you think about Amitabh Bachchan's near-death situation? Let us know!
Next Read: When Amitabh Bachchan Revealed How He Gave Up Smoking And Drinking, 'Done At The Rush Of A Stroke'
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