Amitabh Bachchan, known to fans as the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, began his acting career 56 years ago. Today, he’s one of the biggest stars in the country, with a worldwide following. But it wasn’t always that way. Bachchan faced his share of struggles and rejections early on. Filmmakers were hesitant to work with him, and some even criticized his voice or height.
Producer Akashdeep Sabir recently shared a story about Bachchan’s early days in an interview. It starts with Bachchan’s debut film, “Saat Hindustani,” released in 1969, which was produced by Sabir’s father, Manmohan Sabir.
Akashdeep Sabir shares the story
Sabir told “Laharen Retro” that when his father was making “Saat Hindustani,” Sunil Dutt asked to see some show reels. Dutt had heard about a talented actor and wanted him for his film “Reshma Aur Shera.”
Sunil Dutt’s verdict on Bachchan’s voice
Sabir recalled, “This was 1972. We went to his place, showed him ‘Saat Hindustani,’ and after the trial, my father and Dutt were having a drink at Ajanta lobby. Dutt told my father, ‘Manmohan, this boy (Amitabh Bachchan) is intense, but what can I do with this voice that sounds like a hill crow?'”
No dialogues for Bachchan in “Reshma Aur Shera”
Despite this, Dutt cast Bachchan in “Reshma Aur Shera,” but due to his voice, Bachchan didn’t get any dialogues.
“Anand” changed Bachchan’s life
In “Saat Hindustani,” Bachchan played one of seven Indians fighting for Goa’s freedom from Portuguese colonial rule. His breakthrough role came in 1971 with the film “Anand,” which changed the course of his career.