Jaya Bachchan, in the new docuseries Angry Young Men, shares her insights on the making of the 1973 cult classic Zanjeer, a film that marked a significant turning point in Hindi cinema by introducing the era of the ‘Angry Young Man.’ The film, which catapulted Amitabh Bachchan to stardom, centered around his character, Inspector Vijay Khanna. Jaya played Mala, a role she initially hesitated to accept.
Male-centric film with an irresistible co-star
In the docuseries, Jaya candidly revealed, “I didn’t want to do Zanjeer. I basically never wanted to be a part of a male-centric cinema. It was a male-centric film. Salim Sahab and Javed Sahab were very straightforward. They had tried a lot of other women actors, but of course, they all had refused. And they said, ‘You can’t say no, we need you’. Of course, another temptation was my co-star. So I thought at least we’d get to spend some time together.”
Zanjeer was instrumental in redefining the hero’s image in Hindi cinema. The film’s legendary screenwriters, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, reflected on how Zanjeer shattered conventional norms. Salim Khan noted, “A new kind of hero emerged in the (Hindi) film industry with Zanjeer. This hero doesn’t sing songs, doesn’t engage in romance, doesn’t do comedy, and avoids any bakwaas (nonsense). Other characters might do those things, but not the hero.” Javed Akhtar emphasized that the character’s lasting appeal is rooted in his integrity, which was maintained without bending to market pressures.
Zanjeer was released in 1973 and received widespread acclaim. That same year, Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan also starred together in Abhimaan, and later in other iconic films like Chupke Chupke, Mili, and Sholay (1975), as well as Silsila (1981) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Interestingly, 1973 was also the
year when Jaya and Amitabh tied the knot, marking the beginning of their journey both on and off the screen. The couple welcomed their daughter, Shweta Bachchan, in 1974 and their son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, in 1976.
Continuing legacies in cinema
Jaya Bachchan was last seen in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Amitabh Bachchan, meanwhile, was last seen in Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD and is currently hosting the popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
