Is Amitabh Bachchan a Non-Vegetarian? Separating Fact from Fiction

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

In a 1980 interview, Amitabh Bachchan candidly admitted to having consumed meat, along with smoking and drinking, in his younger days. The question, "Is Amitabh Bachchan a non-vegetarian?" is a complex one, as his dietary choices have significantly evolved over his lifetime.

Quick Summary

This article explores the evolution of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan's diet, clarifying that while he was once a meat-eater, he transitioned to a pure vegetarian diet for health and personal reasons, a lifestyle he has maintained for decades. It delves into his disciplined health practices and daily routines that keep him fit.

Key Points

Long-Time Vegetarian: Amitabh Bachchan is and has been a pure vegetarian for decades, a fact confirmed in numerous reports.
Past Meat-Eater: He has publicly stated that he used to consume meat in his younger years but has since given it up completely.
Motivated by Health: His transition to a plant-based diet was driven by a desire for better health and a cleaner, more disciplined lifestyle.
Disciplined Lifestyle: His diet is complemented by a strict fitness routine, including yoga and pranayama, and a focus on mental wellness.
Recipient of PETA Award: Bachchan has been honored by PETA multiple times as the 'Hottest Vegetarian Alive,' recognizing his advocacy for a plant-based diet.
Family Food Habits Differ: His wife, Jaya Bachchan, and late mother, Teji Bachchan, have had different dietary preferences, which he mentioned never caused conflict.
Enduring Vitality: His commitment to a balanced, plant-based diet is a key factor in his ability to maintain his energy and stamina well into his later years.

Amitabh Bachchan's Vegetarian Journey: A Shift from the Past

For decades, Amitabh Bachchan has been widely recognized as a dedicated vegetarian, a choice that has become an integral part of his disciplined and health-conscious image. However, his dietary journey was not always this way. The public's curiosity about his eating habits is often fueled by his past public admissions, leading to confusion among newer generations of fans.

In a revelation from a 1980 interview with India Today, Bachchan openly discussed his younger days, admitting to a lifestyle that included consuming meat, alcohol, and smoking. This was a stark contrast to his eventual choices. He explained that his decision to quit these habits was not religiously motivated but was a matter of taste and practicality. Finding vegetarian food while traveling abroad became a particular challenge, influencing his choice to embrace a plant-based diet more consistently.

The Health-Conscious Turn

The shift to vegetarianism was motivated by health and a desire for a cleaner lifestyle. As he aged, Bachchan began to prioritize wellness, making conscious changes to his diet and fitness regimen. His food choices today are a testament to this commitment, focusing on wholesome, simple meals. News reports and interviews have detailed his daily intake, which often includes:

Morning Rituals: Starting his day with tulsi leaves, followed by coconut water, protein shakes, and soaked almonds.
Lunch: A traditional Indian meal of dal, sabzi (vegetables), and chapattis.
General Avoidances: He has publicly stated he avoids rice, sugary items, and non-vegetarian dishes.
Indulgences: While disciplined, he admits to an occasional weakness for chaat, a popular savory Indian snack.

This deliberate and mindful approach to eating has undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable energy and fitness, even in his 80s.

A Disciplined Lifestyle Beyond Diet

His commitment to health extends beyond just food. Regular exercise, including yoga and pranayama, is a cornerstone of his daily routine. He also emphasizes mental well-being, practicing meditation, and engaging in activities like reading and writing. This holistic approach is what allows him to maintain his vitality and continue his prolific acting career.

Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian Bollywood Celebrities

To put Bachchan's choice in context, it's interesting to compare his path with other Bollywood celebrities. Many have embraced vegetarian or vegan lifestyles for various reasons, including health, ethics, and sustainability.


Celebrity	Dietary Choice	Reasons for Change	Impact on Image
Amitabh Bachchan	Vegetarian	Health, wellness, and personal taste.	Admired for discipline and health-consciousness.
Shahid Kapoor	Vegetarian (later vegan)	Inspired by a book and ethical beliefs.	Promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle and is known for fitness.
John Abraham	Vegetarian	Animal welfare and fitness goals.	Proves that a strong physique is possible on a plant-based diet.
Aamir Khan	Vegan	After watching videos on healthy living.	Aligned with his disciplined and ethical lifestyle choices.
Kangana Ranaut	Vegan	Holistic health, glowing skin.	Often credits her diet for her wellness and beauty.

This comparison table illustrates that while Bachchan's journey started differently, his path to vegetarianism aligns with a broader trend among celebrities who prioritize health and well-being through their diet.

The PETA Connection

Amitabh Bachchan's dedication to vegetarianism has not gone unnoticed. He is a multiple-time recipient of PETA's 'Hottest Vegetarian Alive' title. This recognition solidifies his image as a powerful advocate for plant-based eating, demonstrating that a vegetarian lifestyle can be both healthy and appealing.

Addressing Past Consumption

It's important to acknowledge Bachchan's past non-vegetarian habits, as he himself has. His personal growth and the conscious decision to change his diet are a more significant part of his story than his former habits. The transition highlights his adaptability and commitment to improving his health, especially after surviving serious health issues, including liver cirrhosis and tuberculosis. His health challenges have only reinforced his disciplined lifestyle.

Conclusion: A Long-Term Vegetarian

In conclusion, to answer the question, "Is Amitabh Bachchan a non-vegetarian?" the definitive answer is no. While he did consume meat in his youth, he made a conscious and lasting switch to vegetarianism many decades ago, a lifestyle choice he credits for his sustained health and energy. His journey serves as an inspiring example of personal transformation and the long-term benefits of a disciplined, plant-based diet, proving that it's never too late to make positive changes for one's health.

Amitabh Bachchan's lifestyle choices continue to be a topic of interest, showcasing his enduring influence on his fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Amitabh Bachchan has publicly stated that he did consume meat, along with drinking and smoking, in his younger days. He has since given up all three habits.

Amitabh Bachchan is a vegetarian, meaning he avoids meat. While many celebrities have gone vegan, he has not publicly stated a complete avoidance of dairy products.

Amitabh Bachchan's diet is simple and healthy, consisting of home-cooked meals. He starts his day with tulsi leaves, has breakfast with items like protein shakes, and typically eats dal, sabzi, and chapattis for lunch.

His transition to vegetarianism was motivated by a combination of personal taste, practicality (difficulty finding vegetarian food while traveling), and a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle as he aged.

No, Amitabh Bachchan has stated that he has given up sugary items and desserts as part of his disciplined diet to maintain his fitness and health.

While favoring simple home-cooked meals like dal and sabzi, he has also mentioned his fondness for chaat, a popular Indian street food.

His diet has changed from one that included meat and other indulgences to a strictly disciplined, plant-based regimen focused on health and longevity. He has also eliminated smoking and drinking.

In a 1980 interview, Amitabh Bachchan mentioned that his wife, Jaya Bachchan, and mother, Teji Bachchan, both ate meat, while he was vegetarian. Family members have had varying food habits without conflict.

On the contrary, he credits his plant-based diet for his sustained energy and vitality, allowing him to maintain a rigorous work schedule even in his eighties.