A decade ago, one might have thought it impossible to list Amitabh Bachchan’s notable performances without including the golden old hits. But we have done exactly that. Post Kaante in 2002, Bachchan became the ‘dude’ of the industry, the only one above the age of 60!
By that yardstick, Bachchan is a legend twice over-for he’s managed to win over an entirely new generation of audience. Most actors are presented the opportunity to go full-blooded on varied roles in their prime, and are cautiously typecast into stereotypical ageing roles over time. In the case of Bachchan, his most creative, experimental work has come in the last few years. Here’s a tribute to his ‘re-earned’ superstardom.
Baghban (2003)
A father of four sons, just retired, is looking forward to a relaxed retirement life with his devoted wife. Of course, things don’t work out as expected for Raj Malhotra and his wife. The sons and their wives find it difficult adjusting with the parents and everyday skirmishes increase the tension.
In this extremely patriarchal take on the society and its over-simplified portrayal of nuclear families (all the sons are one-dimensional selfish brutes), Bachchan plays the head of the family who compiles his bitter experiences in a book. The viewers liked the film and Bachchan cemented his image as the ultimate patriarch of the industry.
The audience loved him shaking a leg with the gorgeous Hema Malini and adored him even more when he kicks his no-good children’s butts. A wonderful platform for Bachchan to showcase all that he’s got and make a grand re-entry into the hearts of the family audience.
Black (2005)
He’ll always be remembered by it and his portrayal of the eccentric teacher Debraj Sahai will always feature in the list of his top films or performances. It was a tough role. When Sahai turns dogmatic in his aim to educate the little deaf and dumb girl, he retorts to raising his hand.
While this aspect of his character disturbed many, no one could deny the other virtues of this well-intentioned teacher. He tutored Michelle so she grew into a thinking, self-reliant woman who wants to study in a university.
Tables turn when it is he who is vulnerable towards the end. Who can forget the scene where a mentally unstable and blind Sahai is tied to the bed of a hospital? Reminded one of the time when Michelle was made to walk around with a bell by her parents. A deeply etched character, Bachchan made you feel for and respect the slightly mysterious, admirable and one-of-a-kind Debraj Sahai. Truly a performance that set a new benchmark in our industry.
Sarkar (2005)
The film was said to be based on Bal Thackeray-a statement regularly refuted by AB and director Ram Gopal Varma. However, Varma did speak of his fondness for the film Godfather, which inspired the core story.
The character of Sarkar, played by Bachchan, is a reflection of Vito Corleone in Godfather. Here, the said protagonist was shown in a rather genteel light, more like a philanthropist with unusual (and illegal) methods. Bachchan played the magnanimous Sarkar perfectly, dressed intimidating in a black kurta and a red tilak.
He showed the sensitive side of the family man as well as his ruthless force in business matters. The character that used his towering screen presence fully, was a cinch for Bachchan. Honestly, it’s a tough call to think of someone who would suit the role of Sarkar more and do it full justice.
Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
Perhaps as a result of his towering persona and intensity, most filmmakers are inspired to present AB with slightly larger-then-life roles. So it was a lot of fun to see Bachchan loosen up and do a bit of comedy. As a cop, hot on the trail of two mischievous thugs Bunty and Babli, AB was lovable in every scene.
Note the one where he is drunk and strikes a conversation with Bunty not knowing him to be the one he’s after. Or the madness that ensues when AB Jr and Sr let out their hilarious streak in the song Kajra re.
As ACP Dashtrath Singh, Bachchan regaled the audience with his witty dialogues and comic timing, and turned him into one of the most-loved characters in the film.
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006)
That Bachchan was in the mood to take up roles that most in his place would run a mile away from was evident when he picked this one. That of a super-horny, oversexed old man who likes playing handcuffs with young blondes. As putting off as the character may sound, Bachchan managed miraculously to turn Sexy Sam into a bratty, lovable one.
Of course, the character takes an emotional turn down the film, but his innate fondness for the ladies and light flirtation with Kirron Kher elicited lots of laughs. Easily the most controversial and memorable character of the film.
Cheeni Kum (2007)
As the pony-tailed, immaculately groomed chef at an upper scale London eatery, Amitabh Bachchan pulled off the tricky role of Buddha Dev immaculately. One part of the character was charming enough to attract a lady half his age or less, and another side had his sensitive heart bleed for a child dying of cancer.
The film was full of trying scenes that tested the actor’s hold over the character-the one where he challenges Tabu that he can show his, err, love prowess right there, right now in a park; the one where he meets his girlfriend’s dad for the first time and is subjected to typical questions about wife and kids; and the one where he learns of his child friend and confidante’s passing away. Many such.
Perhaps in the hands of a lesser actor, one may have labelled the character a cradle snatcher, or worse, an ambitious, lecherous old fool. Bachchan truly made Cheeni Kum one of the sweetest leading characters of the year
The Last Lear (2008)
Perhaps the only film on the list that is a commercial dud. The film bombed, but, my, did it leave behind the aftertaste of having sampled Bachchan’s earnestly delicious performance of an eccentric aging star.
The film tells us that celebrated actor Harish Mishra is now living a reclusive life with his devoted girlfriend and an always-full glass of vodka. Yet, in the hands of a suave, slightly manipulative filmmaker who’s set on casting him, Harry is naïve like a child.
The greed of a deep, nuanced role is enough for the actor in him to take the dangerous leap. He fears being ridiculed, even takes up dangerous stunts through the course of the film, all for the sake of his art. Yes, the film’s promos described Harry as “hearty, eccentric, passionate”, but Bachchan bought these adjectives to life in his flawless rendering.
On his birthday, Amitabh Bachchan rushed to hospital with abdominal pain
Amitabh Bachchan, who turned 66 Saturday, was rushed to the Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai’s Vile Parle West suburb early afternoon following abdominal pain.The Big B was celebrating his birthday at his residence Prateeksha when he suddenly experienced severe pain, a family source said.
He was taken to the Nanavati Hospital, which has been cordoned off by police since they expect a large number of fans to come there.
