Amitabh Bachchan turns 75: 15 iconic movies that define Big B's stardom

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan- the name is synonymous with not just perfection but to stardom as well. The megastar, who has been in the industry for over four decades now, has impressed millions with his stellar performances wherein he essayed a vast array of roles which indeed go a glimpse of his versatility. From being an angry young man in Deewar to a classy underworld gangster in Don, to a true friend in Sholay and a hotshot lawyer in Pink, Amitabh Bachchan has indeed given us some iconic performances. While Bachchan had his shares of ups and downs during his showbiz journey, he did manage to emerge triumphant of all the odds. And while the megastar continues to rule a million hearts, we bring you 15 of his iconic movies that define Amitabh Bachchan's stardom

Zanjeer

Zanjeer - Helmed by Prakash Mehra, Zanjeer is 1973 movi starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Pran in the lead. The movie played an important role in Bachchan's life as it not only brought him as the new hero with an image of an angry young man, but also changed he trend of film industry from romantic movies to action movies. This film also ended the struggling period for Amitabh and turned him into a rising star.

Abhimaan

Abhimaan - Another 1973 release, Abhimaan was musical drama starring the Bachchan couple in the lead. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the movie revolve around professional singer who ends up being jealous of his wife who attains more popularity than him with her singing talent. Not just Amitabh Bachchan's acting but, Abhimaan is also remembered for its songs.

Deewar

Deewar - A Yash Chopra movie, Deewar featured Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor in the lead. The movie is the story of a pair of impoverished brothers who, after their family is betrayed by the misplaced idealism of their father, struggle to survive on the streets of Mumbai. Deewar is one of the cult classic movies and was even declared a superhit at the box office as well.

Sholay

Sholay - One of the cult classics, Sholay is a Ramesh Sippy directorial starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini in key roles. The movie not just set new records at box office and even after 40 years of release, the movie continues to be highest-grrossing Indian movie of all time.

Don

Don - A movie on the most powerful man of crime world, Don introduced Amitabh Bachchan as a classy gangster we couldn't take out eyes off. It was the third-highest grossing Bollywood movie of 1978, and was classified a golden jubilee by Box Office India.

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar - Another Prakash Mehra directorial with Amitabh Bachchan, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar was a story of an orphan boy who went on to stand tal against all the odds of the society and managed to create a name for himself. The film was the third biggest hit of the decade after Sholay and Bobby. The film was such a huge hit, that people used to stand in queues, waiting endlessly, to buy the film's tickets.

Laawaris

Laawaris - Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman and Amjad Khan, Laawaris revolves around an orphan who stumbles over reality in search for his parents. The movie was a huge hit not just for its story but for its song 'Mere Angene Mein, Tumhara Kya Kaam Hai'.

Namak Halal

Namak Halal - An action-comedy movie, helmed by Prakash Mehra, stars Amitabh Bachchan, Smita Patil, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Om Prakash, Waheeda Rehman, Ranjeet, Satyen Kappu, Suresh Oberoi and Ram Sethi. The film became a "Blockbuster" at the box office and went on to be a golden jubilee hit.

Agneepath

Agneepath - Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Rohini Hattangadi and Danny Denzongpa in key roles, Agneepath is one of cult movie. Produced by Yash johar the movie got its title from a poem of the same name called 'Agneepath' which was penned by Big B's Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

Shahenshah

Shahenshah - With Amitabh Bachchan playing the titular role, Shahenshah was one of the most talked about movies of 1988. Helmed by Tinnu Aand, the movie was written by Amitabh Bachchan's wife Jaya Bachchan. The film marked Bachchan's comeback after a three-year hiatus during which he had entered politics. The film became a blockbuster upon its release.

Sharaabi

Sharaabi - Starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, Sharaabi was Amitabh Bachchan's sixth movie with director Prakash Mehra in a row. The movie was said to be loosely based on Steve Gordon's 1981 film Arthur starring Dudley Moore. Sharaabi was declared a hit and celebrated platinum jubilee all over.

Paa

Paa - Helmed by R Balakrishnan, Paa was one of the most unusual movie. The movie was based on a rare genetic condition known as progeria and places emphasis on a father-son relationship. Interestingly, the movie featured real life father-son Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan but in a reverse role. The film was critically acclaimed in India and fared well at the box office.

Black

Black - Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Black is a story of a deafblind girl, and her relationship with her teacher who himself later develops Alzheimer's disease. Starring Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, the movie drew inspiration from Helen Keller's life. Black was a commercial success and was the 2nd highest grossing Bollywood film worldwide in 2005.

Baghban

Baghban - A 2003 release, Baghban is a family drama starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. The movie revolves around the story an elderly couple who are separated by their four sons. The movie was critically acclaimed and went on to become one of Chopra's biggest hits.

Pink

Pink - The much talked about Indian courtroom drama, about three women who are implicated in a crime and a retired lawyer steps forward to help them clear their names. Helmed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Pink stars Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Kulhari and Angad Bedi in key roles.