The Day Bollywood Held Its Breath: Recalling the Coolie Accident and Its Aftermath
The year was 1982. Bollywood was gripped by an unprecedented crisis as news broke of a near-fatal accident on the sets of the film *Coolie*, involving none other than the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. A mistimed action sequence left the superstar gravely injured, and the nation held its breath, praying for his recovery. In the chaotic aftermath, a cloud of public fury descended upon actor Puneet Issar, the co-star whose unintentional blow had caused the life-threatening injury. Fans, consumed by worry for their beloved “Big B,” began to villainize Issar, holding him solely responsible for the tragedy.
A Star’s Unwavering Compassion: Amitabh Bachchan’s Message from His Hospital Bed
Amidst the intense public scrutiny and his own critical health battle at Breach Candy Hospital, Amitabh Bachchan displayed an extraordinary act of compassion. He made a profound request: to meet Puneet Issar. This gesture, coming from a man in such a fragile state, was nothing short of astonishing. Puneet, overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow, recounts the moment he entered Bachchan’s hospital room with tears streaming down his face. “When I saw him in that state, I had tears in my eyes, thinking that all this has happened because of me,” he shared in a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan.
“It’s Not Your Fault”: A Superstar’s Reassurance
In that deeply emotional encounter, Amitabh Bachchan offered the kind of reassurance that only a true legend could. Instead of blame, he extended understanding and empathy. “Puneet, it’s not your fault,” Bachchan gently told him, recognizing the inherent risks of action choreography. “When we are doing action, this kind of stuff happens.” This moment of profound grace from an injured icon not only comforted a distraught Puneet Issar but also underscored the deep camaraderie often shared within the film fraternity.
Jaya Bachchan’s Quiet Strength: A Pillar of Support
While Amitabh Bachchan’s magnanimity shone brightly, the grace extended by his wife, Jaya Bachchan, was equally remarkable. Puneet Issar fondly recalls her reaction as being incredibly “gracious” and supportive throughout the entire ordeal. “Amazing, what a lady,” he exclaimed, emphasizing that both Amitabh and Jaya, deeply embedded in the world of cinema, understood the unpredictable nature of film sets. Their shared experience and professional perspective meant they never harbored resentment, seeing the incident as an unfortunate mishap rather than a deliberate act. Her calm demeanor during such a tumultuous period provided crucial emotional ballast, not just for her family but for Puneet as well.
Lessons Learned: Amitabh’s Past Experience with Vinod Khanna
To further alleviate Puneet’s burden of guilt, Amitabh Bachchan even shared a personal anecdote from his own career. He recounted an instance where he had unintentionally injured his colleague, the late Vinod Khanna, during a shoot, resulting in the need for stitches. “He said, ‘I was feeling the same way you are feeling today, so please relax’,” Puneet shared, highlighting Bachchan’s incredible ability to connect and empathize. This story provided a crucial perspective, demonstrating that such accidents, though devastating, are sometimes an inherent part of the physically demanding world of filmmaking.
A Public Display of Unity: Dispelling Rumours of Animosity
Perhaps the most powerful demonstration of Amitabh Bachchan’s unwavering support came as he discharged from the hospital. Despite his delicate condition, he insisted on walking Puneet Issar to the hospital gate at Breach Candy. With his arm around Issar’s neck, Bachchan made a deliberate public appearance for the waiting press. This simple yet profound act sent a clear message to the media and the anxious public: there were no hard feelings, no blame, no animosity between the two actors. “That’s the greatness of Bachchan saab,” Puneet concluded, reflecting on a moment that cemented a bond forged in adversity and defined by extraordinary human kindness.
