Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan turned 82 years old on Friday and completed over fifty glorious years in the Indian entertainment industry. Bachchan, known as Bollywood’s “Shahenshah,” has charmed the audience with his powerful performances, unforgettable characters, and enigmatic dialogues throughout all these years.
The angry young man of Bollywood has come a long way from his early days, making waves in everything he does today and redefining the boldest contours of acting—be it when he emerged as an industry disruptor back then or now with Kalki, where Bachchan plays a historical persona against Prabhas. As fans worldwide rejoice, we thought it would be the perfect time to look back on the top 10 movies of Amitabh Bachchan.
Top 10 Movies of Amitabh Bachchan
Sholay (1975)
Fabled action adventure featuring Jai and Veeru (Bachchan & Dharmendra) as the hired hands of a retired officer who hires them to capture notorious bandit Gabbar Singh. Sholay has etched a name for itself in India cinema due to immortal dialogues and great actor performances.
Deewaar (1975)
Bachchan plays Vijay, a criminal at loggerheads with his cop brother in Yash Chopra’s crime drama. This movie, dealing with concepts of family affiliations, morality, and social justice includes an iconic dialogue by Bachchan that reads “Mere paas maa hai.”
Zanjeer (1973)
The first film which showed Bachchan in his famous “angry young man” role, was a Prakash Mehra blockbuster. A star was born, and the angry young man won his way into fans’ hearts as a no-nonsense inspector chasing justice.
Paa (2009)
In the emotional drama, Bachchan plays a child named Auro, who is suffering from progeria (a rare genetic disorder) directed by R. Balki His performance as a young boy is adorable whilst also being heartwarming, with a lot of parenting and family dynamics running through.
Anand (1971)
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, this poignant film features Bachchan as Dr. Bhaskar, a serious physician who forms a deep bond with the terminally ill Anand (Rajesh Khanna). It offers friendship, life, and death in a stunning package that shows Bachchan at his emotional best.
Don (1978)
Directed by Chandra Barot, this action-thriller featured Bachchan playing the double role of the dreaded gangster Don as well as innocent Vijay. The gripping storyline and Bachchan’s versatile performance turned the film into a cult classic, leading to a 2006 remake.
Piku (2015)
In this comedy-drama, Bachchan plays Bhashkor Banerjee, a cantankerous old man fixated on his health, particularly his digestive system. The film, centering on the relationship between Bhashkor and his daughter Piku (Deepika Padukone), is a humorous yet touching portrayal of caring for aging parents.
Baghban (2003)
In this emotional family drama, Bachchan and Hema Malini play an elderly couple neglected by their children. The film strikes a chord with audiences by addressing the struggles of aging and the value of familial love.
Chupke Chupke (1975)
This classic comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee features Bachchan as part of a newlywed couple engaging in playful pranks on their in-laws. His charming performance and comedic timing make this film an enduring favorite.
Black (2005)
In this powerful drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bachchan plays Debraj Sahai, a teacher who helps a deaf and blind girl (Rani Mukerji) find her independence. The film, which explores overcoming adversity, highlights Bachchan’s incredible range and acting prowess.
FAQs
What is Amitabh Bachchan’s most iconic role?
Amitabh Bachchan is best known for his role as Jai in Sholay and as the “angry young man” in Zanjeer.
How long has Amitabh Bachchan been in the film industry?
He has been a part of Indian cinema for over 50 years, starting his career in the late 1960s.
