In the heart of Bollywood, veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar has recently showered praises on the iconic actor Amitabh Bachchan for his performance in the film ‘Mili.’ Despite the film being predominantly female-oriented with Jaya Bachchan as the lead, Akhtar highlighted that Amitabh Bachchan’s performance stood out as exceptional. This revelation came during the media discussions surrounding the release of his acclaimed documentary miniseries, ‘The Angry Young Men,’ which he developed along with his writing partner, Salim Khan.
A video that recently resurfaced has reignited conversations around Amitabh Bachchan’s career and the significant role played by the legendary screenwriting duo, Salim-Javed, in his rise to stardom. Before Amitabh Bachchan became the quintessential ‘angry young man’ of Hindi cinema, he faced a series of setbacks, with multiple films not performing as expected at the box office.
Javed Akhtar reminisced about the persistent belief that he and Salim Khan had in Amitabh Bachchan’s potential. It was this unwavering conviction that led them to cast Amitabh in the film ‘Zanjeer,’ despite his previous failures. Their collaboration proved to be gold, with the team delivering numerous blockbusters, solidifying Amitabh Bachchan’s place in Bollywood as a phenomenal actor.
The resurfaced video features Salim Khan recounting an interesting anecdote. He revealed, “Even for ‘Deewaar,’ Rajesh Khanna was initially signed by producer Gulshan Rai. However, we were adamant that Amitabh Bachchan was the perfect fit. We insisted that if the film was to be made, it had to be with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.” This anecdote illustrates the immense trust and foresight the duo had regarding Amitabh’s capabilities.
Javed Akhtar expressed his thoughts on some of Amitabh Bachchan’s lesser-discussed works, highlighting ‘Mili’ among them. He mentioned, “Films like ‘Deewaar,’ ‘Don,’ and ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ are often celebrated, but there are other movies where Amitabh’s performances deserve equal recognition. In ‘Mili,’ even though it was centered around Jaya Bachchan’s character, Amitabh delivered an exceptional performance.
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‘Mili,’ a poignant story that emphasizes human resilience, explores the special bond between the characters played by Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan. Jaya’s role as the terminally ill Mili won the audience’s heart, but Amitabh’s portrayal of a brooding and helpful neighbor was equally unforgettable. His nuanced performance added depth to the film, making it a memorable slice of Bollywood history.
The rise of Amitabh Bachchan in Hindi cinema is often contrasted with the decline of Rajesh Khanna, who was the first superstar Bollywood had seen. They co-starred in the film ‘Anand,’ where Rajesh Khanna’s performance left a lasting impression, moving many viewers to tears. Nevertheless, Bachchan’s meteoric rise was bolstered significantly by the consistent support and brilliant scripts provided by Salim-Javed. This creative partnership played a pivotal role in crafting characters that resonated deeply with the audiences, making Amitabh Bachchan a household name and securing his position as a favorite among the masses.
The seamless collaboration between Amitabh and the writer duo is often cited as one of the golden eras of Hindi cinema. Characters such as the resilient police officer in ‘Zanjeer,’ the defiant dockworker in ‘Deewaar,’ and the invincible vigilante in ‘Don’ highlighted Amitabh’s versatility and Salim-Javed’s unparalleled storytelling prowess. Despite his powerful roles in high-octane drama and action films, Amitabh’s role in ‘Mili,’ a film with a softer, more introspective tone, exemplifies his range as an actor.
These anecdotes and reflections are sourced from a third-party syndicated feed, providing a fascinating insight into Bollywood’s history. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit that formed the bedrock of Hindi cinema’s golden age. Mid-day, the platform hosting these reflections, states that it holds no responsibility or liability regarding the accuracy or reliability of the syndicated content. However, it reserves the right to alter or delete the content at its discretion.
Javed Akhtar’s reflections not only celebrate Amitabh Bachchan’s legacy but also remind the audience of the critical role that diligent, thoughtful writing plays in shaping an actor’s career. As ‘The Angry Young Men’ documentary continues to garner attention, it also revives the discussions around iconic partnerships that have left an indelible mark on Bollywood.
