Editors Take: Amitabh Bachchan The Phenomenon That Endures
On Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday, Filmfare’s Editor-in-Chief, Jitesh Pillaai, reflects on the legacy of a megastar who gave voice to a generation and gifted Indian cinema some of its most unforgettable characters.
In his words:
Salim-Javed tapped into the pulse of a generation waiting to see real people in somewhat overdramatised situations, speaking and articulating their hopes and aspirations. And who better than Amitabh Bachchan to put voice to their words?
Amitabh was the underdog, the bad guy, the good guy…the man on the other side of the law. In one of his most remembered double roles, Don (1978), which also earned him his Filmfare for Best Actor, Amitabh was at once suave and menacing, as he was naive and unpolished.
What can you say about this birthday boy that hasn’t been said already? He’s been referred to a sociological phenomenon, a wonderful human being, an enigma, a philanthropist, and above over a terrific actor.
Amitabh Bachchan, you gave us hope, you moved us to tears, you made us laugh till our bellies ached. We love you for your stoicism, we love you for vigilantism, and we love you for your non-judgmental stance as an actor. Non-judgmental because, on screen, you walked on the not-so-mild side, you received your comeuppance, and that was okay too for you.
In your silence, we heard your words. And that’s why we teared up when we saw you grapple with your inner demons in Kaala Patthar (1979), Trishul (1978), Deewaar (1975) and Shakti (1982).
It’s your desire to excel, your will to succeed and your inner quest that makes you on top of your game. Thank you for showing us time and again how it’s done correctly.
He was able to get under your skin, and even if he did bad, he made you cheer for the bad guy as much as you did for his good guy. The ultimate mark of a fine actor. Empathy. You could empathise when Amitabh said “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai.”
Thank you for the wonderful memories. On your birthday, here’s wishing you good health and cheer.
