A birthday can become even more special when it brings a glimpse of family love into the spotlight. Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan marked Amitabh Bachchan’s 84th birthday with a heartfelt social media post, sharing an unseen photograph of the veteran actor with his granddaughter, Aaradhya Bachchan.

Amitabh celebrated his birthday on October 11, with wishes pouring in from fans, colleagues and members of the film industry. Aishwarya’s post stood out for its personal touch, offering a warm glimpse of the bond between the legendary actor and his granddaughter.

Taking to Instagram, Aishwarya shared a photograph in which Aaradhya is seen hugging her grandfather as they pose together. Amitabh appears in a tracksuit and beanie, while Aaradhya wears a hairband. The candid family moment brought a softer, more intimate side of the superstar into focus.

“Happy Birthday dearest Pa-Dadajiii. Love and God Bless always,” Aishwarya wrote in her birthday message.

The affectionate reference to Amitabh as both “Pa” and “Dadaji” reflected his place in the family as a father and grandfather. The photograph also drew attention because it offered fans another glimpse of the relationship between Aaradhya and her grandfather, away from the larger-than-life image associated with the Bollywood icon.

Aishwarya has previously shared birthday wishes for Amitabh, often accompanied by photographs featuring him and Aaradhya. These posts have become a familiar part of the family’s birthday celebrations, giving admirers occasional glimpses into their personal moments.

A birthday tradition at Jalsa

While Aishwarya’s Instagram post captured the family side of the occasion, Amitabh’s birthday celebrations continued with a tradition that has endured for decades.

Hundreds of fans gathered outside his Mumbai residence, Jalsa, in Juhu on Sunday, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite star. Amitabh stepped outside to greet the crowd, continuing his customary Sunday darshan, during which he acknowledges admirers who assemble outside his home.

The tradition has become an important part of the actor’s public relationship with his fans. For more than 40 years, admirers have gathered outside Jalsa to see him, with the crowds often growing on special occasions such as his birthday.

Dressed in a traditional maroon outfit and a shawl, Amitabh waved to the cheering crowd. Fans held banners and photographs, celebrating the actor whose career has spanned generations of Indian cinema audiences.

The gathering reflected the enduring popularity of the star, who continues to attract admirers across age groups. His birthday is not just a personal milestone but also an occasion for fans to celebrate the films, performances and television appearances that have made him a household name.

Bollywood celebrities join the celebrations

Several actors and members of the film industry also shared birthday wishes for Amitabh. Chiranjeevi, Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Prabhas, Anupam Kher, Kajol, Farah Khan and Shatrughan Sinha were among those who extended their greetings.

Chiranjeevi expressed his admiration for Amitabh, addressing him as “guru ji” and highlighting the respect he continues to command. Ajay Devgn also shared his appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside the veteran actor, describing him as his hero.

The tributes reflected Amitabh’s standing within the film industry, where his career and work ethic continue to inspire younger performers. From his breakthrough role in Zanjeer in 1973 to his more recent work in films and television, he has remained a prominent figure in Indian entertainment.

His portrayal of the intense, rebellious protagonist in Zanjeer helped establish the screen image popularly known as the “Angry Young Man”. Over the years, he has taken on a wide range of roles in films such as Black and Paa, demonstrating his ability to move between emotionally demanding performances and mainstream cinema.

Television has also played a major role in extending his appeal to new audiences. His long-running association with Kaun Banega Crorepati has made him a familiar presence in Indian households since the quiz show first aired in 2000.

The actor’s birthday week was also marked on the show, with his son, Abhishek Bachchan, making an appearance.

A legacy that continues across generations

Born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad, now Prayagraj, Amitabh turned 84 this year. His career has spanned more than five decades, earning him some of India’s highest civilian and cinematic honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Yet the birthday celebrations highlighted something beyond his professional achievements: the connection he shares with his family and the generations of fans who continue to follow his journey.

Aishwarya’s photograph of Amitabh and Aaradhya offered a quiet family moment amid the public celebrations. The scene was a reminder that even for a star whose life has unfolded under constant attention, the simplest birthday wishes can carry the greatest warmth.