Mumbai, Nov 7 (IANS) Fifty years ago on this day, Amitabh Bachchan made his Bollywood debut with KA Abbas’ “Saat Hindustani”. On Thursday, son Abhishek Bachchan penned a heartfelt note to celebrate the occasion.
Taking to social media, Abhishek wrote, “Not just as a son, but as an actor and a fan… We are all blessed to witness greatness! There is so much to admire, to learn and even more to appreciate. Several generations of cinema lovers get to say we lived in the times of BACHCHAN!!! Congratulations Pa on completing 50 years in the Film industry. We now await the next 50! Love you. Amitabh Bachchan #50yrsofSaatHindustaani #50yrsofBachchan #GiveItUpForBachchan.”
Reacting to Abhishek’s tweet, Karan Johar wrote: “He will remain the most inspiring story in the world of entertainment! Words alone cannot describe his achievements…we are all honoured to be able to watch his genius unravel in front of our eyes! Congratulations to the proud son”.
Ekta Kapoor commented, “There are stars …then superstars …and then there is AMITABH BACHCHAN (uncle /sir)”.
Actress Divya Dutta reacted, “Yesss!! We are super lucky to have lived in the times of Bachchan! And even luckier to have known him personally and shared screen space with him!! How much we love you sir @SrBachchan!!! Happy 50 years sire and many many more!!! You are t reason many of us love being in films!”
Poet-writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has collaborated with Salim Khan to create several memorable roles and scripts for Amitabh Bachchan, in his glory days as Bollywood’s Angry Young Man. Salim-Javed’s scripts such as “Deewar”, “Sholay”, “Trishul”, “Don”, “Kaala Patthar”, “Dostana”, Shaan” and “Shakti” redefined action, drama and heroism in the Bachchan era, crafting the towering Big B stature.
As Amitabh Bachchan completes 50 years in Bollywood, Javed Akhtar spoke to IANS, about the process of creating those unforgettable films. Over to Javed saab:
“We did not keep Amitabh Bachchan in mind while writing our earlier films, like ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Deewar’ or ‘Sholay’. But after watching those performances, we felt he suits these roles the best. Nobody could have done it better. The same can be said about ‘Don’. We had the story. The film was not written keeping him in mind. But after writing the script, we felt he would be ideal for the role.
I like his performance in each of the films he did with us. He did a brilliant job in every film. So, I cannot single out one film as my favorite.
Javed Akhtar on Big B: A powerful river always finds its course
Amitabh Bachchan is an exceptionally talented and successful actor. A talent like this always finds a way to express itself, just like a powerful river creates its own course and keeps flowing, no matter what obstacles come in its way. Even if a jungle or a mountain comes in its way, the river will find its course.
He has done a wonderful job in the films written by us. Some of his roles in our movies will always be remembered. It would be incorrect to say his filmography is incomplete without our films. I would like to say we have mutually benefitted each other.
My best wishes were always with him and today also I send my wishes. In all these years, his dedication, hard work and passion have not changed a bit. He has completed 50 years in this industry. Till today, when I watch his films, I feel that even newcomers perhaps don’t have the level of passion he does. I wish he keeps working with this dedication, so that we can enjoy his movies.
Written and directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, “Saat Hindustani” was released on November 7, 1969. The film marked Amitabh Bachchan’s debut in Bollywood. This was followed by classics like “Anand”, “Bombay to Goa”, “Zanjeer”, “Abhimaan” and “Namak Haram” in his initial few years.
On the work front, the megastar who currently hosts the popular quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”, has his kitty full with the movies “Bhramastra”, “Chehere”, “Gulabo Sitabo” and “Jhund”.
When Big B failed in a film contest
Very few know that before his journey towards superstardom began, the actor had tried his hand at various opportunities. He has recalled how he failed in one of them.
While shooting for “Kaun Banega Crorepati” as its host, Amitabh was left speechless on the sets of the show when he was reminded about “Saat Hindustani” — the film that launched him as a Bollywood actor on November 7, 1969.
“I was working in Kolkata when I happened to see an advertisement on a newspaper which stated that the winner of the contest would get an opportunity to work with renowned producers from the industry. I felt it was a good opportunity and I applied for the same. However, I didn’t receive any correspondence from them,” recalled Big B.
“One day while chatting with my father, I mentioned about this opportunity and how I failed. He said to me – ‘Beta agar kisi ghar ke andar ghusna ho, aur darwaza ho bandh, toh deewar phand kar andar jaana chahiye!” he added.
On the show, Oscar Award-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty also surprised him and gifted him a book as a small token of appreciation as a celebration of his 50 glorious years in the Indian film industry.
The first page of the book reads: “100 years of Indian Cinema and 50 years of Amitabh Bachchan”.
“Mr. Bachchan was left speechless. He couldn’t thank his fans and the makers of the show enough for extending so much love for all these years. He was nostalgic about his humble journey in the industry. What he means to all of us cannot be described in words… but we can only wish for him to complete a century,” said a source.
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