When Amitabh Bachchan Defeated Death: 8-Hour Surgery, Coma, and the Iconic Comeback After 'Coolie' Accident
- byPranay Jain
- 26 Jul, 2025
Amitabh Bachchan isn’t just a name—he’s an institution. With over 56 years in the film industry, Big B stands as the most active and admired icon of his generation. Even in his 80s, he continues to work with the same passion, undeterred by age or past health issues.
The Near-Fatal Accident on ‘Coolie’ Set
In 1982, during the filming of Coolie, Amitabh Bachchan suffered a life-threatening accident. On July 26, while shooting a fight scene in Bangalore, a punch from co-actor Puneet Issar landed wrongly. The result was a burst intestine, which led to a medical emergency.
Coma and Clinical Death
After the injury, Big B fought for his life for three days. On the fourth day, his condition worsened, and he slipped into a coma. Doctors even declared him clinically dead at one point. But miraculously, the superstar survived.
8-Hour Life-Saving Surgery
While being airlifted from Bangalore to Mumbai, his internal stitches opened up. He was rushed into surgery once again. The operation lasted a grueling 8 hours, during which his life hung by a thread. He was treated at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he stayed for several weeks before being discharged on September 24, 1982.
This incident united the entire country in prayers and love for Amitabh. His survival was seen as nothing short of a miracle. Since then, Bachchan’s journey has become legendary—a symbol of resilience, grit, and unmatched dedication to his craft.




