Amitabh Bachchan: Driven by genius of stagecraft

Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan is currently trending for his film Kalki 2898 AD, but his genius transcends way beyond the silver screen. He is a go to person for brand endorsements, social initiatives, TV campaigns, shows and what not. In the early 1970s, Hindi cinema witnessed the emergence of a new archetype that resonated with the frustrations and aspirations of a changing India. Amitabh Bachchan, with his brooding intensity and commanding presence, became the face of this new wave. Films like "Zanjeer" (1973), directed by Prakash Mehra, marked the birth of Bachchan's iconic "Angry Young Man" persona. His portrayal of Inspector Vijay Khanna, a man driven by a thirst for justice, was a stark departure from the romantic heroes that had dominated Bollywood until then.

Bachchan's deep baritone, his towering height, and his ability to convey simmering rage and deep vulnerability struck a chord with audiences. This period saw a string of successful films, such as "Deewaar" (1975), "Sholay" (1975), and "Trishul" (1978), where Bachchan's characters often stood as rebels against a corrupt system, battling social injustices and personal demons.

The Multi-faceted Performer

Despite being typecast as the "Angry Young Man," Bachchan's versatility shone through in various roles across different genres. In the romantic drama "Kabhie Kabhie" (1976), directed by Yash Chopra, he played a poet who grapples with lost love and the passage of time. His performance in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's "Chupke Chupke" (1975) showcased his impeccable comedic timing, further cementing his status as a versatile actor.

Bachchan's ability to seamlessly transition between intense drama, action, romance, and comedy made him a unique figure in Indian cinema. His portrayal of Anthony Gonsalves in "Amar Akbar Anthony" (1977) displayed his flair for humor and charm, making the character an unforgettable part of Bollywood's rich tapestry.

The Era of Experimentation and Setbacks

The 1980s saw Bachchan experimenting with a variety of roles and directors. Films like "Silsila" (1981), where he starred alongside Jaya Bachchan and Rekha in a controversial love triangle, and "Namak Halaal" (1982), where his comedic brilliance was on full display, highlighted his range as an actor. In 1982, while filming "Coolie," Bachchan suffered a near-fatal accident.

Bachchan embraced his age and transitioned into roles that resonated with his mature persona. This phase of his career saw him playing father figures, mentors, and authoritative characters with a depth that only experience could bring.

The Voice of a Generation

Beyond his on-screen work, Bachchan's deep, resonant voice has become iconic in its own right. As a narrator, he has lent gravitas to numerous projects, including the Oscar-winning documentary "March of the Penguins" (2005) and the Hindi version of "The Great Gatsby" (2013). His baritone has also been a staple in Indian advertising, making him one of the most recognizable voices in the country.

Early 2000s: Reinvention and Resurgence

Mohabbatein (2000): Directed by Aditya Chopra, this film marked Bachchan's return to the silver screen in a significant way. Playing the role of Narayan Shankar, the strict headmaster of Gurukul, he showcased his ability to transition into more mature roles. The film was a commercial success and re-established him as a powerful actor in Bollywood.

Kaun Banega Crorepati (2000 - Present): Bachchan's debut as the host of this quiz show on Indian television was a game-changer. His engaging presence and charismatic hosting revived the show’s fortunes and made it a cultural phenomenon. The success of KBC cemented his place in Indian households and introduced him to a new generation of fans.

Mid-2000s: Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim

Baghban (2003): In this family drama, Bachchan played the role of an elderly father neglected by his children. His performance was widely appreciated, and the film was a commercial hit, further solidifying his status as a versatile actor.

Black (2005): Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bachchan's portrayal of Debraj Sahai, a teacher for a deaf-blind girl, was a tour de force. His intense and nuanced performance earned him several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

Sarkar (2005): This political crime drama directed by Ram Gopal Varma saw Bachchan playing a character inspired by the iconic figure of Vito Corleone from "The Godfather." His powerful portrayal of Subhash Nagre received critical acclaim and led to two sequels: "Sarkar Raj" (2008) and "Sarkar 3" (2017).

Late 2000s: Continued Success and Experimentation

Cheeni Kum (2007): In this romantic comedy, directed by R. Balki, Bachchan played a 64-year-old chef who falls in love with a woman half his age. The film showcased his impeccable comedic timing and ability to handle unconventional roles.

Paa (2009): Another collaboration with R. Balki, this film saw Bachchan in the challenging role of Auro, a child suffering from progeria. His transformation and performance were widely praised, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Early 2010s: Exploring New Avenues

Piku (2015): Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Bachchan played the role of Bhaskor Banerjee, an irritable, hypochondriac father. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone and his comedic timing made the film a critical and commercial success.

Pink (2016): In this courtroom drama, directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Bachchan played the role of a retired lawyer who defends three young women in a sexual assault case. The film was lauded for its powerful message and Bachchan's commanding performance.

Late 2010s to Present: Continuing Evolution

102 Not Out (2018): Reuniting with Rishi Kapoor, Bachchan played a 102-year-old man determined to break the world record for the longest living human. The film highlighted his ability to handle light-hearted, yet emotionally resonant roles.

Badla (2019): This crime thriller directed by Sujoy Ghosh saw Bachchan playing a lawyer trying to solve a murder mystery. His performance was praised for its intensity and depth.

Gulabo Sitabo (2020): Directed by Shoojit Sircar, this comedy-drama featured Bachchan as an irascible old landlord. Released on Amazon Prime Video due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film was noted for Bachchan's transformative performance.

Recent Projects and Future Endeavors

Jhund (2022): Directed by Nagraj Manjule, this biographical sports drama featured Bachchan as Vijay Barse, a retired sports teacher who founded an NGO for underprivileged children. His performance was lauded for its sincerity and emotional depth.

Chehre (2021): In this mystery thriller, Bachchan played the role of a retired lawyer involved in a mock trial. The film highlighted his enduring screen presence and ability to handle complex characters.

Brahmāstra (2022): Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this fantasy adventure film featured Bachchan in a significant supporting role. His involvement added star power to the film, which was a major commercial success.