In a recently resurfaced video, the acclaimed screenwriter Javed Akhtar showered praise on Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in the film ‘Mili’, a film primarily centered on a female protagonist—played by Jaya Bachchan. Despite the inherent challenge of rising to prominence in a female-oriented film, Amitabh Bachchan, often referred to as Big B, delivered an extraordinary performance that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Akhtar underscored that even though Jaya Bachchan did a terrific job as the lead actress in ‘Mili’, Big B’s portrayal was nothing short of spectacular.
Javed Akhtar, who along with his writing partner Salim Khan formed the iconic screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, is currently basking in the acclaim for their recently released documentary miniseries ‘The Angry Young Men’. This series explores the genesis and impact of the ‘angry young man’ persona in Hindi cinema, a character archetype immortalized by Amitabh Bachchan through various films scripted by the dynamic duo. Their collaboration is credited with catapulting Bachchan to unprecedented stardom.
Before achieving the ‘angry young man’ moniker, Amitabh Bachchan experienced a series of flops that almost threatened his budding career. It was Salim-Javed’s unwavering conviction in Bachchan’s potential that led to his casting in ‘Zanjeer’, the film that effectively transformed him into a household name. The commercial and critical success of ‘Zanjeer’ established a formidable alliance between the actor and the writers, resulting in a spate of blockbusters that redefined Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 80s.
Reflecting on this transformative period in an old video, Salim Khan mentioned, “Even in ‘Deewaar’, Rajesh Khanna was signed by producer Gulshan Rai for his next film. But, we very strongly felt that Amitabh Bachchan was the right casting for the film. We insisted that if he wanted to make a film, it had to be with Amitabh Bachchan.” This bold decision led to the creation of some of the most memorable films in Bollywood history.
In the same vein, Javed Akhtar remarked, “I would like to mention a few films of Amitabh Bachchan which are very underrated. ‘Deewaar’, ‘Don’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ are some of his films that are regularly spoken about, but I feel there are other works of his that deserve equal respect and recognition. In ‘Mili’, he was exceptional.
. Although it was a female-oriented film, and Jaya Bachchan did a terrific job as the lead, Big B’s performance in the film was also spectacular.”
‘Mili’, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and released in 1975, features Jaya Bachchan in the titular role of a cheerful and resilient woman grappling with a terminal illness. Amitabh Bachchan played the role of Shekhar, an alcoholic who finds redemption through Mili’s unwavering spirit and positivity. Bachchan’s nuanced portrayal of a deeply troubled man who evolves through love and sacrifice was a testament to his versatility as an actor.
The rise of Amitabh Bachchan in Hindi cinema was almost a mirror image of the decline of Rajesh Khanna, who was the reigning superstar before Amitabh’s ascent. Khanna and Bachchan had shared screen space in ‘Anand’, a film that is etched in the annals of Bollywood history for its poignant narrative and powerful performances. Rajesh Khanna’s portrayal of a terminally ill patient who spreads joy and positivity left audiences teary-eyed, solidifying his status as the first superstar of Hindi cinema.
However, Khanna’s stardom could not withstand the wave created by Amitabh Bachchan, largely due to the relentless and impactful storytelling by Salim-Javed. Their scripts frequently featured gritty, complex characters that resonated with the audience, making Bachchan the new favorite among the masses. This transition not only marked a significant shift in Hindi cinema’s star paradigm but also gave birth to a new genre of films characterized by introspection, rebellion, and moral ambiguity.
The partnership between Amitabh Bachchan and Salim-Javed is often cited as one of the most successful collaborations in the history of Indian cinema. Their association is responsible for some of the most iconic films and characters that Bollywood has ever seen. While the documentary ‘The Angry Young Men’ delves into many such tales of their collaboration, the video clip praising Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in ‘Mili’ is a reminder of the multifaceted talent that contributed to his legendary status.
As the miniseries ‘The Angry Young Men’ continues to receive accolades, re-evaluating and appreciating overlooked performances such as Amitabh Bachchan’s in ‘Mili’ reminds audiences of the depth and breadth of his filmography. It also highlights the importance of recognizing contributions that might not always be in the limelight but are nonetheless integral to the fabric of cinematic history.
