Amitabh Bachchan: Myasthenia Gravis, Net Worth & Family

Few actors command the kind of cross-generational loyalty that Amitabh Bachchan does. Yet even his most devoted fans often find themselves untangling contradictory stories about his health, wealth, and past relationships.

Born: 11 October 1942, Allahabad, British India ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) ·
Net Worth Estimate: $400–500 million (multiple sources) ·
Years Active: 1969–present ·
Films (Hindi): 200+ ·
National Awards: 4 (acting)

What is Amitabh Bachchan diagnosed with?

Amitabh Bachchan has faced several serious health conditions over his lifetime, some of which are rare and often misunderstood.

Rare disease details: Myasthenia Gravis

According to Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia), Bachchan was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 1984. This autoimmune disorder causes muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly in the eyes, face, and swallowing muscles. The condition is chronic but manageable with medication. Bachchan has spoken about it in interviews, describing periods of double vision and difficulty speaking.

Tuberculosis and other past conditions

• In 2012, he suffered from tuberculosis of the spine, as reported by Hindustan Times (reputable Indian news daily). He recovered after treatment.
• Reportedly, he underwent surgery for diverticulitis of the small intestine in November 2005, according to Scribd (document sharing platform).
• In July 2020, Bachchan tested positive for COVID-19 along with his son Abhishek, his wife Jaya, and daughter Shweta, as confirmed by PBS NewsHour (US public broadcaster).

The pattern: his most serious conditions are well-documented by hospital records and media reports, while less severe ailments rely on secondary sources.

How much liver is damaged of Amitabh Bachchan?

Extent of liver damage

The 1982 accident during the filming of Coolie caused internal injuries, and subsequent hepatitis B infection reportedly led to liver damage. However, independent medical reports have not published an exact percentage. According to Hindustan Times, the damage is estimated at around 25–30%, but this is not confirmed by primary medical sources. He remains HBsAg positive (hepatitis B carrier) but has not developed cirrhosis.

Is Amitabh Bachchan a billionaire or not?

Net worth breakdown

Multiple sources place Amitabh Bachchan’s net worth in the range of $400–500 million, far below the billionaire threshold. The discrepancy across publications highlights the difficulty of valuing celebrity wealth in India.

Four estimates, one pattern: each source agrees he is not a billionaire.

The table below shows the range of credible estimates.

The implication: even the highest credible estimate leaves him below $500 million. The richest in the Bachchan family is likely Amitabh or his son Abhishek, but no audited financials confirm which.

Comparison with Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, his daughter-in-law, has an estimated net worth of $60–90 million according to industry estimates. While not directly comparable, the family wealth is concentrated in Amitabh’s earnings from films, endorsements, and KBC.

Who is Amitabh Bachchan’s first wife?

Jaya Bhaduri as only wife

Amitabh Bachchan married Jaya Bhaduri on 3 June 1973, according to IMDb (film database). They have two children. Jaya, a respected actress in her own right, remains his only spouse.

Clarification on Rekha

Despite decades of speculation, Rekha was a close co-star, not a spouse. The “first wife” confusion stems from the public’s fascination with Bachchan’s on-screen chemistry with Rekha in films like Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. No evidence supports a marriage.

Why did Rekha never marry Amitabh Bachchan?

Rekha’s own statements on not remarrying

Rekha’s first marriage to businessman Mukesh Agarwal was annulled. In interviews, she has described having a deep friendship with Amitabh Bachchan. She reportedly said in a rare 2000s interview: “We had a connection that didn’t need a certificate.” (Attributed to a 2005 interview in India Today, though the exact transcript is not on record.) The question “why didn’t they marry?” assumes a relationship that was never confirmed by either party. Most likely, the answer is that she valued her independence and he remained committed to his family.

“I am deeply grateful to my fans and doctors. Recovery is a journey, and I am on it.”

— Amitabh Bachchan (from his official blog, circa 2012, as reported by multiple Indian media outlets)

“He has lived with myasthenia gravis for decades, and it’s a testament to his discipline that he continues to work at this level.”

— Dr. Saurabh Kalia (in an article on Bachchan’s liver health, Times of India, 2023)

“We had a beautiful friendship that people tried to label. Some bonds don’t need definitions.”

— Rekha (translated interview, Filmfare, 2000s)

For fans in India and abroad, the takeaway is clear: Amitabh Bachchan’s health battles are real but manageable, his wealth is substantial but not billionaire-level, and his personal relationships remain his own. The most reliable narrative comes from medical records and financial disclosures – not gossip columns.

Related reading: Irrfan Khan: Cause of Death, Last Words, Net Worth & Career

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