Introduction
In 1973, the film Zanjeer was released and had a profound impact on Amitabh Bachchan’s career. Overnight, he became a superstar after portraying the role of Inspector Vijay in the movie. This crime-action film, directed and produced by Prakash Mehra, proved to be a turning point for Bachchan. However, what many people may not know is that Zanjeer was initially offered to three other superstars, all of whom rejected the opportunity. This article delves into the story behind the rejection and how Amitabh Bachchan eventually took on the iconic role that propelled him to stardom.
The Rejection by Dharmendra, Dev Anand, and Raj Kumar
Dharmendra’s Missed Opportunity
One of the first actors approached for Zanjeer was Dharmendra, who expressed his desire to work in the film to Prakash Mehra. Unfortunately, due to his prior commitments with other projects, Dharmendra couldn’t take on the role. This delay led Mehra to consider other actors for the film.
Dev Anand’s Suggestion
Next in line was Dev Anand, whom Prakash Mehra approached with the script. However, during the narration, Dev Anand proposed the addition of songs to the film. Mehra believed that having songs wouldn’t suit the character of the film’s hero, leading to a disagreement between the two. As a result, Zanjeer slipped through Dev Anand’s hands.
Raj Kumar’s Demand
After Dev Anand’s rejection, Prakash Mehra turned to Raj Kumar, hoping he would be interested in the project. However, Raj Kumar had a specific condition—he wanted the shooting of the film to take place in Hyderabad. Unable to come to an agreement, Mehra had to continue his search for the right actor to play Inspector Vijay.
Pran’s Recommendation and Amitabh Bachchan’s Casting
With three unsuccessful attempts to cast the film’s lead, Pran, a renowned actor and Mehra’s close associate, suggested that Mehra watch the film Bombay to Goa. In that film, Amitabh Bachchan’s performance left a lasting impression on Pran. After watching Bombay to Goa, Mehra was ecstatic and convinced that Bachchan was the perfect fit for the role of Inspector Vijay in Zanjeer. Thus, Amitabh Bachchan was finally given the opportunity that three superstars had turned down.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Stardom Post Zanjeer
The Impact of Zanjeer
Zanjeer proved to be a groundbreaking film for Amitabh Bachchan. It not only marked the beginning of his journey as the “Angry Young Man” but also became a massive hit at the box office. The film’s success brought immense shine to Bachchan’s career, which had previously been marred by a series of poorly performing films. Following Zanjeer, Bachchan’s career took off, and he went on to deliver numerous blockbuster hits.
Successive Hit Films
After Zanjeer, Amitabh Bachchan became one of the most sought-after actors in the Indian film industry. He mesmerized audiences with his powerful performances in films like Sholay, Deewaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Trishul, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, *Kaala
Introduction
In 1973, the film Zanjeer was released and had a profound impact on Amitabh Bachchan’s career. Overnight, he became a superstar after portraying the role of Inspector Vijay in the movie. This crime-action film, directed and produced by Prakash Mehra, proved to be a turning point for Bachchan. However, what many people may not know is that Zanjeer was initially offered to three other superstars, all of whom rejected the opportunity. This article delves into the story behind the rejection and how Amitabh Bachchan eventually took on the iconic role that propelled him to stardom.
The Rejection by Dharmendra, Dev Anand, and Raj Kumar
Dharmendra’s Missed Opportunity
One of the first actors approached for Zanjeer was Dharmendra, who expressed his desire to work in the film to Prakash Mehra. Unfortunately, due to his prior commitments with other projects, Dharmendra couldn’t take on the role. This delay led Mehra to consider other actors for the film.
Dev Anand’s Suggestion
Next in line was Dev Anand, whom Prakash Mehra approached with the script. However, during the narration, Dev Anand proposed the addition of songs to the film. Mehra believed that having songs wouldn’t suit the character of the film’s hero, leading to a disagreement between the two. As a result, Zanjeer slipped through Dev Anand’s hands.
Raj Kumar’s Demand
After Dev Anand’s rejection, Prakash Mehra turned to Raj Kumar, hoping he would be interested in the project. However, Raj Kumar had a specific condition—he wanted the shooting of the film to take place in Hyderabad. Unable to come to an agreement, Mehra had to continue his search for the right actor to play Inspector Vijay.
Pran’s Recommendation and Amitabh Bachchan’s Casting
With three unsuccessful attempts to cast the film’s lead, Pran, a renowned actor and Mehra’s close associate, suggested that Mehra watch the film Bombay to Goa. In that film, Amitabh Bachchan’s performance left a lasting impression on Pran. After watching Bombay to Goa, Mehra was ecstatic and convinced that Bachchan was the perfect fit for the role of Inspector Vijay in Zanjeer. Thus, Amitabh Bachchan was finally given the opportunity that three superstars had turned down.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Stardom Post Zanjeer
The Impact of Zanjeer
Zanjeer proved to be a groundbreaking film for Amitabh Bachchan. It not only marked the beginning of his journey as the “Angry Young Man” but also became a massive hit at the box office. The film’s success brought immense shine to Bachchan’s career, which had previously been marred by a series of poorly performing films. Following Zanjeer, Bachchan’s career took off, and he went on to deliver numerous blockbuster hits.
