Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Amitabh Bachchan Recalls Early Career Criticism and Body Image Struggles
Amitabh Bachchan said his acting career did not begin easily.
Some people told him he did not know how to act.
They also criticised him for being very tall.
He said he was once told to go home after arriving late to a film set.
He shared this story while speaking with athletes on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18.
A psychologist explained that comments about appearance can affect how people feel about themselves.
She said people may compare themselves with others or fear they will not be accepted.
She recommended accepting the body without feeling forced to love or hate every part of it.
Amitabh Bachchan said he was heavily criticised at the start of his acting career.
He recalled being told he knew nothing about acting and was too tall for films.
Bachchan also said he was once asked to leave a set after arriving late.
He shared the memories during a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18.
Psychologist Kruti Shah said body-image concerns often reflect deeper fears about acceptance and confidence.
- Who
- Amitabh Bachchan, psychologist Kruti Shah, and athletes Lovlina Borgohain, Jhandu Kumar, Sharmila Dhankar and Asmita Dey.
- What
- Bachchan recalled being criticised early in his career for his acting ability, height and lateness to a film set, while the article examined body-image concerns.
- When
- The memories were shared during a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18.
- Where
- On the set of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18; the earlier criticism occurred in film settings.
- Why
- Asmita Dey asked Bachchan whether he had been scolded on set, prompting him to discuss his early experiences.
- Person featured
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Television program
- Kaun Banega Crorepati 18
- Early criticism
- Bachchan said people told him he knew nothing about acting and was too tall.
- Set incident
- He recalled being asked to leave a film set after arriving late.
- Psychologist
- Kruti Shah of Mpower Helpline, Aditya Birla Trust
- Body-image concerns
- Shah said appearance concerns can involve fears about acceptance, attractiveness and confidence.
- Suggested approach
- Shah recommended body acceptance and neutrality rather than self-hatred.