Amitabh Bachchan's Birthday: 5 Anti-Hero Roles That Made Him Bollywood's Angry Young Man

These characters, walking the tightrope between right and wrong, not only showcased Bachchan's unparallelled acting prowess but also reflected the societal tensions of their time. On his birthday, let's journey through five unforgettable performances that redefined heroism in Bollywood and made Amitabh Bachchan a cultural icon.

Amitabh Bachchan's Anti-Hero Roles

Parwana (1971)

In Parwana, a young Amitabh Bachchan stepped into the shoes of Kumar, a man whose unrequited love spirals into a dangerous obsession. This early role hinted at Bachchan's ability to portray complex, flawed characters with depth and nuance.

"Bachchan's Kumar was a revelation," notes film historian Rajesh Sharma. "It was perhaps the first time Bollywood audiences saw a leading man so consumed by negative emotions, yet somehow remaining sympathetic."

Deewar (1975)

Deewar catapulted Bachchan to superstardom with his portrayal of Vijay Verma, a dockworker turned gangster. This film not only coined the term "Angry Young Man" but also gave Indian cinema one of its most quoted lines: "Mere paas maa hai" (I have mother).

Vijay's journey from a wronged child to a powerful criminal, all while maintaining a moral code, resonated deeply with audiences. Deewar became a cultural phenomenon, with Bachchan's brooding intensity capturing the zeitgeist of 1970s India.

Trishul (1978)

In Trishul, Bachchan's Vijay Kumar is a man on a mission, seeking vengeance against the father who abandoned his mother. This role showcased Bachchan's ability to convey simmering rage and calculated ambition.

Don (1978)

Don saw Bachchan in a dual role, but it was his portrayal of the titular character that left an indelible mark. As the suave, ruthless gangster, Bachchan oozed charisma and danger in equal measure.

The film's iconic dialogue, "Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, namumkin hai" (It's not just difficult to catch Don, it's impossible), became a cultural touchstone. Bachchan's Don was the anti-hero at his most glamorous and appealing.

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Agneepath (1990)

In Agneepath, Bachchan portrayed Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, a man whose pursuit of revenge leads him down a dark path. With his gravelly voice and intense gaze, Bachchan created a character both terrifying and tragic.

"Agneepath was Bachchan at his rawest," observes veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. "Vijay's journey from an innocent boy to a hardened criminal was portrayed with such conviction that it haunts you long after the film ends."

As Amitabh Bachchan celebrates his 82nd birthday, his legacy as the original Angry Young Man continues to influence new generations of actors and filmmakers. These roles not only defined Amitabh Bachchan's career but also reshaped Bollywood's narrative landscape. By bringing depth and humanity to morally ambiguous characters, Bachchan challenged traditional notions of heroism in Indian cinema.

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