‘Zanjeer,’ the landmark 1973 film, dramatically transformed Amitabh Bachchan’s career after a string of 16 flops, a turning point veteran actor Raza Murad attributes largely to luck.
A Career on the Brink
Before ‘Zanjeer’ catapulted him to superstardom, Amitabh Bachchan faced significant struggles in the film industry. Veteran actor Raza Murad recently shared insights into Bachchan’s early career, revealing a period marked by considerable setbacks.
Bachchan had reportedly delivered 16 consecutive box office failures. So much so that, according to Murad, distributors were hesitant to back any film starring him, believing audiences would not turn up.
When Top Stars Said No
The journey of ‘Zanjeer’ to Amitabh Bachchan was far from straightforward. Director Prakash Mehra initially approached several established superstars of the era, including Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, Dev Anand, and Rajkumar, for the lead role.
Despite the script being highly hero-centric and promising, all these prominent actors, for various reasons, declined the part. This left Prakash Mehra in a difficult position, seemingly without many options for his protagonist.
The Pivotal Recommendation
It was at this critical juncture that Jaya Bachchan, then Jaya Bhaduri, stepped in. She recommended Amitabh Bachchan for the role, a suggestion that, in hindsight, proved to be a stroke of genius.
With no other A-listers willing to take on the project, Mehra cast Bachchan. The rest, as they say, is history, with ‘Zanjeer’ becoming a monumental success and launching Bachchan into an unparalleled phase of his career.
Raza Murad: Luck is Key
Reflecting on Amitabh Bachchan’s meteoric rise, Raza Murad emphasized the paramount role of luck in show business. He cited Bachchan being replaced in a film called ‘Duniya Ka Mela’ by Sanjay Khan as another example of how circumstances can shift dramatically.
Murad’s belief is that while talent is important, 90% of success in the industry boils down to fortune. He posits that when luck favors an individual, opportunities align, as they did for Bachchan with ‘Zanjeer’.
‘Zanjeer’s’ Enduring Impact
‘Zanjeer’ was more than just a hit film; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined Hindi cinema. It wasn’t just a turning point for Amitabh Bachchan, but also for the iconic writer duo Salim-Javed, establishing their unique storytelling style.
The film introduced the “angry young man” persona, moving away from traditional romantic heroes to a gritty, brooding protagonist. This character, Vijay, resonated deeply with the frustrated Indian middle class of the time.
Memorable dialogues, such as “Yeh police station hai, tumhare baap ka ghar nahin,” became part of pop culture. Even actor Pran’s portrayal of Sher Khan, with his distinctive Pathani attire, became an instant classic, cementing the film’s legendary status.
- Amitabh Bachchan faced 16 film flops before starring in ‘Zanjeer’.
- Several leading actors initially rejected the main role in ‘Zanjeer’.
- Jaya Bachchan’s recommendation led Amitabh Bachchan to the iconic part.
- The film introduced the “angry young man” archetype in Hindi cinema.
- Raza Murad believes luck is a crucial factor in achieving success in the film industry.
‘Zanjeer’ remains a testament to how one film can completely alter a career trajectory and leave an indelible mark on cinematic history.
