Before his legendary rise, superstar Amitabh Bachchan endured a challenging phase of 11 consecutive box office failures, leaving him jobless until screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, along with Jaya Bachchan, championed his talent for the game-changing film ‘Zanjeer’.
The Early Struggles of a Future Icon
Amitabh Bachchan, a name synonymous with Indian cinema, didn’t have an easy start. Despite not being from a film family, he was given multiple opportunities to prove himself. However, these initial ventures were largely unsuccessful, leading to a long string of flops.
This period left him effectively out of work and facing an uncertain future in the industry. It was a stark contrast to the colossal stardom he would later achieve.
Unwavering Faith Amidst Failure
Even when his career seemed to be at its lowest, certain individuals saw the immense potential within Amitabh Bachchan. Veteran writer Javed Akhtar, in an interview, recalled how he and Salim Khan had to fight for Bachchan’s casting in ‘Zanjeer’ because he wasn’t considered commercially viable at the time.
Akhtar emphasized that despite 11 consecutive flops, a few people had great respect for his talent. Among them was Jaya Bachchan, who, even before they were married, deeply believed in his abilities. Filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee also continued to offer him roles, recognizing his inherent skill.
Akhtar himself described Bachchan as a “volcano, waiting to erupt,” noting that even in his worst films, where the script and direction might have faltered, Bachchan’s performance remained impeccable. This conviction was crucial for what was to come.
The Pivotal ‘Zanjeer’ Pitch
Javed Akhtar recounted the fateful moment he pitched ‘Zanjeer’ to Amitabh Bachchan in the early 1970s. Despite having met only once before, Akhtar was absolutely certain that no one else could portray the character better than him.
Bachchan, being jobless, promptly agreed to the meeting. Akhtar narrated the entire script, leaving Bachchan astonished. “Do you think I can pull this role off?” Bachchan reportedly asked, to which Akhtar confidently replied, “Nobody in this country can play it better than you.”
Birth of the ‘Angry Young Man’
‘Zanjeer’ didn’t just give Amitabh Bachchan a hit; it redefined his career and gave Hindi cinema its iconic “Angry Young Man” persona. His intense and brooding portrayal resonated deeply with audiences, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with.
The film’s success paved the way for more blockbusters from the Salim-Javed duo starring Bachchan, including classics like ‘Deewaar’ and ‘Sholay’. These films cemented his position as a leading star.
A Lasting Legacy
While the legendary writing duo of Salim-Javed eventually parted ways, Amitabh Bachchan’s journey continued to new heights. From a jobless actor with a string of failures, he transformed into one of the most popular and respected movie stars in cinema history.
His unwavering dedication and the belief of a few key individuals, especially Jaya Bachchan, in his darkest professional hours ultimately led him to unparalleled success.
- Amitabh Bachchan faced 11 consecutive flops before ‘Zanjeer’.
- Screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar fought for his casting despite his commercial non-viability.
- Jaya Bachchan and Hrishikesh Mukherjee were among those who consistently believed in his talent.
- Javed Akhtar saw Bachchan as a “volcano waiting to erupt” even in his worst films.
- ‘Zanjeer’ launched Bachchan’s “Angry Young Man” persona, transforming his career.
This remarkable comeback story underscores the importance of perseverance and the power of belief in talent, even when others might lose faith.
