Here’s Why Amitabh Bachchan is Shahenshah of National Awards

It is not surprising that Amitabh Bachchan has won a National Award this year. The 73-year-old actor, who has won a National Award for Best Actor for Piku, isn’t showing any sign of slowing down as he continues to take up roles which are incredibly challenging. 

His long and successful career, which has elevated him to superstardom, is also full of performances that establish him as one of the finest actors India has ever produced.

And that is why this isn’t the first time he has won the National Award. Here are all the films for which he was awarded:

Saat Hindustani (1969)

Saat Hindustani tells a story of seven Indians who attempt to liberate Goa from Portuguese colonial rule. Amitabh Bachchan, who made his debut with this film, caught the eye by playing the role of a Muslim poet in midst of a nationalistic struggle. For his role, he won the National Award for Best Newcomer.

Agneepath (1990)

Though, at the time, Agneepath failed both commercially and critically, Vijay Deenanath Chauhan will forever be remembered by the viewers. Amitabh Bachchan’s gritty persona and experimental voice helped the film reach cult status and won him his first acting National Award. The impact of his charcter is also seen as the major reason for the film’s 2012 remake.

Black (2005)

Black depicts the struggle of a blind and deaf woman and her relationship with her teacher, who himself develops Alzheimer’s disease. Amitabh Bachchan, who played the teacher, reaches a level of performance that one hadn’t seen him reach ever before. The film is widely regarded as one of the best Indian films ever made and Amitabh’s performance is seen as a vital part of that.

Paa (2009)        

In Paa, Amitabh Bachchan played the role of a 12-year-old boy named Auro, who has an extremely rare genetic order called Progeria, which makes him look five times his age. This complex role required him to go through intense sessions of make-up and to do voice modulation. The film also starred Abhishek Bachchan, who plays the father of his character. Not only did Amitabh Bachchan win another National Award for his portrayal, the father-son duo also shared a National Award for producing the film.

Piku (2015)

Piku depicts Amitabh Bachchan as an ageing man, facing the prospect of death. His eccentric and hilarious performance gave the film an added depth and provided further proof of his acting capabilities. For his performance, he won a fourth National Award for acting, which is a record.

Here's a tweet from the Shahenshah himself!

T 2246 - 5 National Awards ..!! overwhelmed by blessings of elders & their prayers .. and the love well of wishers pic.twitter.com/GxifYQCzq3

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) May 4, 2016