Ask hundred people who they think has been the most effective actor of Bollywood, and ninety nine people will say- Amitabh Bachchan.
I remember that Shammi Kapoor had come out with a video cassette- Manoranjan, where many people related to films, including journalists, and wife Jaya, had interviewed Amitabh. The main question to him by the others, spearheaded by his wife, was- Why did you do more antisocial roles rather than responsible roles, when you knew that the younger generation was following you blindly?
Indeed...why?
BRIEF DETAILS
Born on 11th October 1942 in a small town called Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, Amitabh Bachchan made his entry in the film world with his debut film Saat Hindustani. As with all great people, he made a not so impressive mark in the hearts of the audiences. Refusing to give up, he kept on struggling till he got a film named Zanjeer. This film was to change his life forever. Zanjeer clicked, and this boy from Allahabad never looked back after that. Hit followed a hit, success followed success, and today, Amitabh Bachchan stands unsurpassed in his field.
His father, Shri Harivanshrai Bachchan, was a great poet in his own right. Amitabh married Jaya Bhaduri, and they have two children, Shweta and Abhishek.
MY TEN FAVOURITES
It is indeed difficult to pick ten out of his 120+ films. However, I am making an honest effort to do it.
P.S.-I have not listed Zanjeer, as it has already been mentioned above.
Abhimaan (1973) (The Male Ego)
Under the able direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Amitabh enacted the role of an insecure husband, who sees a direct threat to his singing career due to his wife, who can definitely sing better than him. Great performance, again!
Chupke Chupke (1975) (The Comedian)
Meet Mr.Kumar, the true friend, who finds himself in a maze of botany and love when he is asked to play a role in the practical joke his friend Dr.Tripathi is pulling on his relative. Amitabh was at his hilarious best, especially the scene where he threatens everyone of spilling the beans to save his love. Again, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
Deewar (1975) (The Smuggler)
One of the most intense performances from the Big B, this film undoubtedly beats the rest with a huge margin. Amitabh's role has various shades. He is a son who loves his mother and hates his father with the same intensity, a brother who loves his sibling as much as he hates him! For a detailed version, please read my review on the same film. Directed by Yash Chopra.
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) (The Dada)
This was the first of the many hits given by Amitabh, pairing with director Manmohan Desai. No one can ever forget that typical language of Anthonybhai, which has become a trademark of the bhais, right from the seventies till date. Superb performance!
Don (1978) (The Underworld Don)
Cast in a double role, Amitabh played the role of the underworld Don and his look alike, a bhaiyya from the streets of Bombay, who is fitted in the underworld mechanism by a committed police officer. A film not to be missed! Directed by Chandra Barot.
Namak Halal (1982) (The Employee)
Here, Amitabh plays the role of a village simpleton who comes to the city for a job, with nothing but what his grandfather has taught him- loyalty to your employer. His changeover from a village simpleton to a street-smart fellow is gradual, established without letting go of the innocence of the character. Worth mentioning are the comedy scenes of this film. Directed by Prakash Mehra.
Shakti (1982) (The estranged son)
The titans met! Amitabh Bachchan faced the yesteryears superstar Dilip Kumar. Throughout the film, you see the balance scale bending from one side to the other...until the final scene. The way Amitabh says- ''Maa''....uff! I saw the movie three times in a row just for that one dialogue rendition. Ably directed by Ramesh Sippy.
Sharaabi (1984) (The drunkard millionaire)
What a role! And who could do it the justice Amitabh did? A son who resorts to drink for the solace he needs from a father who is busy doing what he feels is the top priority- making money. Directed by Prakash Mehra.
Main Azaad Hoon (1989) (The Reformer)
A nameless simpleton, who makes a difference in the lives of his many brethren, and as a result, becomes the thorn in the eyes of the corrupt politicians. This film is about trust and courage. A must see! Directed by Tinnu Anand.
Agneepath (1990) (The boy from Mandwa)
Son of an idealistic schoolmaster, Vijay grows up to become the biggest underworld don of his times. Ironically, it is the death of his idealistic father that makes him turn to crime. The performance of Amitabh earned him the National Award for him. Great film....directed by Mukul Anand.
NOTE FROM THE REVIEWER
I have missed many films due to the limit of 10. However, on a passing note, I would like to mention the Big B's superb performances in films like Anand, Silsila, Mili, Sholay, Trishul, Muqaddar ka Sikandar, Kala Patthar, Yaraana, Dostana, Laawaris, Naseeb, Satte pe Satta, Andhaa Kanoon, Aakhri Raasta,- and from the recent ones- Aks, Ankhen and Kaante.
IN CONCLUSION
Whatever I got, I got from the industry. I had the same hairstyle, when I had come to Bombay with a dream, when I used to sleep on the bench at Marine Drive. No one was bothered about me then. I became what I am because of the film industry. And I have been true to it. As for influencing the younger generation, they follow what they like. I, too, did films like ''Main Azaad Hoon'' and ''Desh Premee''. The people discarded it. I couldn't allow the producer's money to be lost, which was invested with so much trust in me. I did what I felt was right!
(Amitabh Bachchan, answering the people in Shammi Kapoor's Manoranjan)
