“‘No’ is an entire sentence in itself.”
Amitabh Bachchan
Introduction
The Indian cinema experience was based on creaking ceiling fans, a temperamental film projector, searing heat from the climate, and body warmth. Yet, it was a must for the disciples of Bollywood cinema. Yet, as this genre of film raced to compete with the big-budget films of Hollywood, fans craved an all-action hero who could make a leading lady swoon, wipe out evil and sing like a god fallen from the skies. Their prayers were answered with the explosion onto the Bollywood screen of a sure Amitabh Bachchan—an actor with chiselled looks, jet-black hair and a velvety voice.
Bachchan was a breath of fresh air to Indian cinema-goers. He broke the repetition of romantic acting and took the bull by the horns by taking on parts that were defiant, angry, yet sympathetic action heroes. With a tall and brooding persona, baritone voice and striking presence, he instantly became the new Bollywood action hero. He could fight a group of baddies without breaking into a sweat, leaving them dead or in an injured pile on the floor. He would then break out into song or kiss his beautiful sweetheart without effort.
Bollywood Fame
Born Amitabh Srivastava in Allahabad in 1942, Bachan grew up in the privileged part of the caste system. His father was an acclaimed Hindi poet, and his mother was a social activist. Educated through various Indian colleges and the University of Delhi, Amitabh began his career as a voice narrator in the 1969 film Bhuvan Shome. He quickly sent the tongues of Bollywood directors wagging. At the dawn of the 1970s and Indian cinema bursting into technicolour, a Bollywood star was born. BaBachchan would start to rub shoulders with all the Bollywood greats, starring in films like Anand, Zanjeer, Roti Kapadi Aur Makaan and go on to star in epics like Deewaar, Sholay, Kabhi Kabhie, Hera Pheri, Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, Kasme Vaade, Trishul Don, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Suhaag, Dostana, Nasseb, Laawaris, Namak Halaal, Coolie, Sharaabi and Mard.
The Pin-up Star
This was and still is an actor who can sell films and make money. His home in India is still mobbed to this day with adoring fans, desperate to catch a glimpse, a selfie or an autograph from their Bollywood hero. Young or old, he dominates the screen and provides an X Factor that few have achieved. You walk away from one of his films feeling refreshed and inspired. He has that zing that makes him a cinema deity. Acclaimed performances in Namak Haraam, Abhimaan, Majboor, Mili, Chupke Chupke, Kaala Patthar, Shaan, Yaarana Kaalia, Shakti, Aakhree Raasta, Shahenshah and Agneepath.
This multiple-awarded actor has been a playback singer, actor, and film producer and was a successful host of India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Kaun Banega Crorepati. He was even a politician in the 1980s, inspired by his long-term friendship with Rajiv Gandhi. At 81, he shows no signs of slowing down. Now a silver fox, he remains a star and sex symbol. An actor who truly understands the true ethos of cinema and how the screen can help define lives and create inner happiness.
