In a significant milestone, the legendary Indian film ‘Zanjeer’ celebrates its 51st anniversary, shining a spotlight on its transformative journey within Hindi cinema. The film not only solidified Amitabh Bachchan’s stature as the iconic angry young man but also reshaped the industry’s landscape.
Diving into the intriguing backstory of ‘Zanjeer,’ film historian Dilip Thakur unveils fascinating insights into the casting process. Thakur discloses that initially, director Prakash Mehra contemplated casting Dharmendra for the lead role, but due to scheduling conflicts, the role eventually went to Bachchan, suggested by Jaya Bhaduri.
However, before Bachchan’s casting, the renowned screenwriting duo, Salim-Javed, approached several actors with the script, including the likes of Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. Rumors swirled around veteran actor Raaj Kumar declining the role allegedly due to Mehra’s preferences, a claim later debunked by the filmmaker.
‘Zanjeer’ not only marked the inception of a fruitful partnership between Salim-Javed and Prakash Mehra but also brought to light the challenges within their collaboration. Their professional conflicts, particularly concerning creative differences, led to their eventual parting after the film’s success.
Thakur emphasizes that ‘Zanjeer’ ushered in the era of the angry young man archetype, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema’s narrative. The film’s legacy remains as a testament to its enduring impact on the industry.
