As Amitabh Bachchan Turns 82, A Look At Why He Does Not Cut Cake On His Birthdays

Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan is celebrating his 82nd birthday today. Even at this age, the star continues to inspire fans with his work, dedication and energy, keeping busy with several films and a quiz-based show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Here’s an interesting fact about the megastar. Given his preference for traditional style to celebrate his birthday, Mr Bachchan never cuts a cake on his birthday. Instead, he prefers Indian ways to mark his special day and enjoys milk cake with his family.

On one of the episodes of Kaun Banega Crorepati to celebrate Amitabh Bachchan’s 80th birthday two years ago, Jaya Bachchan appeared along with Abhishek Bachchan. She reflected on the family tradition of not singing Happy Birthday. She said, “Hamare parivaar mein pratha hai, hum log happy birthday nahi gaate hai. Jaise ki hamare sasurji ne kaha tha, hum kehte hai – Harsh nav, varsh nav, jeevan utkarsh nav. (We have a tradition in our house, we don’t sing Happy Birthday.) ‘Harsh nav, varsh nav, Jeevan utkarsh nav’ means a new year, a new happiness, a new flourishing of life.

“Hum log janmdin pe cake nahi kaatte. Hindustan mein mithaai hoti hai – Milk Cake. Woh laate hai. (We do not cut cakes on birthdays. We instead prefer an Indian sweet which is milk cake),” added Jaya Bachchan.

In terms of work, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD. The film, set against the backdrop of a dystopian future, heavily draws inspiration from the Hindi epic Mahabharat. The storyline revolves around four characters- Bhairava (played by Prabhas) a bounty hunter trying to enter The Complex, ruled by Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan); a pregnant woman (played by Deepika) trying to protect her child who is believed to be the final avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki. Mr Bachchan plays the fourth pivotal character Ashwatthama, helping Deepika to protect the child.

ICYDW, Amitabh Bachchan rose to popularity after his role in Zanjeer in 1973. Later, his appearance in films like Deewaar (1975) and Sholay (1975) turned him into a national icon, earning him the title of ‘Angry Young Man’. His performance in memorable films like Baghban (2003), Paa (2009) Piku (2015) and Pink (2016) proved his ability to strike a chord with the audience’s heart with his unconventional roles.