Can you even imagine it? Amitabh Bachchan, the superstar, with a completely empty bank account. Yeah, a zero balance. It sounds impossible, but it happened. And the story of how he climbed back is absolutely wild.
Look, back in the mid-1990s, things got seriously bad. His company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), completely collapsed. This wasn’t just a small setback. We’re talking about a staggering ₹90 crore debt hanging over his head. It was a financial nightmare.
But it gets worse. On top of the debt, he was staring down 55 different legal cases. Creditors were knocking, and things got so dire that banks even attached his personal bungalow, Prateeksha. Film offers had dried up, and for a moment, it really looked like the end of a legendary career.
That Humbling Moment
So what do you do when you’re at rock bottom? In 1999, Bachchan did something incredibly humble. He walked over to filmmaker Yash Chopra’s house and asked for work. Just. Like. That. This led to his role in the 2000 blockbuster “Mohabbatein,” a crucial first step back into the spotlight.
But the real turning point, the one that changed everything, came from television. A new quiz show was being planned. Its name? Kaun Banega Crorepati. When KBC premiered in 2000 with Bachchan as the host, it didn’t just become a hit. It revitalized his entire image and reconnected him with millions of Indians every single night.
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From Debt to Dominance
The comeback since then has been nothing short of spectacular. He reinvented himself as an actor, delivering powerful performances in films like “Black” (2005), “Piku,” and even the recent 2024 smash hit “Kalki 2898 AD.” He proved he wasn’t just a star of the past; he was a force for the future.
Let’s talk numbers for a second. That zero bank balance? As of 2024, his personal net worth is reported to be around Rs 273.74 crore. And his combined wealth with Jaya Bachchan? It totals a massive Rs 1,578 crore. In the 2024-25 financial year alone, he reportedly earned Rs 350 crore. Talk about a turnaround.
Even now, as he celebrated his 83rd birthday on October 11, 2025, his appeal is stronger than ever. He’s back hosting KBC Season 17, which premiered in August 2025, and continues to earn from films, brand endorsements, and business ventures. It’s a masterclass in resilience.
It’s a powerful reminder that no situation is permanent. What’s your favorite Amitabh Bachchan movie or KBC moment that defines his incredible journey? Let us know.