Amitabh Bachchan's 76th Birthday: 5 iconic movies of the Bollywood Actor

As veteran Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan turned an year older on Thursday, October 11, 2018, several celebrities extended wishes to 'Big B'. The 76-year-old who had won several hearts during the early 1970s with his films like 'Zanjeer', 'Deewaar' and 'Sholay', was known for his "angry young man" looks.

The actor has received several prestigious awards in his acting career including the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. Moreover, he has also received the highest civilian honour, Knight of the Legion of Honour, in 2007 for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond.

On the occasion of his 76th birthday, here's take a look at some of the iconic Bollywood movies of the legendary actor:

1. Sholay

'Sholay' was helmed by Ramesh Sippy and starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and Amjad Khan in pivotal roles. The film focuses on the story of a village that constantly lives in fear of a bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).

Things change in the village as Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) invites two crooks Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) as the protectors of the village to avenge the death of his family and for peace in the village. The film had some of the most hilarious dialogues and a heart-wrenching end. Amitabh Bachchan immortalised the role of Jai. All the songs from the film went on to become famous. 

(Source: IMDb)

2. Don

Amitabh Bachchan recorded one of his best performances in 1978 crime thriller action film 'Don'. The film features Bachchan in a double role, as Bombay underworld boss Don and his look alike Vijay. The plot of the film revolves around how Vijay, a Bombay slum-dweller takes up the role of the powerful crime boss Don, after being asked by law enforcement officer DSP D'Silva, in order to act as an informant for the police and track down the root of the criminal organization. The film was a massive hit and the actor is still celebrated for his performance in the same. The film directed by Chandra Barot also starred Zeenat Aman, Pran, Helen and Iftekhar in the lead.

(Source: IMDb)

3. Mr. Natwarlal

The 1979 Bollywood thriller film 'Mr. Natwarlal' featured Amitabh Bachchan as the titular character Natwar. The film helmed by Rakesh Kumar narrates the revenge story of a boy who grows up to be a rebel after his older brother and caretaker, police officer Girdharilal gets framed for bribery by a devious criminal mastermind Vikram. Apart from Amitabh, the film also starred Rekha, Ajit Khan, Kader Khan and Amjad Khan. The actor became famous as 'Mr. Natwarlal' after the release of the film. 

(Source: IMDb)

4. Silsila

'Silsila' is one of the most iconic movies of Bachchan. In the film, the actor shared screen space with his real-life wife Jaya Bachchan and close associate Rekha. The 1981 romantic drama showcased one of the most iconic love triangles Bollywood has ever witnessed.

The film narrates the story of a man who sacrifices his love and gets married to his deceased brother's pregnant fiancee. However, when fate brings him face-to-face with his former flame, he decides to give in to his desires. The movie directed and produced by Yash Chopra is said to have been inspired by the real-life scenario of Bachchan.  

(Source: IMDb)

5. Agneepath

The 1990 movie 'Agneepath' featured Bachchan as Vijay, a gangster who wants to defeat Kancha, a man who killed his father years ago. The Mukul S. Anand's directorial also featured Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavi, Neelam Kothari, Danny Denzongpa, Rohini Hattangadi and Alok Nath. The film was produced by Yash Johar and Bachchan was widely lauded by the audience and the critics for his performance in the lead. 

(Source: IMDb)