How Amitabh Bachchan heralded a new era in Bollywood with his Angry Young Man avatar

The legendary Amitabh Bachchan turns 82 today. While he is rightly known as the Shahenshah of Bollywood and is the most revered figure in the industry for his contributions to Indian cinema, it's essential to look back at the indelible mark he has left on the Indian film industry. Amitabh Bachchan, aka Big B, not only transformed the industry but also defined an era with his iconic Angry Young Man persona. This avatar, which became synonymous with his name, revolutionised Bollywood and set new standards for the film industry.

Rise of Angry Young Man

The 1970s were a time of socio-political turmoil in India, where the issues of unemployment, corruption were widespread and the youth was disillusioned. Bollywood, that was a mirror of the society, was in search of a new hero—one who could channel the frustrations and aspirations of the common man. Enter Amitabh Bachchan. With his towering presence, brooding intensity, and impeccable acting prowess, Big B embodied this new archetype.

His onscreen transformation began with films like Zanjeer (1973), directed by Prakash Mehra. His role as Inspector Vijay Khanna, a man fueled by revenge and justice, struck a chord with audiences. His portrayal was raw, intense, and unflinchingly honest. The film's success marked the birth of the Angry Young Man, a character who would become a staple in Amitabh Bachchan's filmography.

Characteristics of Angry Young Man

Amitabh Bachchan's Angry Young Man was characterised by a simmering rage against the system, a relentless pursuit of justice, and an undercurrent of vulnerability. His characters were often men wronged by society, who took matters into their own hands. This persona was a stark contrast to the romantic heroes and morally upright protagonists that dominated Bollywood until then.

In Deewar (1975), directed by Yash Chopra, Amitabh Bachchan’s character Vijay Verma epitomised the conflicted anti-hero. His famous line, “Mere paas maa hai” became emblematic of the moral and emotional complexities that his characters embodied. The film marked a major shift in Bollywood towards more complex and flawed characters.

The Big B impact

Amitabh Bachchan's Angry Young Man redefined heroism in Bollywood. It allowed for a broader range of storytelling, where protagonists could be morally ambiguous and driven by personal vendettas. This shift opened up new avenues for scriptwriters and directors, who could now explore darker, more realistic themes.

Films like Sholay (1975), Trishul (1978), and Kaala Patthar (1979) further cemented Big B's status as the quintessential Angry Young Man. Each of these films was a blockbuster. The era of the larger-than-life, morally pristine hero was replaced by a more relatable, albeit troubled, protagonist - a colossal change in the dynamics of Hindi cinema.

Big B's legacy

Amitabh Bachchan’s influence extends beyond his filmography. His Angry Young Man avatar paved the way for future actors to embrace more nuanced and layered roles. Actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan have all, at various points in their careers, drawn inspiration from his portrayal of complex characters.

Moreover, his impact is visible in the work of contemporary filmmakers who continue to explore themes of injustice, revenge, and societal corruption.

Unbeatable resilience

Amitabh Bachchan’s journey in films was not without its challenges. His rise to superstardom was followed by personal and professional setbacks, including a near-fatal accident on the set of Coolie (1983) and financial troubles in the late 1990s. However, true to his on-screen persona, Big B's resilience shone through. His comeback with Kaun Banega Crorepati (2000) and subsequent roles in films like Mohabbatein (2000) and Paa (2009) showcased his versatility and enduring appeal that continued with films like Piku (2015), Pink (2017), Sarkar 3 (2017), 102 Not Out (2018), Gulabo Sitabo (2020), Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), Kalki 2898 AD (2024) among several others.

At 82, Big b to inspire and influence the world of cinema. Here's to the Shahenshah of Bollywood, whose roar as the Angry Young Man still echoes through the corridors of Indian film history.