11 October 2019

Blog Marathon - Post 11 - Amitabh Bachchan - A phenomenon

Today is Amitabh Bachchan's 77th birthday. This man doesn't stop amazing us Indians and the Bollywood industry at large. There might not be a single person in Mumbai who doesn't know or worship him. He has ruled the hearts of movie fans for almost 5 decades. He started working in the movies in 1969. He hasn't stopped till now in spite of a life-threatening accident while shooting for a film called "Coolie." People prayed for him, did fasts, waited outside the hospital just to get the news that he is out of danger. Today on every Sunday, he comes out on the terrace of his house and waves to the crowd standing outside his bungalow "Jalsa." It happens every Sunday (whenever he is in Mumbai), and people from far and near come to just see him. That's the awe of his persona. That's the magic of his work and personality that he has created in the hearts of the people. He still rules them!

If I have to list down the top 5 movies of Amitabh Bachchan, it is tough for me to do so. I like almost all his masala movies of the 70s and 80s. But if I have to make a comprehensive list, then it would look like this:

1) Amar Akbar Anthony: It's a story of lost and found brothers, and I enjoy watching it even today. Though it lacks logic and seems almost unreal today, it boasted of having the biggest movie stars under one banner at that time. It had some fantastic music too. And that would be my all-time favorite movie!

2) Paa: He played a terminally ill character and actually played one of the most challenging roles, I think. He played the part of the son of his own son, Amitabh Bachchan in the movie. Abhishek was the father, and he played his estranged son. And he did it brilliantly. With such heavy makeup, he made it look so easy. The songs were also excellent.

3) Piku: An aging father and his skirmishes with his daughter look so real and authentic in the movie. He does the role with such ease and poise. You get irritated by his strange behavior, but at the same time, your heart goes out to him. Hats off to him!

4) Cheeni Kam: He romances a girl half his age and plays an eccentric chef who has to woo his future father-in-law, who is younger than him. He gives full justice to the role, and it's fun watching his banter with the staff and his love interest.

5) Badla: This movie blew my mind. He played the role of a lawyer with a high conviction. He appeared as if he was trying to prove the innocence of his client and seems to be saving the culprit. But the end! It just took a 360 degrees turn. I couldn't imagine the climax of the film. I will not divulge any details. In case you haven't yet watched it, please watch it on Netflix.

I like his later choice of work and projects. He always played an angry young man, wronged by the villains in the movie, and who fights against them physically to seek justice. Later from the year 2000, he did more mature and challenging roles. His humility, his openness to new things and experiments, his thirst for always trying to improve put him into a league which is far beyond his years. He also dabbled into Television serials, and he is the host of the famous series called "Kaun Banega crorepati" based on the legendary "Who wants to be a millionaire."

Here's wishing Mr. Amitabh Bachchan a very happy birthday! May God give you good health and a long life. We look forward to new ventures and new surprises from you.


1 comment:

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