Rajinikanth Recalls How Bollywood Mocked Big B Before Historic Comeback

Indian cinema's enduring legends Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth share a bond of mutual reverence spanning more than four decades, from historic blockbusters like Andhaa Kaanoon (1983), Geraftaar (1985), and Hum (1991) to their momentous reunion 33 years later in director TJ Gnanavel's action drama Vettaiyan. A viral video clip from the film's audio launch has reignited nationwide admiration for Big B's extraordinary grit during his darkest financial chapter. Reminiscing on the stage, Tamil cinema's 'Thalaivar' opened up about how Bachchan confronted bankruptcy, cleared an overwhelming ₹90 crore liability, and silenced industry peers who openly ridiculed his struggles.

The ABCL Collapse: How Megastar Faced Bankruptcy at Career Peak

At the height of his superstardom, Amitabh Bachchan stepped away from regular film sets to establish his ambitious media conglomerate, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL):

• Severe Commercial Setback: Mismanagement, rapid expansion, and catastrophic project failures pushed ABCL into devastating financial distress, leaving the screen icon on the brink of total insolvency.

• Overwhelming ₹90 Crore Liabilities: The actor found himself saddled with an unprecedented debt burden of approximately ₹90 crore, facing relentless creditor demands, court summons, and systemic scrutiny.

• Selling Prized Juhu Properties: To meet mounting debt obligations and retain personal honor, Bachchan was forced to liquidate prime properties across Mumbai, including mortgaging his iconic residential bungalow in Juhu.

Cruel Industry Mockery: How Critics Laughed While Big B Worked 18-Hour Days

Rather than receiving empathy, Bachchan encountered cynicism and snide remarks from within the film fraternity:

• Scoffed at for Commercial Ads: Rajinikanth revealed that numerous voices across Mumbai's film circuit mocked Bachchan for accepting television commercials and consumer brand endorsements to stay afloat financially.

• Battling Ailments at 64: Despite enduring multiple severe medical conditions, chronic abdominal problems, and physical exhaustion at age 64, Bachchan relentlessly worked up to 18 hours every single day across films, television hosting, and commercial sets.

• Repaying Every Single Penny: Over three grueling years of continuous labor, Big B honored every financial commitment, clearing all ₹90 crore without filing for personal bankruptcy or leaving any creditor unpaid.

The Ultimate Triumph: Buying Back His Sold Home Plus Three More Mansions

Bachchan's legendary resilience turned a humiliating catastrophe into the most celebrated comeback story in modern entertainment history:

• Reclaiming His Legacy: Not only did Bachchan redeem his mortgaged family bungalow in Juhu, but he went on to purchase three additional luxury properties along the very same street.

• Rajinikanth's Touching Tribute: Praising his longtime mentor, Rajinikanth noted that watching a 64-year-old warrior overcome physical ailments and industry mockery to reclaim his empire proved why there will only ever be one Amitabh Bachchan.

• Enduring Box Office Might: After delivering a monumental performance as Ashwatthama in the sci-fi blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, the 80-plus icon continues to anchor mainstream Indian cinema, standing as living proof of unstoppable perseverance.