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He is Bollywood’s most awe worthy actor. With a personality as overwhelming and magnifying as his, he has proved time and again that there can only be one Amitabh Bachchan. He is the finest actor of his time, versatile, sublime, memorable, an ultimate superstar who delivers breathtaking performances with utmost ease. As the Senior Bachchan turns 70 and finishes four decades of brilliant work in Bollywood, fans, colleagues and friends of the star are planning a grand bash for him which will see the crème de la crème people from the world of politics, media, cinema and business attending the lavish party thrown by his wife Jaya Bachchan.
Being Amitabh Bachchan has been challenging, adventurous and perhaps just as fulfilling for the star. He has created a stature which no one would be able to parallel in a very long time to come. On the eve of the superstar’s 70th Birthday, Koimoi comes up with something different than compiling his work. We bring up to you slices out of the magnanimous Life of Amitabh Bachchan –
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He was launched as a young actor on recommendation of his mother, Late Mrs Teji Bachchan’s friend, former Prime Minister, Late Mrs Indira Gandhi’s letter introducing him. He was previously rejected by many for his not so fair looks. He was handsome in the most unique sense possible which the obvious kind in the world of cinema was not really in those days. His baritone voice has been his stronghold. He made a debut with ‘Bhuvan Shome’ as Voice Narrator. Later, in Saat Hindustani he made his acting debut marking the beginning of a crucial historic period in the world of Bollywood. The role won him a National Award for the Best Debutant.
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The pivotal turning point of his career was playing the sensitive oncologist in Anand in 1971 opposite Rajesh Khanna. Khanna’s chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan created it as an epic film, immortalizing Khanna’s dialogue to Bachchan –“BabuMoshai, Eto Bhalo Basha Bhalo Noye.’ The role won him his first ever Filmfare and that was the beginning to the scores of them which followed after.
In 1973, he starred as Inspector Vijay Khanna in Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer. Contrary of all his previous roles, Zanjeer was an out of the blue phenomenon for him. The trend of romantic films in Bollywood took a sharp change towards more action oriented films. Amitabh was created as an explosive, rebellious and disillusioned man in this and many more films to come. He went on to maintain this persona in Abhimaan, Deewar, Trishul and many such movies later as well. It was mostly because of Big B’s persona that Deewar became listed a must watch on Top 20 Films on Understanding Bollywood. Its historic dialogues still remain a favorite with his fans all over the world.
The concept of on screen friendship was immortalized by Big B and Dharamji with their portrayal of the Jai-Veeru duo of the epic film Sholay. Their ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge’ is still an anthem for friends in a generation where relationships are mostly frail and frivolous. It is one of Bollywood’s pioneer films and its popularity created a zenith beyong the ordinary by being one of Bollywood’s longest running films ever.
When Big B’s characters were mostly shaded with high tones of Grey, he turned towards comedy to give him a lighter and a humorous tone. Films like Chupke Chupke and Amar Akbar Anthony gave him the scope of keeping his versatility alive. He made Anthony immemorable forever. Kholi Number 420 is an address people do not forget very easily.
His role in films like Silsila and Kabhie Kabhie had the ladies swooning over him. The acting brought in passion in the pain of unrequited love so beautifully that he became the ultimate romantic hero of the 70s. His chemistry with his actresses left a very fulfilling sort of satiated entertainment feeling among the audiences.
‘Don Ka Intezaar toh 11 mulkon ko Police bhi kar rahi hai. Lekin Don ko Pakadna Mushkil hi Nahi Naamumkin Hai’. His role in Don established him as the ‘one man industry’. The film was remade by Farhan Akhtar and had a sequel, but the Orignal Don is priceless. With the entire pun intended, no one has been able to catch the Big B since then.
This was the most unfortunate period of Big B’s career, when he sustained a near fatal injury on the sets of Coolie. He was critically ill for many months before recuperating. His accident helped to only increase his mighty fan following in the years to come. He was worshipped as a Demi God, but post ‘Coolie’, he took a break from cinema to join active politics.
His overpowering voice and the perfect diction, emphasizes his supreme command over both Hindi and English. When his company ABCL went on to suffer huge losses, he turned towards his loving audience for support. Coming back as the host of a reality game show was yet again, another turning point of his career. Kaun Banega Crorepati (2000) with all its lifelines went on to become the lifeline of the audiences, which they world not do without. The game show met with immediate success paving his way back to film popularity.
Post 2000, life started looking better than ever before for Big B. Films like Mohabbatein, Khakee, Dev, Black, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Baghban happened for him. While most actors of his age were enjoying the luxuries of retirement, he had drowned himself with work giving his best performances ever. Experience of films and life had polished his work better. After tasting success and failures, both alike, he finally took the liberty to perform and act with passion and contentment. He gave serious performances; character oriented ones, humorous ones, adding multiple dimensions to his versatility. Brand Bachchan had finally pushed itself as the most powerful name in Bollywood and recognized Amitabh Bachchan as the Superstar of the Millennium. From being the Brand ambassador of IIFA to having the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch in its Last Leg for the 2012 London Olympics, Amitabh Bachchan is the most respected and coveted social figure of Indian Cinema.
Koimoi takes immense pleasure in wishing the Superstar of Bollywood, A very Happy 70th Birthday. Rishtey Mein Toh yeh Bollywood ke Baap lagte Hain – Naam Hai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan.
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