Amitabh Bachchan turns 84, fans arrive with posters, songs and birthday jalsa

Amitabh Bachchan's 84th birthday brought Jalsa alive with songs, dancing and oversized posters on Sunday, October 11. Fans gathered outside the actor's Mumbai residence to celebrate, with videos on social media capturing admirers singing his hit songs, recreating his iconic looks and cheering for the star they've followed across generations.One fan stood out in a video, dressed in one of Bachchan's signature styles and singing Main Hoon Don from the actor's 1978 film Don. Holding up a poster bearing the number 84, the fan danced along as others joined in the celebrations. Photo: Yogen Shah Children were part of the crowd, too. In another video, fans posed with a large poster featuring Bachchan and his family, offering a glimpse of the affection the actor continues to command well into his ninth decade.For many of those gathered outside Jalsa, the celebration is about more than marking another birthday. It's a chance to show their admiration for a star whose films and screen persona have remained part of Indian popular culture for decades. Watch some videos here:Amitabh Bachchan's special bond with fansThe birthday gathering is a familiar sight outside Jalsa, where fans have turned up year after year, sometimes travelling from far beyond Mumbai for the occasion. Bachchan has often stepped outside his home on October 11 to greet them, turning the annual gathering into a tradition shared by the actor and his admirers. His Sunday meet-and-greet is another long-running ritual. Fans assemble outside his bungalow hoping to catch a glimpse of him as he waves and acknowledges their presence. On some occasions, he has also given gifts to those who come to see him.Bachchan keeps followers informed about changes to his schedule through his blog and social media. One detail that has become closely associated with his fan meetings is his habit of greeting admirers barefoot. The actor has previously explained the gesture in terms of the respect he feels for his fans, comparing it to the reverence shown when visiting a temple.Born on October 11, 1942, Bachchan remains one of Indian cinema's most recognisable stars. His career has spanned generations, from films that established him as the quintessential angry young man to more recent roles that have introduced him to younger audiences.He is currently hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 and will next reprise his role as Ashwatthama in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.- Ends