In the recent episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, Amitabh Bachchan recalled the important moment in his career when he was offered the role in ‘Zanjeer’, the film that helped him emerge as a superstar. The actor talked about his early struggles in the film industry, discussing how he had considered quitting acting altogether before fate landed him the iconic film written by Salim-Javed.
While Zanjeer was the success that redefined his career, Bachchan had a much tougher start. Recalling his early years, he said, “I worked in two or three films, but they were not successful, which left me disappointed. Before moving to Mumbai, I worked in Kolkata, earning just Rs 400 a month. Used to earn Rs 500. But when I reached Mumbai, I had decided that if I did not get work in films, I would also get my driving license for preparation.
Amitabh Bachchan speaks on Rajesh Khanna’s stardom
The actor further revealed how then-superstar Rajesh Khanna was the first choice for the role in Zanjeer, but it was Salim-Javed who believed in Bachchan’s potential. “Finally, I got the job and Abbas Sahab gave me my first break,” he recalls. Zanjeer was written by Salim-Javed, and it was a turning point in my career. At that time Rajesh Khanna was India’s biggest superstar. What an aura it was, what a following…His presence was so powerful that when he came, women would take out mud from the tires of his car and apply it on their foreheads as a blessing. I was nothing, but then Salim-Javed came to meet me and offered me the story. I didn’t expect to get this role, but I got this role and that’s how I got Zanjeer.”
How did Bachchan get the role in Zanjeer?
Bachchan also shared how a minor scene from his previous film Bombay to Goa played a role in what led him to Zanjeer. “Javed saab told me that in one of my films, Bombay to Goa, there is a scene where I am sitting in a restaurant and Shatrughan Sinha slaps me. This scene was supposed to cause a fight, but when I stood up, I was still chewing on the sandwich I was eating. That moment made Javed Sahab believe that I could play the role in Zanjeer.
He also recalled a memorable moment from the sets of Zanjeer and mentioned his first day of shooting when he had to speak a line for legendary actor Pran. Feeling nervous about delivering the dialogue, Bachchan said, “On the first day of work I had to deliver a dialogue to the exceptionally talented Pran sir. I was initially hesitant in saying these lines to him but he was extremely supportive and helped me with it. Told to proceed.”
