Saturday, December 27, 2008

Aamir Khan's performance stuns director


This Christmas season, director AR Murugadoss will face one of the biggest tests of his career. The director has had his fair share of successes in the Tamil film industry with films like Dheena and Ramana. Now, the Hindi version of Ghajini will be this small-town director's big leap into Bollywood.
Five differences between the Hindi and Tamil versions of Ghajini... For starters, the climax is different and will surely be talked about. The Rangola... song that was in the Tamil version has been excluded and a new song has been included. In the Tamil version, the hero remembers the villain's face but in the Hindi version, he does not. The sequence in which the villain is tracked down has come out really well.

Saif Ali Khan speaks from his hospital bed

Saif Ali Khan speaks from his hospital bed


• How are you feeling now?
I am fine. I will be discharged on Saturday (today). And then, Kareena and I will be going for a holiday to France.
• What exactly happened on Thursday. Why did you have to be hospitalised?
It’s a gastro infection. I was working in extreme cold conditions in Philadelphia.I came back few days ago. And I thought of eating a homemade teekha bhel. That did me in. I started throwing up. My family physician Dr Agarwal was not available.So, I called Kareena and we decided to come to Lilavati Hospital. I had to be admitted as the doctors had told me not to eat anything orally for two days. (Pauses)
• Please continue.
Actually, Kareena and I had planned to watch Ghajini on Thursday. I love watching action films.
• Is Kareena staying in the hospital with you?
Kareena is amazing. She is constantly with me. She is looking after me with tremendous love and care. She is mothering me. As she is here, I haven’t missed anybody or anything. And I must appreciate her family who was the first to visit me in the hospital after I was admitted.
• Have you given up smoking and drinking?
Yes.Now, I smoke and drink very occasionally. Kareena influenced my decision to give up cigarettes and alcohol.
• It must be tough staying at the hospital. Are you feeling restless?
I am not feeling restless. It’s quite comfortable at Lilavati Hospital. I am watching films, reading books, and Kareena is here. What more do I want? My holiday has already started.
• Has your stomach given you trouble earlier too?
Not really, but I have always had a sensitive stomach.
• Are there any dos and don’ts in your diet or any work restrictions now?
There are no work restrictions. As for diet restrictions, I have been strictly told not to eat spicy food.
• So, there is no heart scare?
Not at all. I find these speculations quite funny.

Saif Ali Khan

Complete Biography of Saif Ali Khan

"People don't remember the good things you do, they simply focus on the bad things. I have the reputation of being an arrogant brat. But if people mess around with me, obviously I will be arrogant with them. I don't have a bull's eye on my head that everyone can take a shot at me."
Son of famous actress Sharmila Tagore and cricket legend Mansoor Ali Khan, Saif Ali wasn't sure, growing up, whether he wanted to be a cricketer or a thespian. Up until last year, many would have said he'd chosen wrong.
As the child of two very public personalities, Saif Ali Khan has always merited attention from a curious public. Thus he was, for a time, better known for some unfortunate childhood tendencies -- like throwing cats out of windows and clipping birds' wings -- than for his stumbling career. (B4UTV.com) Saif has since repented for his evil deeds, though the animal kingdom has to issue a statement exonerating him.

His debut film was to have been Bekhudi, opposite newcomer Kajol. But the director tossed him out amidst allegations of tardy arrivals and drunken behavior. The press had a field day, and their glee only increased when they unearthed evidence of his secret wedding to actress Amrita Singh. Both took pains to deny it, since, as Amrita later explained, they first wanted to break the news to their parents. (B4UTV)
In April 1994, their anger over the media's treatment of them prompted Saif Ali and his wife to physically assault a journalist named Kanan Divech in her own office at the film glossy 'Star & Style.' The attack was so violent that some of the Divech's furniture was broken, and she promptly lodged a complaint that a police officer mysteriously failed to record. When his supervisor also hesitated to act, Divech took her allegation to the High Court of Mumbai, where, in August 1999, Amrita Singh finally offered an apology for the assault. (Times of India article printed in Durban Sunday Times, Aug. 8, 1999)
In a November 1999 interview with Rediff, Saif Ali revealed some of the feelings that might have prompted the assault on Divech: "I try not to hurt people, but sometimes when I feel I am not being understood and being treated as a human being. I can't help it. For example, when I hurt myself while shooting for Friends [original title of Kya Kehna] and was lying in a pool of blood, people were taking my photographs."

Up until recently, such scandals were the most distinguished aspect of Saif Ali's career. But with the smash success of Dil Chahta Hai and critical acclaim for his role in particular, Saif has gained new confidence along with a boost in box office status. In fact, it seems like everything has suddenly fallen into place. "I'm more confident today. Speaking Hindi also comes more naturally to me now," reflects the England-educated actor in the March 2002 issue of Filmfare. He has also vowed to choose his films more carefully -- and stop playing the third wheel in love triangles, the latest example of which is his role in box-office bomb Na Tum Jaano Na Hum. In the July 2002 issue of Filmfare, he claims that the role was misrepresented to him anyway: "I don't want to make an issue of it but the truth is that I was told my role would be pretty much equal to Hrithik's. In the final print, I had only six scenes. At least I can't be blamed for the failure of NTJNH. Of course I [regret doing the film]. In hindsight, it was a bad decision. It hurts when you're kept in the dark about what's happening. The audience expects more from me after DCH. I feel I've let them down. Yet more than hurt me, the film-makers have harmed their own product. Let's forget it though. I don't want to end up like a stuck record.
The audience will soon forget the film and I've already moved on." (Filmfare, July 2002)
Also likely to aid his career is the fact that he's looking better than ever -- at least according to the man himself. "I'm looking cool. I'm not vain but I like to think I'm sexy. I wasn't born with a face that has hero written all over it. I've heard people call me a funny looking guy. It's taken a lot of effort to look like the typical hero, a man the youth can identify with." And when the Filmfare journalist suggests (very carefully, we're sure) that he is emulating Salman, he shoots back, "I don't consciously copy anyone. I'm an original. But yes, if working out, having a good body and looking great means aping Salman, then thanks. That's a compliment." At the very least, it's something that no furniture-owner can afford to argue with.

Katrina Kaif,Photo Gallery
















Katrina Kaif Biography

Standing at 5’8”, a lovely peaches n cream complexion and an hour-glass figure, the beautiful and elegant Katrina Kaif stands apart and is not one to go unnoticed. Not surprisingly the modeling world rolled down the red carpet for her, movie offers are pouring in and she is linked with one of the hottest and controversial Khans of Bollywood. RootsKatrina Kaif, a name now familiar to Indian movie-goers, was born on July 16th 1984, in Hong Kong. Her parents are both British citizens, while her father is a Kashmiri who later acquired British citizenship. She lived in Hawaii before moving to UK and is now setting up a home and career in India.On the runwayKaif’s first taste of modeling happened in Hawaii when she was 14 and was part of a jewelry campaign. Thereafter, she continued modeling in London. In India, there was no dearth of offers and she appeared in the ads of Veet, Lakme, LG, Samsung to name a few. She was also the face of Lakme India Fashion Week 2005. She took the number one spot in FHM India's 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll and also won the Best Female Style Icon at the IIFA AwardsOnto the big screenKaif, while in London, was spotted by Kaizad Gustad and was cast in his 2003 release Boom, which sank without a trace. Movie offers initially trickled in owing largely to her unfamiliarity with Indian languages. The very next year, in 2004, she played the part of Princess Malliswari in the Telugu movie Malliswari. She had another Telugu film, Allari Pidugu in 2005, along with two Hindi movies, Ram Gopal Verma’s Sarkar and as one of Salman Khan’s love interests in David Dhawan’s Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. Both movies did well in the box office. She won the Stardust Breakthrough Performance Award (Female) for Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. She co-starred with Akshay Kumar in Humko Deewana Kar Gaya, in 2006. Besides this she was a part of a Malayam movie Balram Vs Taradas. Five releases marked 2007. Her movie Namaste London with Akshay Kumar, was one of the year’s top hits, in which she did her own dubbing. The other three movies were Apne with the Deols, David Dhawan’s Partner with Salman Khan and Govinda and Welcome, all of which performed well at the box office. She also put in a special appearance in Nanhe Jaisalmer. In 2008, we caught her in two blockbusters the racy Race and Singh Is Kinng and walking away with the British-Indian Actor award for the Zee Cine Awards (2008).What’s Cooking?In the later of part of 2008, she is set to play a small part in Hello, based on Chetan Bhagat’s One Night At A Call Center. Four movies are due to come out in 2009: Yuvraj, Blue, New York, Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. Kaif over the past four years has shown that she is more than simply ravishing. The industry which was tentative about casting her, now considers her a lucky mascot and is the industry’s darling.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Katrina Kaif

The lost ‘item’
The Salman Khan-Shah Rukh Khan showdown at Katrina’s birthday party has cost her an item number in Billo Barber
Posted On Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 02:20:40 AM
KATRINA KAIF SHAH RUKH KHAN
Shah Rukh KhanHad the Shah Rukh Khan - Salman Khan showdown not happened at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party (July 16), Katrina Kaif would be among the privileged heroines who got to do an item number with Shah Rukh for Billo Barber.Our source close to Shah Rukh’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, said, “Shah Rukh was keen to have Katrina on board for Billo Barber. He even sent a message through his friends to Katrina asking whether she would be interested in doing an item number in the film. However, before the deal could materialise, the infamous Salman-Shah Rukh fight ruined Katrina’s prospects of being a part of Shah Rukh’s venture.” Apparently, before the big showdown, Shah Rukh felt that Katrina’s presence in Billo Barber would up the glamour quotient of his film, which has a rural background. Considering the fact that Katrina was seen with Shah Rukh at the Temptations show in Dubai (October 25), what was the problem with her presence in Billo Barber? The source added, “The Temptations show was a prior commitment. The talks for an item number in Billo Barber were held recently and it fizzled out after the fight.” We checked with Katrina if the news was true. “No, no, nothing like that! I am in London holidaying with my family. Please call me later,” said Katrina and hung up.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan has planned a low-key birthday party in Goa today with friends and girlfriend Katrina Kaif. Incidentally, the two others in Bollywood’s Khan triumvirate — Shah Rukh and Aamir — also turned 43 in 2008, all three being 1965 born. HT City asked an astrologer, a numerologist and a karmic reader about how 2009 will be for them. The conclusion is that the coming year will see Salman in choppy waters, while Shah Rukh and Aamir will enjoy huge success.
“2009 will not be good for Salman, personally or professionally,” says Abha Bansal, astrologer and director of Future Point. “His health will suffer and his expenses will exceed his income.” Money should be no problem for Shah Rukh Khan, who is set to make more of it than anyone else in the coming year, says Lok Deepak Bakshi, advanced numerologist. However, the crown of world fame seems destined for Aamir Khan who will “do wonders in the international arena”, says Bakshi, a view corroborated by Bansal. Do we smell an Oscar?
On the personal front, Shah Rukh’s life will be “rocking”, says Bansal, while Aamir might face “conflicts and confusion”, suggests Nishi Singh, karmic reader. Singh sees Salman finding peace within himself, but not a wife. “There is a likelihood of marriage in 2010, not in 2009,” says Bakshi. Bansal, too, adds, “I don’t see him getting married in 2009.”All in all, it is Aamir who looks likely to have the “diamond year”. Box-office receipts of Ghajini, which reportedly got a bumper opening worldwide, should alone bring a huge smile to his face. As for Shah Rukh, the entrepreneur, there might be a progression from profitable ventures to charity, believes Singh. And what of Salman? “He will have mood swings and will be high on alcohol,” says Bakshi. Oops! Singh is more positive: “There will be more commitment to work and relationships.”

Aamir Khan

Date of Birth : 14 March 1965, Mumbai, India
Nickname : A.K. AK
Height : 5' 6" (1.68 m)
Mini Biography
Aamir was first introduced as a child artiste in the 1970's hit Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) -- he was the youngest child in the trio. He 'quit' movies and went on to become the state tennis champion for Maharashtra. Aamir also fell in love with the girl next door in the meantime. He proposed to her the day he turned 21, and she accepted. But apparently, there was opposition since she was from a Hindu family and he, from a devout Islamic one. So, they eloped, got married and returned to their homes. Aamir's wife Reena even appears in the song "Papa Kehte Hain" that made him the darling of the nation. From the tremendous success of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which was released when he was 23, he has blossomed into India's finest actor. His list of sterling performances include Dil (1990), _Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1990)_, _Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992)_, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Rangeela (1995), Raja Hindustani (1996), Ishq (1997), Ghulam (1998) and Sarfarosh (1999).His performance in Earth (1998) as the Ice-Candy man has received rave reviews from Indian and International critics. Using classic "method acting", Aamir acts in all genres of Indian films - comedy, action, drama and romance. Though he performs in few films, Aamir Khan is acknowleged today as the most complete Indian actor for his diverse choice of roles and films.IMDb
Mini Biography
Aamir khan was born on March 14 1965 in Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai in India in a conservative Muslim family which has been part of Hindi Film Industry for a long time. Aamir first came on screen as a child artiste in the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), it was not a real part just a blink and miss appearance in the title song of the film. He later appeared in the art film Holi(1984)along with his friend and later his director Ashutosh Gowariker, the film also starred Naseeruddin Shah. Subsequently he went on to become the state tennis champion of Maharashtra. Sometime before his debut film Aamir fell in love with a girl in his neighborhood Reena. Since she belonged to a Hindu family and he from devout Muslim family, they faced opposition and therefore they married secretly, later they revealed it to the world after QSQT was released. In 1988 came Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak his first film as a lead, the film was a run away success and he achieved instant stardom (the film is now considered a classic of Hindi Cinema).In his second film Raakh (a small, art film) he did a complete opposite role from the lover boy of his first film, his breakthrough performance in this film bagged him the National Film Award of Special Jury. Afterwards he signed a few not so good films which failed at the box office. In the year 1990 he delivered the biggest grosser of the year in the form of Dil and since then he has not looked back giving several commercial and critical hits, his superlative performances include films like Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1991), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Parampara(1993), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Baazi(1995), Rangeela (1995), Akele Hum Akele Tum(1995) ,Raja Hindustani (1996), Ishq(1997), Earth(1998), Ghulam (1998), Sarfarosh (1999), Dil Chahta Hai(2001), Lagaan(2001), Mangal Panday(2005), Fanaa(2006) and Rang De Basanti(2006).In 2007 he turned director with the film Taare Zameen Par which not only brought him immense critical acclaim but was a huge box office success. Many of his films are considered as cult classics like Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander and Andaz Apna Apna. He divorced his first wife in December 2001 and married Kiran Rao in December 2005.Aamir Khan, a method actor, his range of characterizations remains unparalleled and because of this diversity and his ability to portray different characters believably on screen, today he is regarded as not only one of the biggest Superstars but also one of the finest actors of Indian Cinema.
Spouse
Kiran Rao
(December 2005 - present)
Reena Dutta
(18 April 1986 - December 2002) 2 children
Trivia
Was offered Shahrukh Khan's role in _Darr (1994)_.
Refuses to accept the usual awards from Indian trade magazines such as Filmfare.
Known as perfectionist who insists on getting a finished script before committing to a film and also refuses to work on more than one film at a time, both very unusual for Bollywood where actors usually work in several films at a time and script details are often improvised on the day of shooting.
One of the three Khans that ruled Bollywood in the 90s. The other two are Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan.
Son of Tahir Hussain, brother of Faisal Khan, Farhat Khan and Nikhat Khan
Nephew of Nasir Hussain
Cousin of Mansoor Khan
Files for divorce from wife Reena on December 9, 2002.
Awarded Padma Bhushan for the year 2003 by the Government of India.
Recently had another child with his ex-girlfriend, English writer Jessica Hines, who delivered their son, Jaan Harry Hines, on September 14 2003.
Uncle of Imran Khan.
Aamir has two children, Junaid age 9, and Aira age 4, both from Reena, his first wife.
Has 2 children with ex-wife Reena: a son, Junaid, and a daughter, Ira.
Mother is Zeenat Hussain. Sometimes she is referred to as Zeena Hussain.
After his first marriage he took another flat in the same building where he lived with his parents, and started living there.
Has been a big fan of Alfred Hitchkock stories.
Visited Pakistan for fund raising of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital on invitation by the cricketer Imran Khan.
Formed a popular on-screen pair with Juhi Chawla
Shares a birthday with Michael Caine, Mercedes McNab, Kylie Tyndall, Keaton Tyndall, Quincy Jones, Chris Klein, & Jamie Bell
The Press Trust of India reported Khan will marry girlfriend Kiran Rao in Panchgani, India on 1 January 2006. It later reported Khan and Rao married in a small ceremony at his home in Mumbai, India on 28 December 2005.
Highest paid actor in Bollywood.
Time magazine refers to him as the Indian 'Sean Penn'.
Very close friends with Rani Mukherjee and Urmila Montondkar.
His ancestors hail from Afghanistan.
Has a reputation for shunning award ceremonies and avoiding the glare of the media.
Turned down Madame Tussaud's offer to immortalize him in a wax statue.
Cites Daniel Day Lewis and Dilip Kumar as his favorite actors.
Personal Quotes
Every film I do means a lot to me. The failure of Mela, definitely made a difference to me. I am not comfortable with the idea of my films not releasing to their full potential.
"There's a lot of talent both in India and Pakistan. I think the talent in both these two countries should come together and entertain the world audience. If the right offer and opportunity comes my way, I'd love to do a movie in Pakistan." (12 May 2006)
Film making is like fighting a war with leadership at the front.
I found that what happened 150 years ago was happening again with Americans entering other countries and exploiting them but pretending they were doing a favor. It was this contemporary feel that attracted me.
My son is a harsh critic.
I enjoy the love I receive from my fans and my audience. But I think I know what is real for me and what is not.
Salary
Ghajini (2008) Rs.150,000,000
Fanaa (2006) INR 100,000,000
Rang De Basanti (2006) INR 100,000,000
The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005) INR 80,000,000
Dil Chahta Hai (2001) INR 30,000,000
Where Are They Now
(2005) Busy shooting for Rakyesh Om Prakash's Rang De Basanti
(February 2006) Currently busy shooting for Kunal Kohli's Fanaah, opposite Kajol.
(February 2006) Shooting for 'Fanaah'
(July 2007) In Chennai, shooting for the remake of Ghajini
(October 2008) Busy shooting for Three Idiots in Ladakh, India

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Amitabh Bachchan


Bachchan" redirects here. For other uses, see Bachchan (disambiguation).
Amitabh Bachchan Born Amitabh SrivastavOctober 11, 1942 (1942-10-11) (age 66)Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh Occupation Film actor, Producer, Playback singer, Television Presenter
Years active 1969 – present Spouse(s) Jaya Bhaduri (1973 - present) [show]Awards won
Filmfare Awards :
Best Actor1978 Amar Akbar Anthony1979 Don1992 Hum2006 BlackBest Actor (Critics)2002 Aks2006 BlackBest Supporting Actor1972 Anand1974 Namak Haraam2001 MohabbateinLifetime Achievement Award (1991)Superstar of the Millennium (2000)Filmfare Power Award (2004)
National Film Awards
Best Newcomer1970 Saat HindustaniBest Actor1991 Agneepath2006 Black
Amitabh Bachchan (Hindi: अमिताभ बच्चन IPA: [/əmitaːbʱ bətʃːən/], born Amitabh Harivansh Srivastav on October 11, 1942), is an Indian film actor. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s and has since become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema.
Bachchan has won numerous major awards in his career, including three National Film Awards and twelve Filmfare Awards. He holds the record for most number of Best Actor nominations at the Filmfare Awards. In addition to acting, Bachchan has worked as a playback singer, film producer and television presenter, and was an elected member of the Indian Parliament from 1984 to 1987.
Bachchan is married to actress Jaya Bhaduri. They have two children, Shweta Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek is also an actor and is married to actress Aishwarya Rai.
Contents[hide]
1 Early life
2 Career
2.1 Early work 1969-1972
2.2 Rise to Stardom 1973-1983
2.3 1982 injury during filming Coolie
2.4 Politics: 1984-1987
2.5 Slump and retirement: 1988-1992
2.6 Producer and acting comeback 1996-1999
2.7 Television career
2.8 Return to prominence: 2000-present
3 Health
3.1 2005 Hospitalisation
4 Voice
5 Controversies and Criticism
5.1 Barabanki Land Case
5.2 Raj Thackeray's criticism
6 Awards, honours and recognitions
7 Filmography
7.1 Latest films
7.2 Producer
7.3 Playback singer
8 References
9 External links
//
[edit] Early life
Born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Amitabh Bachchan hails from a Hindu Kayastha family. His father, Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet, while his mother, Teji Bachchan was a Sikh from Faisalabad (now in Pakistan).[1] Bachchan was initially named Inquilab, inspired from the phrase Inquilab Zindabad, during the Indian independence struggle, but was re-christened Amitabh which means, "the light that would never go off." Though his surname was Srivastava, his father had adopted the pen-name Bachchan, under which he published all his works. It is with this last name that Amitabh debuted in films, and, for all public purposes, it has become the surname of all members of his current family.
Amitabh is the elder of Harivansh Rai Bachchan's two sons, the second being Ajitabh. His mother had a keen interest in theatre and had been offered a role in a film, but preferred her domestic duties. She had some degree of influence in Bachchan's choice of career because she always insisted that he should take the centre stage.[2] Bachchan's father passed away on January 18, 2003, and his mother on December 21, 2007.[3]
Bachchan has a double M.A. (Master of Arts) degree. He attended Allahabad's Jnana Prabodhini and Boys' High School (BHS), followed by Nainital's Sherwood College, where he majored in the art stream. He later went on to study at Kirori Mal College of the University of Delhi and completed a Bachelor of Science degree. In his twenties, Bachchan gave up a job as freight broker for the shipping firm, Bird and Co., based in Calcutta, to pursue a career in acting.
He married actress Jaya Bhaduri on June 3, 1973, according to Bengali rites. The couple has two children: daughter Shweta and son Abhishek.[edit] Career

[edit] Early work 1969-1972
Amitabh Bachchan in Anand (1970)
Bachchan made his film debut in 1969 as one of the seven protagonists in Saat Hindustani, a film directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas and featuring Utpal Dutt, Madhu and Jalal Agha. Though the film was not a financial success, Bachchan won his first National Film Award for Best Newcomer.[4]
The critically acclaimed and commercially successful Anand (1971) followed, where he starred alongside Rajesh Khanna. Bachchan's role as a doctor with a cynical view of life garned him a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award. Amitabh then played the role of an infatuated lover in Parwaana (1971) opposite Navin Nischol, Yogeeta Bali and Om Prakash and was a rare instance of him portraying the villain. This was followed by several films which were not particularly successful at the box office including Reshma Aur Shera (1971). During this time, he made a guest appearance in the film Guddi which starred his future wife Jaya Bhaduri opposite Dharmendra. Noted for his deep baritone voice early on in his career, he narrated part of the film Bawarchi. In 1972, he made an appearance in the road action comedy Bombay to Goa, directed by S. Ramanathan. He starred alongside actors such as Aruna Irani, Mehmood, Anwar Ali and Nasir Hussain. [edit] Rise to Stardom 1973-1983
1973 saw significant development in Bachchan's career when director Prakash Mehra cast him in the leading role for the film Zanjeer (1973) as Inspector Vijay Khanna. The film was a sharp contrast to the romantically themed films that had generally preceded it and established Amitabh in a new persona & dash; the "angry young man" action hero of Bollywood, a reputation he was to acquire in pictures that followed it. It was his first film as the leading protagonist to achieve box office success and earned him a Filmfare Nomination for Best Actor. 1973 was also the year he married Jaya and around this time they appeared in several films together, not only in Zanjeer but in films such as Abhimaan which followed and was released only a month after their marriage. Later, Bachchan played the role of Vikram in the film Namak Haraam, a social drama directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and scripted by Biresh Chatterjee addressing themes of friendship. His supporting role opposite Rajesh Khanna and Rekha was praised and won him the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
In 1974, Bachchan made several guest appearances in films such as Kunwara Baap and Dost, before playing a supporting role in the highest grossing film of that year, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. The film, directed and written by Manoj Kumar, addressed themes of honesty in the face of oppression and financial and emotional hardship was a critical and commercial success, placing Amitabh opposite Kumar himself, Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. Bachchan then played the leading role in film Majboor, released on December 6, 1974, which was a remake of the Hollywood film Zigzag starring George Kennedy. The film was only a moderate success at the box office[5] In 1975, he starred in a variety of film genres from the comedy Chupke Chupke, the crime drama Faraar to the romantic drama Mili. However 1975 was the year when he appeared in two films which are regarded as important in Hindi cinematic history. He starred in the Yash Chopra directed film Deewar, opposite Shashi Kapoor, Nirupa Roy, and Neetu Singh, which earned him a Filmfare Nomination for Best Actor. The film became a major hit at the box office in 1975, ranking in at number 4.[6] Indiatimes Movies ranks Deewaar amongst the Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films.[7] Released on August 15, 1975 was Sholay (meaning flames), which became the highest grossing film of all time in India, earning Rs. 2,36,45,00,000 equivalent to US$ 60 million, after adjusting for inflation.[8] Bachchan played the role of Jaidev opposite a cast which included some of the top names in the industry including Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan. In 1999, BBC India declared it the "Film of the Millennium" and like Deewar, has been cited by Indiatimes movies as amongst the Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films.[7] In that same year, the judges of the 50th annual Filmfare awards awarded it with the special distinction award called Filmfare Best Film of 50 Years.
Bachchan in the 1970s
After the success of films such as Sholay at the box office, Bachchan had now consolidated his position in the industry and from 1976 through to 1984 would receive an unprecedented number of Filmfare Best Actor Award Awards and nominations. Although films such as Sholay cemented his status as Bollywood's pre-eminent action hero, Bachchan illustrated that he was flexible in other roles, successfully playing the romantic lead, in films such as Kabhie Kabhie (1976) and comic timing in comedies such as Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) and earlier, in Chupke Chupke (1975). In 1976, he was once again cast by director Yash Chopra in his second film, Kabhi Kabhie, a romantic tale in which Bachchan starred as a young poet named Amit Malhotra who falls deeply in love with a beautiful young girl named Pooja played by actress Rakhee Gulzar. The emotional eclectic of the dialogue and softness of the subject matter proved a direct contrast to some of Amitabh's earlier grittier action pictures and those he would later go on to play. The film saw him again nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor Award and was a box office success. In 1977, he won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance in Amar Akbar Anthony where he played the third lead opposite Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor as Anthony Gonsalves. 1978 was possibly the most accoladed year of his career and he starred in all four of the highest grossing films of India in that year.[9] He once again resumed double roles in films such as Kasme Vaade as Amit and Shankar and Don playing the characters of Don, a leader of an underworld gang and his look alike Vijay. His performance won him the Filmfare Best Actor Award and considerable critical acclaim as with his performances in Trishul and Muqaddar Ka Sikander which both earned him further Filmfare Best Actor nominations. On account of this unprecedented run and success he encountered at this stage in his career, he was billed a "one-man industry" by the French director François Truffaut.[10]
In 1979, for the first time, Amitabh was required to use his singing voice for the film Mr. Natwarlal in which he starred alongside Rekha. His performance in the film saw him nominated for both the Filmfare Best Actor Award and the Filmfare Best Male Playback Awards. In 1979, he also received Best Actor nomination for Kaala Patthar (1979) and then went on to be nominated again in 1980 for the Raj Khosla directed film Dostana, in which he starred opposite Shatrughan Sinha and Zeenat Aman. Dostana proved to be the top grossing film of 1980.[11] In 1981, he starred in Yash Chopra's melodrama film Silsila, where he starred alongside his wife Jaya and rumoured lover Rekha. Other films of this period include Ram Balram (1980), Shaan (1980), Lawaaris (1981), and Shakti (1982) which pitted him against legendary actor Dilip Kumar.[12]
Bachchan with Rekha in Silsila in 1981

[edit] 1982 injury during filming Coolie
While filming Coolie in 1982, Bachchan suffered a nearly fatally intestinal injury during the filming of a fight scene with co-actor Puneet Issar.[13] Bachchan was performing his own stunts in the film and one scene required him to fall onto a table and then on the ground. However as he jumped towards the table, the corner of the table struck his abdomen, resulting in a splenic rupture from which he lost a significant amount of blood. He required an emergency splenectomy and remained critically ill in hospital for many months, at times close to death. The public response included prayers in temples and offers to sacrifice limbs to save him, while later, there were long queues of well-wishing fans outside the hospital where he was recuperating.[14] Nevertheless, he spent many months recovering and resumed filming later that year after a long period of recuperation. The film was released in 1983, and partly due to the huge publicity of Bachchan's accident, the film was a box office success.[15]
The director, Manmohan Desai, altered the ending of Coolie after Bachchan's accident. Bachchan's character was originally intended to have been killed off but after the change of script, the character lived in the end. It would have been inappropriate, said Desai, for the man who had just fended off death in real life to be killed on screen. Also, in the released film the footage of the fight scene is frozen at the critical moment, and a caption appears onscreen marking this as the instant of the actor's injury and the ensuing publicity of the accident.[14]
Later, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia gravis. His illness made him feel weak both mentally and physically and he decided to quit films and venture into politics. At this time he became pessimistic, expressing concern with how a new film would be received. Before every release he would negatively state, "Yeh film to flop hogi!" ("This film will flop").[16]
[edit]
Politics: 1984-1987
In 1984, Amitabh took a break from acting and briefly entered politics in support of long-time family friend, Rajiv Gandhi. He contested Allahabad's Lok Sabha seat against H. N. Bahuguna, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and won by the highest victory margin in general election history (68.2% of the vote).[17] His political career, however, was short-lived: He resigned after three years. The resignation followed the implication of Bachchan and his brother in the "Bofors scandal" by a newspaper, which he vowed to take to court.[18] Bachchan was eventually found not guilty of involvement in the ordeal.
His old friend, Amar Singh, helped him during a financial crisis due to the failure of his company ABCL. Therefore Bachchan started to support Amar Singh's political party, the Samajwadi party. Jaya Bachchan joined the Samajwadi Party and became a Rajya Sabha member.[19] Bachchan has continued to do favors for the Samajwadi party, including advertisements and political campaigns. These activities have recently gotten him into trouble again in the Indian courts for false claims after a previous incident of submission of legal papers by him, stating that he is a farmer.[20]
A 15 year press ban against Bachchan was imposed during his peak acting years by Stardust and some of the other film magazines. In his own defense, Bachchan claimed to have banned the press from entering his sets almost till the end of 1989.[21] It has been said that Bachchan had banned certain publications because he disliked what was being published about him and as such he vetoed them in an attempt to get them to conform this. [edit]
Slump and retirement: 1988-1992
In 1988, Bachchan returned to films, playing the title role in Shahenshah, which was a box office success due to the hype of Bachchan's comeback.[22] After the success of his comeback film however, his star power began to wane as all of his subsequent films failed at the box office. The 1991 hit film, Hum, looked like it might reverse this trend, but the momentum was short-lived as his string of box office failures continued. Notably, despite the lack of hits, it was during this period that Bachchan won his second National Film Award, for his performance as a Mafia don in the 1990 film Agneepath. These years would be the last he would be seen on screen for some time. After the release of Khuda Gawah in 1992, Bachchan went into semi-retirement for five years. In 1994, one of his delayed films Insaniyat was released but was also a box office failure.[23] [edit]
Producer and acting comeback 1996-1999
Bachchan turned producer during his temporary retirement period, setting up Amitabh Bachchan Corporation, Ltd. (A.B.C.L.) in 1996, with the vision of becoming a 10 billion rupees (approx 250 million $US) premier entertainment company by the year 2000. ABCL's strategy was to introduce products and services covering the entire section of the India's entertainment industry. Its operations were mainstream commercial film production and distribution, audio cassettes and video discs, production and marketing of television software, celebrity and event management. Soon after the company was launched in 1996, the first film was produced by the company. Tere Mere Sapne failed to do well at the box office but launched the careers of actors such as Arshad Warsi and South films star Simran. ABCL produced a few other films, none of which did well.
In 1997, Bachchan attempted to make his acting comeback with the film Mrityudaata, produced by ABCL. Though Mrityudaata attempted to reprise Bachchan's earlier success as an action hero, the film was a failure both financially and critically. ABCL was the main sponsor of the The 1996 Miss World beauty pageant, Bangalore but lost millions. The fiasco and the consequent legal battles surrounding ABCL and various entities after the event, coupled with the fact that ABCL was reported to have overpaid most of its top level managers, eventually led to its financial and operational collapse in 1997. The company went into administration and was later declared a failed company by Indian Industries board. The Bombay high court, in April 1999, restrained Bachchan from selling off his Bombay bungalow 'Prateeksha' and two flats till the pending loan recovery cases of Canara Bank were disposed of. Bachchan had, however, pleaded that he had mortgaged his bungalow to Sahara India Finance for raising funds for his company.[24]
Bachchan attempted to revive his acting career and had average success with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998),[23] and received positive reviews for Sooryavansham (1999)[25] but other films such as Lal Baadshah (1999) and Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999) were box office failures.
[edit]
Television career
In the year 2000, Bachchan stepped up to host India's adaptation of the British television game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? entitled, Kaun Banega Crorepati. As it did in most other countries where it was adopted, the program found immediate success. The Canara Bank withdrew its law suit against Bachchan in November 2000. Bachchan hosted KBC till November 2005, and its success set the stage for his return to film popularity.[edit]
Return to prominence: 2000-present
Amitabh Bachchan returns to the screen opposite Shahrukh Khan in the film Mohabbatein (2000).

In 2000, Amitabh Bachchan appeared in Yash Chopra's box-office hit, Mohabbatein, directed by Aditya Chopra. He played a stern, older figure that rivalled the character of Shahrukh Khan. Other hits followed, with Bachchan appearing as an older family patriarch in Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love (2001), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Baghban (2003). As an actor, he continued to perform in a range of characters, receiving critical praise for his performances in Aks (2001), Aankhen (2002), Khakee (2004), Dev (2004) and Black (2005). Taking advantage of this resurgence, Amitabh began endorsing a variety of products and services, appearing in many television and billboard advertisements. In 2005 and 2006, he starred with his son Abhishek in the hit films Bunty Aur Babli (2005), the Godfather tribute Sarkar (2005), and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006). All of them were successful at the box office.[26][27] His later releases in 2006 and early 2007 were Baabul (2006),[28] Eklavya and Nishabd (2007), which failed to do well at the box office but his performances in each of them were praised by critics.[29] He also made a guest-appearance as himself in the Kannada movie Amruthadaare, directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Best Film Actor Award for the year 2005 to Amitabh Bachchan for his role in the Hindi film Black.

In May 2007, two of his films Cheeni Kum and the multi-starrer Shootout at Lokhandwala were released. Shootout at Lokhandwala did very well at the box office and was declared a hit in India, while Cheeni Kum picked up after a slow start and was declared an overall average hit.[30]
In August 2007, a remake of his biggest hit, Sholay (1975), entitled Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, proved to be a disaster at the box office[30] and was also poorly received by critics.
His first English language film, Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear, premiered at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2007. He received positive reviews from critics who hailed his performance as his best ever since Black.[31] Bachchan was slated to play a supporting role in his first international film, Shantaram, directed by Mira Nair and starring Hollywood actor Johnny Depp in the lead. The film was due to begin filming in February 2008 but due to the writer's strike, was pushed to September 2008[32]
Bhoothnath, in which he plays the title role as a ghost, was released on May 9, 2008. Sarkar Raj, released in June 2008, was a sequel to his 2005 film Sarkar. Sarkar Raj received a positive response at the box-office.
Bachchan was scheduled to co-host the second Live Earth event, Live Earth India 2008, with Jon Bon Jovi, in Mumbai India on December 8, 2008.[edit]
Health
[edit] 2005 Hospitalisation
In November 2005, Amitabh Bachchan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital's ICU once more, to undergo surgery for diverticulitis of the small intestine.[33] This occurred after Bachchan complained of pains in his abdomen some days prior. During the period and that following his recovery, most of his projects were put on hold, including the television show he was in the process of hosting, Kaun Banega Crorepati. Amitabh returned to work in March 2006.[34]
[edit]
Voice
Bachchan is known for his deep, baritone voice. He has been a narrator, a playback singer and presenter for numerous programmes. Renowned film director Satyajit Ray was so impressed with Bachchan's voice, that he decided to use his voice as commentary in Shatranj Ke Khiladi since he could not find a suitable role for him.[35] Before entering the film industry, Bachchan applied for an announcer's job with All India Radio, although he was rejected.
[edit]
Controversies and Criticism
[edit]
Barabanki Land Case
In the runup to the Uttar Pradesh state assembly elections, 2007, Bachchan made a film extolling the virtues of the Mulayam Singh government. His Samajwadi Party was routed, and Mayawati came to power.
On June 2, 2007] a Faizabad court ruled that he had illegally acquired agricultural land designated specifically for landless Dalit farmers.[36] It was speculated that he might investigated on related charges of forgery, as he has allegedly claimed he was a farmer.[37] On July 19, 2007, after the scandal broke out, Bachchan surrendered the land acquired in Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh and Pune. He wrote to the chief minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, to donate the lands that were allegedly acquired illegally in Pune.[38] However, the Lucknow Court has put a stay on the land donation and said that the status quo on the land be maintained.
On October 12, 2007, Bachchan abandoned his claim in respect of the land at Daulatpur village in Barabanki district.[39] On December 11, 2007, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court gave a clean chit to Bachchan in a case pertaining to alleged fraudulent allotment of government land to him in Barabanki district. A single Lucknow bench of Justice said there was no finding that the actor "himself committed any fraud or manipulated any surreptitious entry in the revenue records".[40][41]
After receiving a positive verdict in Barabanki case, Amitabh Bachchan intimated to Maharashtra government that he did not wish to surrender his land in Maval tehsil of Pune district.[42]
[edit]
Raj Thackeray's criticism
See also: 2008 attacks on North Indians in Maharashtra
Bachchan featured on an advert in shopping mall in India
In January 2008 at political rallies, Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, targeted Amitabh Bachchan, asserting that the actor was "more inclined" towards his native state than Maharashtra. He expressed his disapproval of Amitabh's inaugurating a girls' school named after his daughter-in-law, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, at Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, rather than in Maharashtra.[43] According to media reports, Raj's censure of Amitabh, whom he admires, stemmed out of his disappointment of not being invited to Amitabh's son Abhishek's marriage to Aishwarya, despite invitations to his estranged uncle Bal and cousin Uddhav.[44][45]
Responding to Raj's accusations, the actor's wife, SP MP Jaya Bachchan, said that the Bachchans were willing to start a school in Mumbai, provided the MNS leader donated the land build it. She told the media, "I heard that Raj Thackeray owns huge properties in Maharashtra, in Mumbai—Kohinoor Mills. If he is willing to donate land, we can start a school in the name of Aishwarya here."[46] However, Amitabh abstained from commenting on the issue.
Bal Thackeray refuted the allegations, stating, "Amitabh Bachchan is an open-minded person, he has great love for Maharashtra, and this is evident on many occasions. The actor has often said that Maharashtra and specially Mumbai has given him great fame and affection. He has also said that what he is today is because of the love people have given him. The people of Mumbai have always acknowledged him as an artiste. It was utter foolishness to make these parochial allegations against him. Amitabh is a global superstar. People all over the world respect him. This cannot be forgotten by anyone. Amitabh should ignore these silly accusations and concentrate on his acting."[47]
On March 23, 2008, more than a month and half after Raj's remarks, Amitabh finally spoke out in an interview to a local tabloid saying, "Random charges are random; they do not deserve the kind of attention you wish me to give."[48] Later, on March 28, at a press conference for the International Indian Film Academy, when asked what his take was on the anti-migrant issue, Amitabh said that it is one's fundamental right to live anywhere in the country and the constitution entitles so.[49] He also stated that he was not affected by Raj's comments.[50]

[edit] Awards, honours and recognitions
Main article: List of Amitabh Bachchan's awards, honours and recognitions
[edit]
Filmography
Producer
Year
Film
1996
Tere Mere Sapne
1997
Ullasam
Mrityudaata
1998
Major Saab
2001
Aks
2005
Viruddh
2006
Family - Ties of Blood

[edit] Playback singer
Year
Film
1979
The Great Gambler
Mr. Natwarlal
1981
Lawaaris
Naseeb
Silsila
1983
Mahaan
Pukar
1984
Sharaabi
1989
Toofan
Jaadugar
1992
Khuda Gawah
1998
Major Saab
1999
Sooryavansham
2001
Aks
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
2002
Aankhen
2003
Armaan
Baghban
2004
Dev
Aetbaar
2006
Baabul
2007
Nishabd
Cheeni Kum
2008
Bhoothnath

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