The wrinkles are visible more than ever, the crowfeet around the expressive eyes are getting worse and a recurring liver problem needs constant medical attention.
But actor Amitabh Bachchan’s towering presence in the Indian film industry over four decades is testimony to an era dominated by men of enormous talents and cinema reflective of the socio-political turmoil of his times.
As Bachchan turns 69 on Tuesday, his films bear his legacy of suave, old world charm, discipline and impeccable courtesy. His understated style defines the roles he has scripted over the years, from the reticent doctor in Anand (1971), the loner in Mili (1975), the simpleton in Yaarana (1985) to the upright educationist in Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan (2011).
The romantic hero of the 60s and 70s reinvented himself time and again through iconic films that still appeal to a wide range of audience. In a way Bachchan revolutioned the industry when he made his debut in 1969 with the film Saat Hindustani.
Bachchan’s entry was as ‘filmy’ as the roles he played later on. Indian audiences, used to seeing actors of average, even diminutive statures with on-stage mannerisms that fall back on an era of KL Saigal, Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand took some time to adjust to his lean frame and intense acting.
He had an angular face, unsuitable for his time. He had a baritone and large expressive eyes, poets eyes, some said. Producers were sceptical about casting the six-feet-tall young man with the brooding eyes.
Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer (1973) was a major turning point for Bachchan as well as Indian cinema as it established a role that marked the temporary end of the gentle-romantic-besotted hero.
The angry young man tag has stayed with Bachchan for four decades, as has ‘Big B’ – a term fondly coined by his fans - culminating in a biopic by Puri Jagannath that pays tribute to the 70s, arguably the best phase of Indian cinema.
But actor Amitabh Bachchan’s towering presence in the Indian film industry over four decades is testimony to an era dominated by men of enormous talents and cinema reflective of the socio-political turmoil of his times.
As Bachchan turns 69 on Tuesday, his films bear his legacy of suave, old world charm, discipline and impeccable courtesy. His understated style defines the roles he has scripted over the years, from the reticent doctor in Anand (1971), the loner in Mili (1975), the simpleton in Yaarana (1985) to the upright educationist in Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan (2011).
The romantic hero of the 60s and 70s reinvented himself time and again through iconic films that still appeal to a wide range of audience. In a way Bachchan revolutioned the industry when he made his debut in 1969 with the film Saat Hindustani.
Bachchan’s entry was as ‘filmy’ as the roles he played later on. Indian audiences, used to seeing actors of average, even diminutive statures with on-stage mannerisms that fall back on an era of KL Saigal, Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand took some time to adjust to his lean frame and intense acting.
He had an angular face, unsuitable for his time. He had a baritone and large expressive eyes, poets eyes, some said. Producers were sceptical about casting the six-feet-tall young man with the brooding eyes.
Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer (1973) was a major turning point for Bachchan as well as Indian cinema as it established a role that marked the temporary end of the gentle-romantic-besotted hero.
The angry young man tag has stayed with Bachchan for four decades, as has ‘Big B’ – a term fondly coined by his fans - culminating in a biopic by Puri Jagannath that pays tribute to the 70s, arguably the best phase of Indian cinema.
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