It’s hard to imagine anyone more larger-than-life than Amitabh Bachchan. He has that sort of powerful onscreen presence that can smolder you – and, I’m sure, many of the younger actors who have worked along with him! In honour of this great man’s birthday, I’m sharing with you some of my favourite Amitabh scenes; maybe you can tell me yours at the end? 🙂
1. The Angry Young Man in Zanjeer
In his earlier films, Amitabh was known to be more romantically-inclined, but Zanjeer ushered in the era of the “angry young man.” It also earned him his first Filmfare Best Actor nomination. Plus, it was also the year he married Jaya Bhaduri. Seems like 1979 was a busy year for Amitabh, yes?
2. Mere Paas Maa Hain from Deewar
This dialogue probably goes down as one of the most famous dialogues in Bollywood history. It’s been quoted left, right and centre, and will continue to be for many years to come!
3. Mausi scene from Sholay
With friends like Jai, who needs enemies? 🙂 This is one amusing scene from the wildly popular film Sholay (the highest grossing film of all time in India!)
4. My Name is Anthony Gonsalves from Amar Akbar Anthony
Who doesn’t love this song? I can still listen to it anytime and still smile. Amar Akbar Anthony was also Amitabh Bachchan’s first Best Actor award. 🙂
5. Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein from Kabhie Kabhie
Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hain
Ki zindagi teri zulfon ki narm chhaon main guzarne pati
to shadab ho bhi sakti thi.
Yeh ranj-o-gham ki siyahi jo dil pe chhayi hain
Teri nazar ki shuaon main kho bhi sakti thi.
Magar yeh ho na saka aur ab ye aalam hain
Ki tu nahin, tera gham teri justjoo bhi nahin.
In this film, Amitabh Bachchan played a young poet – his poems were so popular that they are still recited today!
6. Rang Barse from Silsila
Speaking of poet, Silsila was another very popular Big B movie – more so perhaps because it starred Amitabh, Jaya and Rekha in their supposedly “real life” love triangle. It’s one of Bollywood’s biggest mysteries and best kept secrets; rumors have abounded for years about Amitabh and Rekha, but who really knows the truth? Anyway, Rang Barse is still that one song you will, without fail, hear at every Holi event!
7. Rishtey Mein Toh from Shahenshah
It’s funny how Amitabh dialogues tend to catch on so much, right? The “Rishtey mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hai” dialogue is one of those that are recited again and again… but what I really want to know is how many times Amitabh has told son Abhishek this one! 😉
8. The Strict Headmaster in Mohabbatein
I absolutely loved Amitabh in this film – his dialogues were hard-hitting and his powerful voice just made it better. His quiet but smouldering demeanor in this movie is among my favourites of his performances.
9. Say Shava Shava from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Hehe so this song is one of my guilty pleasures. From the fact that he’s dancing around with girls in short pink dresses to the classic Shava Shava step, I must admit that I love everything about this song. Especially the Kajol vase-breaking scene in the end!
10. The Auro Dance from Paa
Just when everyone thinks Amitabh Bachchan is getting too old, he plays a 12-year-old character – and how! Auro is one of the most lovable characters and his dance is my favourite part of Paa. Absolutely love Amitabh and his childlike behaviour this. I think, after this film, he really said – buddah hoga tera baap!
There are so many Amitabh scenes to pick from, it’s sort of ridiculous. He has been part of some of the most legendary scenes and songs of Hindi cinema, and hopefully will continue to be.