Let us reflect for a moment on what could have been. The introverted scion of noted Hindi poet Harivanshrai Bachchan could have remained a successful freight broker in Bird and Co, a shipping factory in Calcutta.
Instead, the dark and lanky man decided to taste Mumbai's film industry's elusive success. There were repeated visits and humiliation at the doors of producers. Ironically enough, even All India Radio turned the baritone away, saying it wasn't impressive enough.
Sunil Dutt gave him a break as a mute in Reshma Aur Shera. His first film with a complete role, Saat Hindustani was released, but failed to create ripples. People, however, bothered to find out the off-screen name of the loveable babu moshai of Anand. He was being noticed.
Zanjeer saw the birth of the superstar that is Amitabh Bachchan in the true sense. Not to forget the faith that his tiny successful co-star, Jaya Bhaduri had in him that led him to the role. After the success of Zanzeer, more success was in store for the legend with films like Deewar, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhie Kabhie and several others.
So great was the impact of this actor, that his featuring in the credit did more than half the business for the producer. More hits down the line reflected the actor's ability to keep giving successful films off the conveyor belt.
Amitabh was a sensation, reached unparalleled heights and the entire Mumbai film industry banked on him. There was an unprecedented storm, frenzy and excitement.
After the storm, the frenzy and the excitement came a stillness that shook only recently when Amitabh showed up as an anchor of the first ever money-spinning show on a popular television channel.
The stillness that set in with the accident while shooting on the sets of Coolie, the subsequent close brush with death in the form of myasthenia gravis, a badly planned and timed entry into politics, the Bofors botch an effect less comeback, the sinking of his own venture ABCL of which he was the hero, started to shake and give in to frenzy once again.
Today, as the most famous Indian alive turns 58, with looks that have weathered indifferent health and age, the intensity in those deep eyes still speak of confrontation and a consequent triumph. 'Kaun Banega Crorepatri' is a winner all the way, and Mohabbatein is seeing him returning the glow to the silver screen that was in hiatus all these long years. Here's wishing many happy returns to that eternal superstar!
Let us reflect for a moment on what could have been. The introverted scion of noted Hindi poet Harivanshrai Bachchan could have remained a successful freight broker in Bird and Co, a shipping factory in Calcutta.