As Bollywood’s beloved ‘Big B,’ Amitabh Bachchan, turns a year older today, it’s time to immerse ourselves in the cinematic brilliance that has made him an iconic figure in Bollywood. His birthday is not just a celebration of his age but also of his timeless contributions to Indian cinema. His films serve as a fitting tribute to his versatility as an actor and his enduring charm. Here are five movies to honour Amitabh Bachchan’s special day and relish the magic of his performances, available exclusively on ZEE5 Global.
Uunchai
Three retired friends go on a trek to the Everest Base Camp to fulfill their dying friend’s last wish. What starts as an adventure soon turns into a personal journey of emotional enlightenment. In this poignant narrative that explores the depths of human connection and the transformative power of friendship and love, Big B delivers a heartfelt and emotionally resonant performance.
Jhund
Vijay Borade, a retired sports teacher, starts an NGO called Slum Soccer to help rehabilitate slum kids by turning them into football players. The film is based on the real-life of Vijay Barse. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay Borade is both inspiring and authentic, capturing the essence of a dedicated teacher who changes the lives of the downtrodden by sharing a common passion.
Coolie
Iqbal gets separated from his mother and brother and grows up to become a coolie. While fighting for the rights of the coolies, he crosses paths with the man responsible for his family’s sufferings. Despite facing a personal tragedy during its production, Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in Coolie remains iconic, as he delivers a powerful and action-packed portrayal of the fight for justice.
Don
Don, a gangster, dies during a police chase. Vijay, Don’s lookalike, infiltrates his gang on DSP D’Silva’s orders to gather information but a change of events lands him in trouble. The film is filled with suspense, action sequences, and intricate plot twists as it explores themes of mistaken identity, crime, and redemption. The success of Don also led to a sequel and a remake in later years. Effortlessly switching between the suave gangster and the innocent look-alike Vijay, Amitabh Bachchan has added depth and intrigue to the film’s suspenseful narrative.
Deewaar
Deewaar is a 1975 Hindi action-drama film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and Nirupa Roy. The film was a super hit and won 7 Filmfare awards. Deewaar is the story of a mother and her two sons, who make different choices in life. While the elder son Vijay joins the underworld, the younger brother Ravi becomes a police officer. As fate would have it, the brothers are pitted against each other. Can Ravi and his mother help Vijay to mend his ways? Big B’s performance in the film remains a standout, cementing his status as the ‘Angry Young Man’ of Indian cinema, and his portrayal of the conflicted character is both intense and memorable.
