Amitabh Bachchan turns 83: The Superstar who pays his own staff and sets standards for Bollywood
Amitabh Bachchan, widely regarded as the gold standard of Indian cinema, has carved a legacy that extends far beyond his unmatched acting prowess. Over the decades, he has set remarkable benchmarks not only with his performances but also with his unwavering professionalism, work ethics, and the dignified manner in which he treats everyone around him.
As the Millennium Star celebrates his 83rd birthday, an intriguing and admirable revelation about his personal code of conduct has once again highlighted why Amitabh Bachchan continues to be the ultimate role model in showbiz.
Idol Beyond Acting
Generations of actors- both seasoned and aspiring- draw inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan, admiring not just his baritone voice, powerful dialogue delivery, or commanding screen presence, but also his discipline, punctuality, and deep sense of responsibility toward his team.
Despite being a living legend and a towering figure in the industry, his humility remains his greatest virtue. From arriving early on sets to ensuring that his obligations- financial, moral, and creative- are taken seriously, Bachchan’s reputation for punctuality precedes him. Sharmila Tagore has often recalled how he would show up even before the cleaning crew, in contrast to other stars who arrived hours late. Ad-guru Prahlad Kakkar too described how his discipline kept entire crews on their toes, calling him the most punctual actor he had ever worked with.
The Only Star Who Pays for His Staff
What sets Bachchan further apart is his integrity towards producers. Director Sanjay Gupta revealed that unlike most actors, Big B never charges producers for his personal staff- from makeup artists to drivers. He insists on paying them himself, ensuring production budgets aren’t weighed down by his entourage costs. During Jhund (2022), he and his staff even took a pay cut so that more funds could be allocated to the film’s making.
A Legacy of Fairness
In an industry where rising entourage expenses are a major concern, Bachchan’s conduct highlights trust, fairness, and moral leadership. His punctuality, his refusal to burden producers, and his willingness to adjust fees for the sake of cinema make him more than a star- he is a standard to live up to.
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