Amitabh Bachchan – A Champion In Second Innings Too

By Deepa | October 10, 2016

Amitabh Bachchan needs no introduction. His charisma is matchless. Gaining popularity as the Angry Young Man in the 70s, he has become the most prominent face of Hindi cinema. He was at the dizzying height of popularity from mid 70s to early 80s when he met with the unfortunate accident. Since then his life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Health issues, financial crisis, scarcity of films, bankruptcy. But he emerged a winner in real life just like he did in reel life.

The legendary actor was quoted,

It is only my conscience that kept me going. I spent many sleepless nights. One day, I got up early in the morning and went directly to Yash Chopra ji and told him that I was bankrupt. I had no films. My house and a small property in New Delhi were attached. Yashji listened coolly and then offered me a role in his film Mohabbatein. I then started doing commercials, television and films. And I am happy to say today that I have repaid my entire debt of Rs 90 crore and am starting afresh.

The man is an institution in himself. Inspiring people around him. Beginning his day at 5 in the morning, at 8:30 he is ready to report on the sets. The country’s most famous voice, fits his hectic schedule for movies, endorsements, public causes, social engagements. A reinvented Amitabh Bachchan is ready to explore for more. At 75, he plays the leading man in movies scripted for him and directed by people half his age (that’s the reason he’s a phenomenon) For the people whom he was an inspiration, line up for him to sign him in their films. He is still capable of giving back to back super performances, giving all the newcomers a run for their money.

The beginning of his career was highlighted with intense roles giving him the tag of Angry Young Man. But this champ of 2nd innings has so much more in his offing. He’s just unstoppable, ever energetic. The array of his roles now, reasserts his position way above all the other artists. If he is not acting, he is lending his rich baritone for a few films and aren’t the people thrilled just to hear his voice. Recall that deep, rich, smooth – Namaskar, Main Amitabh Bachchan bol raha hun from his KBC days. He made way not only into our homes but also our hearts once again. The national figure of admiration always charms his existence be it anywhere.

A glimpse of the songs/scenes from the 2nd innings of this champion actor shows his versatility of his roles and integrity towards his work –

1. Aks (2001) – Playing a negative character which is manipulated by a spirit, Amitabh executed the role in a classy way. Watch the Bindass Banda!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA50xHmmD0A

2. Baghban (2003) – The family drama of parents and children, where the ageing parents depend on the children emotionally. Amitabh paired once again with his co star of younger days, Hema Malini. He charmed the young and the old alike when he shook a leg with the younger generation in the film.

3. Black (2005) – As an Alzheimer patient and blind Rani Mukherjee’s teacher, he made the audience go numb in the brain and heart simultaneously. To prepare for his role, he watched documentaries and studied sign language and Braille for several months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9zRr-dpj-w

4. Sarkar (2005) – Set up in the world of Indian politics, the film is partially inspired by the life of Bal Thackeray. Amitabh dominated the screen once again with his Godfatherly role.

5. Cheeni Kum (2007) – Playing the character of Buddhadeb Gupta, a London restaurateur, Amitabh sported a tiny ponytail and wowed everyone with his performance. He bowled everyone with his sarcastic dialogues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naK9WU-7_jo

6. Bhootnath (2008) – This Hindi adaptation of The Canterville Ghost made Amitabh the darling of the younger generation striking the right chord with the innocent minds and hearts. The ease and perfection with which he gels with the young children is amazing.

7. Paa (2009) – Based on a rare genetic condition known as progeria, the film places emphasis on a father-son relationship. It took hours for Amitabh Bachchan to put on his makeup and to take it off. It was a mind blowing performance by him.

8. Shamitabh (2015) – Sitting on a toilet seat and singing, who would do that at the age of 72? The answer is Amitabh!! Amitabh Bachchan lent his voice to Dhanush, who plays a dumb aspiring actor in the film. The film’s title derived from the duo’s names in which ‘Sh’ from Dhanush was added as a prefix to Amitabh, therefore becoming Shamitabh.

9. Piku (2015) – Cycling on the streets of Kolkata, with the crowd going hysterical after him. This man knows how to woo his fans even at the ripe age of 72!!! That’s Bhashkor Banerjee for you.

He further stunned the audience with his performance in Wazir, Te3n and Pink. Age is just a number for him. He is a rare breed of lion in his lair!!