Culture & Living
10 iconic Amitabh Bachchan roles that all Bollywood fans must watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and more
From the conscientious outlaw in Sholay to the vengeful Vijay Deenanath Chavan of Agneepath, settle in for a masterclass on unparalleled acting with these memorable roles by the veteran actor
It is an impossible task to encompass Amitabh Bachchan’s five-decade-long career in just one line. His genre-defying portfolio of movies reads as the hall of fame for Indian cinema, with his iconic performances in Zanjeer and Sholay today serving as famed folklore. It comes as little surprise that his cinematic prowess has found expression well beyond the camera—his signature baritone has found its way to television commercials and movies alike, from the cult classic Holi track ‘Rang Barse’ in Silsila to his melancholic rendition of Tagore’s masterpiece, ‘Ekla Cholo’ in Kahaani. And for the better part of the past two decades, every day people have been able to seek his counsel on the long-running quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. As he turns 78 today, here’s looking back at his finest performances down the decades.
Inspector Vijay Khanna in Zanjeer (1973)
With this 1973 thriller, Bachchan pioneered a new genre in Indian cinema as the archetypal ‘angry young man’ on a crusade against the unjust system without compromising his moral values. Considered as a turning point in the history of the Indian film industry, the movie sees Bachchan essaying the role of a vengeful, yet honest, police officer’s battle with a crime lord who also happens to be his parents’ murderer.
Streaming on ZEE5
Vijay Verma in Deewaar (1975)
After the success of Zanjeer, screenwriter duo Salim-Javed began penning several movies with Bachchan in mind for the lead role, including this 1975 crime drama. A landmark movie of its time, the Yash Chopra directorial finds two impoverished brothers on opposite sides of the law, with Bachchan’s portrayal of the underworld mirroring the socio-political unrest of India in the 1970s.
Streaming on ZEE5
Jai in Sholay (1975)
A cult classic that needs little introduction, the 1975 buddy adventure flick is today considered mandatory viewing in Indian households. While the movie follows a former police officer’s hunt for a ruthless dacoit through the services of two outlaws, it is the friendship of Jai and Veeru—played by Bachchan and Dharmendra respectively—that has become a part of the cultural vernacular, as commemorated in the iconic song sequence, ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge’.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Vijay in Don (1978)
The moniker ‘Vijay’ became something of a good luck charm for Bachchan, and he has essayed over 20 odd movies with the name—including this 1978 action blockbuster that was counted among the highest-grossing movies of its time. After the infamous underworld don is shot fatally in an encounter with the police, his lookalike Vijay is sent to infiltrate the criminal organisation.
Streaming on Netflix
Vijay Deenanath Chavan in Agneepath (1990)
Today considered ahead of its times with its depiction of bloodlust and vengeance, the 1990 revenge drama landed Bachchan his first National Award for his portrayal of the vindictive underworld kingpin, Vijay. After swearing retribution when his father is wrongfully murdered, the movie follows his rise through the ranks of the underworld in his quest for revenge and ultimately, redemption.
Streaming on Netflix
Yash Raichand in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
The turn of the millennium started on a grand note for the star with this Karan Johar directorial that was labelled as the highest-grossing Indian movie at the time of its release, within the country and internationally as well. As the dominating patriarch of the Raichand household, Bachchan is unflinching in laying down the law—the build-up of emotions behind his indomitable demeanour only finding release in the eventual reunion with his estranged son in the concluding moments of the movie.
Streaming on Netflix
Debraj Sahai in Black (2005)
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial brought Bachchan his second National Film Award for Best Actor, in what was considered to be his finest performance of the decade. When Rani Mukerji’s Michelle McNally is born as a deaf, blind and mute girl, Bachchan provides catharsis with his unconventional teaching methods that ultimately bring a ray of light into her colourless world.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
Auro in Paa (2009)
Never one to back down from a challenge, Bachchan ushered in an industry-first in the Hindi movie industry with his poignant performance of a 12-year-old diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that accelerates ageing. For his transformation into Auro, the veteran actor clocked in multiple hours in the makeup chair for advanced prosthetics that involved eight types of specially crafted clay by international makeup artist, Stephan Dubuis. However, beyond the physical transformation, it is his childlike candour that steals your heart and ultimately breaks it when the end credits roll.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
Bhashkor in Piku (2015)
While parenthood has served as a recurring leitmotif in Bachchan’s cinematic portfolio—from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to Baghban—this slice-of-life outing allowed him to delve into the psychological toll of caregiving for ageing parents. Over the course of a road trip to Kolkata, the grumpy, constipation-stricken Bhashkor rekindles his bond with this daughter, the eponymous Piku essayed by Deepika Padukone, with a bittersweet conclusion. The emotional nuance that he brought to the role made him the recipient of his fourth National Film Award.
Streaming on Sony Liv
Deepak Sehgal in Pink (2015)
As the battle-weary lawyer in this 2015 Shoojit Sircar production, Bachchan delivers yet again. The legal drama elicits superlative performances from its lead cast, including Taapsee Pannu and Kirti Kulhari, with Bachchan adding further nuance to the proceedings with the sheer magnetism of his screen presence. In the wake of its release, his closing statement from the movie, “No means no”, sparked off several important conversations about consent and societal prejudices. Among other accolades, the movie was also screened at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and United Nations headquarters in New York.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
Also read:
31 pictures and videos that take you inside Jalsa, the Bachchan family's stunning Mumbai home
