Rajinikanth Recalls How Amitabh Bachchan Repaid Rs 90 Crore Debt Working 18 Hours a Day

In an anecdote that has resurfaced and gone viral ahead of Jailer 2, Rajinikanth has recounted one of the toughest chapters of Amitabh Bachchan’s life — how the megastar worked 18 hours a day for three years to clear debts of approximately Rs 90 crore.

Bachchan’s financial troubles began in the late 1990s after his production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), collapsed. The fallout reportedly forced him to sell his Juhu residence and other Mumbai properties. Rajinikanth recalled that sections of the Bombay film industry mocked the downturn.

“People in the Bombay industry again laughed seeing this,” Rajinikanth said. “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!”

The remarks were originally made at the Vettaiyan audio launch in 2024, where the two reunited after 33 years. Their screen history spans Andhaa Kanoon (1983), Geraftaar (1985) and Hum (1991). Rajinikanth described Bachchan as his mentor.

Bachchan’s comeback was powered by Mohabbatein (2000) and Kaun Banega Crorepati, and he was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD.

Source: Bollywood Hungama