Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Bollywood actor, recently shared a heart-touching story on the TV quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 16’ (KBC 16) about his early struggles, when he lived in a small room with eight other people in Kolkata. This revelation comes at a time when Bachchan has been ranked as the fourth-richest Bollywood celebrity in the 2024 Hurun India Rich List, with a staggering net worth of Rs 1,600 crore. The actor’s story offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a man who has become an icon in Indian cinema. His tale is particularly resonant as the list also highlights the financial prowess of other Bollywood superstars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Hrithik Roshan.

From Humble Beginnings To Stardom

Amitabh Bachchan’s rise to fame and fortune is a story of perseverance and resilience. During an episode of KBC 16, Bachchan spoke to a contestant named Krishna, who, like the actor in his early days, was living in a room with eight others while preparing for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam. Bachchan recounted his own experience of living in such conditions after completing college and moving to Kolkata in search of a job. Despite managing to secure employment that paid him a modest Rs 400 per month, the Shehenshah of Bollywood said  ‘We were eight people living in a room with just two beds. Sometimes, I had to sleep on the floor, and at other times, we would argue about who would get a spot on the bed,’ the 81-year-old actor recalled.

The Struggles That Shaped A Legend

The challenging conditions Bachchan faced in Kolkata played a significant role in shaping the actor’s character. The room he shared with seven others had minimal space, and the residents had to make do with what they had. ‘It was a lot of fun as we were eight, and only two beds were there. We used to sleep on the floor, sometimes on the bed. There were arguments related to who would sleep on the bed or floor,’ he shared on the show. This phase of his life is a testament to Bachchan’s resilience, which later helped him navigate the ups and downs of his illustrious career in Bollywood.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Financial Standing Today

Fast forward to 2024, Amitabh Bachchan’s life is a far cry from his early struggles. According to the recently released Hurun India Rich List, his net worth has soared to Rs 1,600 crore, making him the fourth-richest Bollywood celebrity. This wealth accumulation is a result of his decades-long career in the film industry, as well as his successful ventures in various other domains, including brand endorsements and television hosting.

Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood’s Wealthiest Star

While Bachchan’s story is inspiring, the 2024 Hurun India Rich List also brought attention to another Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, who made an impressive debut on the list with a net worth of Rs 7,300 crore at the age of 58. Khan’s wealth is largely attributed to his ownership of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the reigning champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and his film production company, Red Chillies Entertainment. His recent box office successes, including ‘Pathaan,’ ‘Jawan,’ and ‘Dunki,’ have significantly boosted his earnings, cementing his status as the wealthiest Bollywood celebrity.

Other Bollywood Stars On The Hurun India Rich List

Juhi Chawla, another prominent Bollywood figure, follows Shah Rukh Khan on the list. She and her family have amassed a wealth of Rs 4,600 crore, making her the second-richest Bollywood celebrity. Chawla’s financial success is partly due to her co-ownership of KKR alongside Khan, as well as her investments in various ventures.

Hrithik Roshan, with a net worth of Rs 2,000 crore, ranks third among Bollywood celebrities on the list. Roshan’s wealth is bolstered by his successful athleisure brand, HRX, and his massive following on social media platforms, where he ranks second among Bollywood celebrities with 32.3 million followers on X (formerly Twitter).