Throughout the history of Indian cinema, Bollywood was always blessed with mega film stars who were loved, adored and praised by the audience. Over the years, legends like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna captured the imagination of the people, but only one has stayed the course for so long and rules the heart even today. He is none other than the living legend of Bollywood, once in a generation actor, an iconic personality – Amitabh Bachchan. As the versatile actor turns 77, its time to remember once again the superstar who remains a humble actor entertaining us and at time enriches with heartwarming poetry. He is indeed an unrivalled treasure of entertainment industry in India.
One of the defining features which made Amitabh a big star was his deep baritone voice. Ironically, he was rejected by All India Radio – AIR for his voice. But, it turned out to be his strength, and he went on to be a narrator, an actor with so many hit dialogues to his name, and a singer who sang many memorable songs. This included Ye Kahan Aa Gaye Hum- Silsila, O Saathi Re – Muqaddar Ka Siqandar. Rang Barse Bheege Chunarwali – Silsila is one of the most popular and classic hits without which the festival of Holi is incomplete even today. Mere Paas Aao Mere Dosto – Mr. Natwarlal was his first film song, and it turned out to be the highlight of the movie. Mere Angane Mei – Laawaris is another popular song which is always on the wedding playlist. You can listen to these super hit songs in Carvaan Gold. The premium digital audio player has a dedicated category of Amitabh Bachchan songs.
Khaike Paan Banaras Wala with lyrics | खाइके पान बनारस वाला गाने के बोल | Don | Amitabh/Zeenat
Big B, as he is fondly called by his fans, the journey to the top was nothing less than inspirational. He made his debut with the movie ‘Saat Hindustani’. In subsequent years, several flop movies followed, and he was ready to go back home. His major break came in the year 1973 with the movie ‘Zanjeer’, and later with ‘Deewar’ in 1975, the Angry Young Man was born. Such an intense persona was seldom seen on the screen before, and people loved it. During those times, traditional romance was at the peak, but he single-handedly changed the face of Indian cinema by portraying rebellious movie characters which deeply resonated with the audience.
In a career as a film star, spanning 4 decades, the Shahenshah of Bollywood acted in various popular movies like Namak Haraam, Sholay, Abhimaan, Sharaabi, Don. Though action was his forte, he charmed the audience as a romantic hero in movies like Kabhie Kabhie. He showed his comic side as well with Amar Akbar Anthony and Satte Pe Satta.
In the late 80s and 1990s, he suffered major setbacks with string of flop movies, disastrous political outing and financial troubles in business. But, like anyone strong and brave, he came back into the limelight. Venturing into television was one of the best decisions, and it helped him connect with the audience. His versatility made him the true superstar. Even at this age, he continues to enthral his fans with his startling performances.
Old Hindi songs always contributed to the rise and fall of Bollywood stars in the past. Amitabh Bachchan was in a league of his own as all the major singing superstars of the golden era gave voice to him. Kishore Kumar who was on top with musical hits after hits was often recognized as the perfect voice for Amitabh. The angry man image was well supported by the stunning voice of Kishore Da. The duo came together in various super hit songs like Dekha Na Haye Re – Bombay to Goa, Meet Na Mila Re Man Ka – Abhimaan, Rim Jhim Gire Saawan – Manzil, Dekha Ek Khwab – Silsila. As much we love these Amitabh Bachchan songs, and the most memorable songs which have legendary status are the likes of Khaike Paan Banaraswala – Don, Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge – Sholay and who can forget the quirky voice of Kishore Kumar in Saara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana song– Yaarana and filmed on Amitabh with iconic lit jacket.
The versatile voice of Md. Rafi also matched Amitabh in movies. Though few in number, their collaboration also resulted in big musical hits. It includes Teri Bindiya Re – Abhimaan, Tumse Door Rahke – Adalat, Mere Desh Premiyon – Desh Premee, Oonchi Oonchi Baaton Se – Mr.Natwarlal.
Remember the iconic superstar on his birthday by listening to your favourite Amitabh Bachchan songs with Saregama Carvaan Gold. Wishing the living legend Amitabh Bachchan a very happy birthday. May he continue to entertain us for many more years.