Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan have shared screen space in films such as Andhaa Kanoon (1983), Geraftaar (1985) and Hum (1991). After a gap of 33 years, the two actors reunited for TJ Gnanavel’s Vettaiyan, which was released in 2024. During the film’s audio launch event, Rajinikanth spoke about a difficult phase in Amitabh Bachchan’s life, recalling how the veteran actor worked long hours to overcome a financial crisis.
Rajinikanth recalls Amitabh Bachchan working 18 hours a day to repay Rs 90 crores debt: “People in the Bombay industry again laughed seeing this”
At the height of his career, Amitabh Bachchan ventured into the business world by establishing Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL). However, the company reportedly faced significant financial difficulties, leaving the actor with debts of approximately Rs 90 crores. According to Rajinikanth’s account, the situation forced Amitabh to sell his home in Juhu and other properties in Mumbai as he worked towards clearing his outstanding dues.
Recalling how Amitabh Bachchan dealt with the crisis, Rajinikanth said that the actor continued working despite facing several health challenges. He also spoke about how people in the Bombay film industry reacted to the situation at the time.
Rajinikanth said, “People in the Bombay industry again laughed seeing this. For three years, despite having many health issues, he worked for 18 hours a day and cleared all his dues. Just 3 years, 64 years of age, 1000 problems in the body. Not just that he bought back the old house, he bought a total of three houses in that same lane. Paid back all debts. That’s Amitabh Bachchan!”
That Is #AmitabhBachchan 🔥🙌
Haters in Mumbai Laughed at AB, Saying “He’s Doing Ads For Money”
Just 3 years… Age 64 1000 Problems in the body… He Worked 18 hours per day & Paid All Debt
Brought the same house & 3 more on the same road.
~ #Rajinikanth ji https://t.co/bHZf7HmqJk— ʜᴀɴɪ ᴀᴅᴀᴠ (@JrYadav1409) October 13, 2026
The recollection highlighted Amitabh Bachchan’s efforts to rebuild his financial standing after the setback. Rajinikanth also referred to the actor as his mentor when the two reunited for Vettaiyan after more than three decades.
In 2024, Rajinikanth had shared a picture with Amitabh Bachchan and expressed his happiness about working with him again. He wrote, “After 33 years, I am working again with my mentor, the phenomenon, Shri Amitabh Bachchan in the upcoming Lyca’s Thalaivar 170 directed by T J Gnanavel. My heart is thumping with joy.”
The film, initially referred to as Thalaivar 170, was later titled Vettaiyan. Produced by Subaskaran’s Lyca Productions, the film featured Rajinikanth as the lead, with Amitabh Bachchan playing Sathyadev. The cast also included Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Manju Warrier, Rana Daggubati and Fahadh Faasil. The film was released in theatres on October 10, 2024.
Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, alongside Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan.
Also Read : Rajinikanth starrer Jailer 2 gets U/A 16+ certificate, runtime revealed ahead of October 15 release
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