Amitabh Bachchan once revealed smoking 200 cigarettes daily, drinking heavily, and eating meat

Amitabh Bachchan, now admired for his disciplined life, once lived quite differently. In a candid 1980 interview with India Today, the megastar revealed his past habits. These included heavy smoking, regular alcohol consumption, and eating meat. This offers a glimpse into a different era of his life.

“I do not smoke, drink, or eat meat. It is not a religious issue, but a matter of taste," he said. “I used to consume meat, drink alcohol, and smoke, but I have given all that up." His decision to quit was not motivated by religious beliefs but stemmed from practical challenges, especially the difficulty of finding vegetarian food while travelling abroad.

Amitabh Bachchan highlighted that dietary differences never caused family conflicts. While his wife and mother enjoyed non-vegetarian food, his father was a lifelong vegetarian.

Amitabh Bachchan revealed that during his time in Calcutta, he smoked up to 200 cigarettes a day. “Yes, 200," he admitted. “But I quit after coming to Bombay. I drank excessively too, but some years ago, I realised I didn’t need it." Amitabh Bachchan also shared in the interview, “These habits no longer affect me, except when I’m shooting overseas, where finding vegetarian food can be quite a challenge."

Amitabh Bachchan discussed his temperament, saying he's usually calm but was quick-tempered when younger. "I don’t think I’m a violent person, nor do I often lose my temper," he said, admitting to college fights. On cinematic violence, he stated, “It should be grand, and people accept it as such."

Amitabh Bachchan, reflecting on his past, revealed he smoked up to 200 cigarettes daily in Calcutta, but quit in Bombay. He also spoke of past excessive drinking, now abandoned. Though generally calm, he admitted to a younger, quick temper. Professionally, Amitabh Bachchan remains active, recently seen in Kalki 2898 AD and Vettaiyan.