The iconic status that Amitabh Bachchan enjoys today as the “Mahanaayak” is largely due to his successful transition between two centuries. Bachchan made his debut in 1969, which means he worked for over 30 years in the last century. Now, 25 years into the new century, he remains as dynamic on screen as ever. However, this transition wasn’t without its challenges, especially during the late 90s, a period marked by significant turmoil for the legendary actor. On one hand, he was struggling with the financial woes of his company, and on the other, he was grappling with his on-screen identity, leading to a period of struggle.
One film that encapsulates the essence of this tumultuous phase is “Lal Baadshah.” Released in 1999, it was met with a mix of reactions. For many, it was a film that didn’t quite fit the bill, especially considering Bachchan’s age and the pairing with much younger actresses, a trend that had become somewhat jarring for the audience. Yet, for some, the film remains memorable, particularly for its dialogues. It also marked one of the highest fees Bachchan received at the time, a significant boost during a period of financial strain.
“Lal Baadshah” holds a special place for another reason; it was the last film where Amitabh Bachchan shared screen space with the late Nirupa Roy, who had played his mother in numerous iconic films like “Deewar,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” and “Mukaddar Ka Sikandar.” Their on-screen mother-son duo had become a staple of Bollywood, with Nirupa Roy playing Bachchan’s mother in over 10 films. “Lal Baadshah” thus served as a poignant farewell to this iconic on-screen relationship.
The film also marked the last direct confrontation between Amitabh Bachchan and Amrish Puri, two giants of their time. Their rivalry on screen had been legendary, starting from “Dostana” in 1980, and had continued through several films. Although they worked together in later films like “Mohabbatein,” “Dev,” and “Lakshya,” “Lal Baadshah” was the last time they faced off in their traditional hero-villain roles.
In many ways, “Lal Baadshah” was a film of last moments – the last time Amitabh Bachchan and Amrish Puri clashed on screen, the last time Nirupa Roy played Bachchan’s mother, and one of the last times Bachchan attempted to fit into the traditional leading hero mold. The late 90s were a period of transition for Bachchan, who was then in his late 50s and struggling to find roles that suited his age. Films like “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” and “Major Saab” saw him play older, more mature characters, but “Lal Baadshah” was an attempt to cling to his traditional hero image, albeit with mixed results.
The film’s director, K.C. Bokadia, noted that despite the mixed reactions, “Lal Baadshah” performed well in certain regions, particularly in Bihar, thanks to Bachchan’s portrayal of a Bihari character. However, Bachchan himself was not content with the role, later admitting to taking a step back and re-evaluating his career choices, which ultimately led to his iconic role in “Mohabbatein” and the hosting gig for “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” marking a significant turn in his career.
Today, “Lal Baadshah” stands as a testament to the challenges and transitions that even the most iconic figures like Amitabh Bachchan face in their careers. Despite its flaws, the film remains a part of Bollywood history, a chapter in the long and illustrious career of Amitabh Bachchan, who continues to captivate audiences with his enduring presence on screen. As “Lal Baadshah” completes 26 years, it serves as a reminder of the evolution of Indian cinema and the resilience of its legends.
