Amitabh Bachchan, often referred to as the 'Millennium Star,' has carved out one of the most illustrious careers in Indian cinema. He emerged from obscurity to grace the silver screen with performances so impactful they forever changed the Bollywood narrative. Today, we take a retrospective look at some of the defining films of his career, particularly focusing on 'Baghban,' 'Teen Patti,' and 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.'
'Baghban' marked a pivotal point for Bachchan, acting alongside Hema Malini, and exploring the sensitive theme of aging parents. Directed by the late Ravi Chopra, 'Baghban' initially faced skepticism from distributors who labeled the film ‘old-fashioned.’ Renu Chopra, wife of Ravi Chopra, recounted how they struggled to find Sugar too, recounting how at one point, they approached Salman Khan for his participation, which turned out to be instrumental. She shared, "No distributor wanted to touch the film. They thought it was outdated, especially since Amit ji was facing a rough patch in his career, having just made a comeback with Mohabbatein and Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)." Salman’s heartfelt commitment to the role of Alok Malhotra echoed through his response to the script: "I love this boy, Alok Malhotra. This is exactly how I feel about my parents. I worship them, and I will do this role." This genuine passion turned out to be the catalyst the movie needed to eventually become the box office success it is celebrated as today.
Besides 'Baghban,' we cannot overlook the 2010 film 'Teen Patti,' directed by Leena Yadav, which showcased Bachchan’s ability to navigate complex roles. His character, Professor Venkat Subramaniam, involved him deeply with themes of morality and choice, wrapped around the high-stakes world of gambling. Bollyspice described the film as "a tautly scripted and brilliant execution... targeting cerebral entertainment for audiences willing to expand, not suspend, their disbelief." This complexity proved to be yet another feather in Bachchan’s cap, demonstrating his knack for tackling challenging and thought-provoking narratives.
From exploring familial relationships to traversing complex moral terrains, Bachchan's versatility shines brightly across his portfolio. But it wasn't always easy. Initially introduced to Bollywood audiences as the side character of Roit Aur Kapada Aur Makaan, where his role went unrecognized, Bachchan's career faced myriad ups and downs. Even at one point, his wife Jaya Bachchan criticized the film's director, Manoj Kumar, for not giving Bachchan adequate screen time. Reportedly, she expressed irritation, asking why such talent was wasted. Interestingly, the film was re-released ten years later when Bachchan's stardom had peaked. During this second release, the promotion centered on his iconic status—making the film's legacy shift favorably.
Each pivotal moment considered, Amitabh Bachchan’s career demonstrates the delicate choreography of luck, talent, and the unwavering resolve to reclaim the spotlight. His relationships with dynamic co-stars, directors, and screenwriters carved pathways for rich narratives and compelling performances. The love he received from fans over the decades stands as affirmation of not just personal achievement—but also cultural significance.
Reflecting on Bachchan's career, especially with releases like 'Teen Patti,' where he captures the drama of moral ambiguity, or 'Baghban,' showcasing the depths of familial love, it's evident there remains much to explore. His adaptability, his willingness to take on diverse roles, and the storytelling he embodies provide followers of cinema—and life—a voice rich with lessons on resilience, community, and the aging process.
Through thick and thin, Amitabh Bachchan continues to be not just the actor Indians admire, but also the man they look up to, as someone who embodies the triumph of spirit and the unwavering bonds of family and love throughout life’s inevitable changes.