Amitabh Bachchan turns 84: Avtar Gill calls sharing screen a 'privilege'
Synopsis
As Amitabh Bachchan turns 84, veteran actor Avtar Gill's Instagram tribute stands out — not for celebrity formality, but for the weight of having shared the screen with Big B in over a dozen films. From 'Shahenshah' to 'Baghban', their association spans some of Hindi cinema's most iconic chapters, and Gill's words capture what decades of proximity to greatness actually feels like.
Key Takeaways
Amitabh Bachchan turned 84 on 11 October 2026 .
Actor Avtar Gill shared a tribute on Instagram , calling working with Bachchan a 'privilege' across over a dozen films .
Their joint filmography includes 'Shahenshah' , 'Agneepath' , 'Baghban' , and 'Main Azaad Hoon' , among others.
Bachchan currently hosts 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' Season 18 , remaining active in the entertainment industry into his eighties.
The wider Bollywood fraternity also took to social media to celebrate the megastar's milestone birthday.
Veteran actor Avtar Gill paid a heartfelt tribute to megastar Amitabh Bachchan on his 84th birthday on 11 October 2026, describing their decades-long on-screen association as a cherished privilege and lauding Bachchan's contribution to Indian cinema as unparalleled.
Gill's Tribute on Social Media
Taking to Instagram, Gill shared a warm note alongside photographs from films the two have collaborated on. 'Wishing the one and only Amitabh Bachchan Sahab a very Happy Birthday @amitabhbachchan Having had the privilege of sharing the screen with you in over a dozen films, I look back with great fondness on those cherished memories,' he wrote.
Gill went on to describe Bachchan's stature in the film industry in glowing terms. 'Your immense contribution to Indian cinema, unparalleled legacy and stature, place you in a league of your own. Wishing you good health, happiness and always the very best,' he added.
A Career Woven Together on Screen
Gill has appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan in several landmark Hindi films over the years, including 'Shahenshah', 'Indrajeet', 'Main Azaad Hoon', 'Agneepath', and 'Baghban', among others. The photographs shared with the post offered a glimpse into their enduring on-screen bond across multiple decades of Hindi cinema.
Big B at 84: Still Going Strong
Amitabh Bachchan, widely referred to as Big B, is one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema, with a career spanning several decades. Known for his commanding screen presence and versatile range across genres — from the iconic 'angry young man' roles of the 1970s to nuanced character portrayals in recent years — he has delivered some of Hindi cinema's most memorable performances, including his celebrated role in 'Sholay'.
Even in his eighties, Bachchan remains actively engaged with the entertainment industry. He currently hosts the 18th season of the popular quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), reinforcing his enduring connection with Indian audiences across generations.
Industry Celebrates the Milestone
The broader film industry joined in marking the occasion, with celebrities across Bollywood taking to social media to extend birthday wishes to the megastar. The outpouring underscored the deep regard in which Bachchan is held, not just as a performer but as an institution within Indian popular culture. Gill's tribute stood out for its personal warmth and the weight of first-hand experience behind it.
Point of View
But Avtar Gill's post carries a different weight — it is the testimony of someone who has actually worked alongside Bachchan across more than a dozen productions, spanning the height of his mass-hero era to his later character-driven roles. What it quietly underscores is how Bachchan's dominance was not a solitary phenomenon but one built alongside a supporting ecosystem of character actors whose careers were shaped by proximity to him. At 84 and hosting KBC's 18th season, Bachchan's continued relevance is itself a story — one about the unusual shelf life of a certain kind of Indian stardom that television and nostalgia have conspired to sustain.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Amitabh Bachchan in 2026?
Amitabh Bachchan turned 84 on 11 October 2026. He is one of the longest-active megastars in Indian cinema, with a career spanning several decades.
Which films did Avtar Gill and Amitabh Bachchan work in together?
Avtar Gill has shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in over a dozen films, including 'Shahenshah', 'Indrajeet', 'Main Azaad Hoon', 'Agneepath', and 'Baghban', among others.
What did Avtar Gill say about Amitabh Bachchan on his birthday?
Gill posted a tribute on Instagram describing it as a 'privilege' to have shared the screen with Bachchan, calling his legacy and stature in Indian cinema 'unparalleled' and wishing him good health and happiness.
What is Amitabh Bachchan currently doing in 2026?
Amitabh Bachchan is currently hosting the 18th season of the popular quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), continuing his active presence in the Indian entertainment industry even in his eighties.
Why is Amitabh Bachchan considered a legend in Indian cinema?
Bachchan is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema for his powerful screen presence, versatile performances across genres, and a career spanning several decades. His iconic roles — from 'Sholay' to 'Agneepath' — have made him a defining figure of Hindi cinema.
