What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Bachchan’? Some may recollect the angry young man they saw on screen, some may think of him as the face of legendary lineage of Bollywood, some may think of him as a purely prolific actor, but most, as a result of the Bollywood madness within, worship him as the biggest star of our times!
As the Shehenshah of Bollywood completes his 76th Birthday, lets take a sneak peek into the journey of Amitabh Bachchan:
The Start Could Have Been The End:
Born in Allahabad, Inquilab, later named as Amitabh was the son of the Hindi poet, Harivansh Rai Bachchan. After completing his studies, when Amitabh Bachchan was taking rounds for kick-starting a career in the entertainment industry, people saw him as a good-for-nothing tall guy with an unpleasant thick voice. There was this one time when he entered the All India Radio office and was rejected for the job of a jockey. Even after he got a break in the movies, apart from 2 good films, he had 12 flops and was considered a failed newbie in Bollywood.
Rising From Rejections:
Even after all this, Amitabh Bachchan had hope in his heart and trust on his talent. During this time, writer duo Salim-Javed and director Prakash Mehra’s path-breaking idea of an angry young man in the lead was being turned down by prevalent heroes of that time as they found security in the fix formula of romantic hero films. Their search ended with Amitabh and Amitabh’s story began with Zanjeer! The aura of the angry young man was attached to him. He found a place in award nominations and fans’ hearts. This was followed by Bachchan’s trusted associations with Manmohan Desai, Yash Chopra and writer duo Salim-Javed with whom he delivered some of the most memorable hits. Gems like Deewar, Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Kabhie Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Trishul, Kaalia, Yaarana, Satte Pe Satta, Namak Halaal and many more churned out, making him one of the best of his times.
Surviving The Lows:
His acting career was never as smooth after it set sail. It hit various lows, be it at the time of Coolie when Bachchan had almost touched death whilst filming an action sequence or his shift to politics later. Though he bagged his first National Award for Agneepath in 1990, his production ABCL also hit many roadblocks and he delivered quite a few flops around that time too. He went into a shell after the release of Khuda Gawah in 1992. But through all of these too, he held his head high and focused on what mattered!
Moving Ahead And How:
He gave timely comebacks with commercial successes as well as acting performances. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Sooryavansham, Major Saab grabbed eyeballs and told the world that he was not over. Movies like Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Baghban placed him on a high pedestal, not just as a mega star but also as an actor who worked shoulder to shoulder, with young favourites. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black yet again proved his acting skills, getting him his second National Award. His unique strong baritone, complemented by his physique, talent and fan love, made him a loved singer, the best face for brand endorsements, a popular host and an actor in cinema other than Hindi.
Not Willing To Stop:
Most people, by this age either decide to retire from the screen or take up fatherly roles in movies. Contrary to the common rule, he, even today drives audiences to movies featuring him in the lead. Sarkar, Paa, Cheeni Kum, Bhootnath, Piku, Pink are some examples of his immense hard work. A social media post recently saw him at a recording studio dubbing at 1.30 in the night after a long day of work, where tireless work was said to be this legend’s attribute. As you read this, you probably have heard about his upcoming flicks with Aamir Khan and another one with Ranbir Kapoor and possibly, a bunch of interesting projects.
He’s still got it in him, he’s still entertaining the world, he’s a wonder we all love.
Happy Birthday Amitabh Bachchan, really the Shehenshah of Bollywood and ruler of our hearts!
