Amitabh Bachchan’s stardom is still unmatched even after decades of ruling over Bollywood. From being called the ‘angry young man’ to establishing himself as ‘Big B’, the actor reached the peak of his career long ago and has never looked back. However, recently veteran actor, Raza Murad talked abouthow it was luck, which changed Amitabh’s career as an actor on the verge of downfall to being one of the greatest superstars of Indian cinema.
Raza Murad revealed that Amitabh Bachchan was thrown out of a film after a string of flops
Amitabh Bachchan made his film debut in 1969 with the film, Saat Hindustani. However, he received recognition after appearing in a supporting role in Rajesh Khanna’s film, Anand. This helped him to lend lead roles, but unfortunately all of these movies tanked in the box office. As a result, veteran actor and Amitabh’s contemporary, Raza Murad revealed in an interview with Filmy Charcha, that he was replaced by Sanjay Khan in Duniya Ka Mela. Raza said that during those days distributors were of the opinion that people would not turn up in the theatres if Amitabh starred in films. Talking about Big B’s downfall in career, Raza Murad stated:
“Amitabh Bachchan was thrown out of Duniya Ka Mela. The makers replaced him with Sanjay Khan. 16 of his films flopped. Distributors said nobody will turn up to theatres if he will star in a film. At that time, his luck was not with him. But when the luck was in his favour, everything fell in place.”
Raza Murad said that all the superstars rejected Zanjeer, but luck led it to Amitabh Bachchan
Prakash Mehra, director of Zanjeer, went to all the top actors of those days, recalled Raza Murad. However, all of them, such as Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, Dev Anand, and Rajkumar, rejected the role of main lead. When Prakash Mehra had no other option. Jaya Bachchan (then Jaya Bhaduri) recommended Amitabh’s name to the director. Raza said that it was as if luck wanted the ‘angry young man’ to lead the film. And as destiny would have it, Zanjeer went on to be a massive blockbuster hit, leading Amitabh to star in other iconic films, such as Sholay, Don, Agneepath, and many more. Raza Murad, talking about Amitabh Bachchan getting the lead role in Zanjeer, said:
“When Prakash Mehra wanted to make Zanjeer, he went to Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, Dev Anand, Rajkumar, and they all refused for some or the other reason. The subject was extremely hero-oriented, yet, these superstars rejected it. Nobody knows why, but one can say that the luck wanted him to lead the film. When nobody wanted him, and Prakash Mehra had no option, Jaya Bachchan recommended the director he take Amitabh Bachchan and rest is history.”
More about the film Zanjeer
Zanjeer revolutionised the image of Bollywood heroes in those days. The hero who used to dance in romantic songs in the garden was transformed into a rebel, angry and frustrated at the system, as Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Vijay’. The film not only cemented the main lead’s career but also launched the illustrious careers of the iconic writer duo, Salim-Javed, aka Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. When it was released, the film was a box office super hit and minted Rs. 17 crores in 1973. If adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to earning approximately more than Rs. 500 crores now.
What are your thoughts on Amitabh Bachchan being thrown out of a film after flops, and then gaining stardom from Zanjeer?
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