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Millennium Star Amitabh Bachchan is regarded as one of the greatest and most accomplished actors. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, he has worked in over 200 films. Even at the age of 82, the acting legend continues to overshadow the lead actors with his acting prowess. Big B delivered numerous blockbusters and ruled the box office for several decades. However, in the late 90s, the Angry Young Man of Indian cinema witnessed a downfall. While a series of movies bombed at the box office, he also went bankrupt after incurring severe financial loss. Reportedly, he also owed Rs 90 crore to creditors. However, Yash Chopra and Yash Raj Films (YRF) were responsible for bringing back the lost glory of Big B. 2000's Mohabbatein was a significant turning point in his professional career. But, did you know before YRF saved Amitabh Bachchan's sinking career, Big B had rescued Dharma Productions and Karan Johar?
Amitabh Bachchan's Association With Dharma Productions
The association of Amitabh Bachchan with Dharma Productions dates back to 1976 when Karan Johar's father Yash Johar founded the production house. Dharma Productions' first project was Dostana, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha with Zeenat Aman, Pran, Amrish Puri and Prem Chopra, among others. The movie became a super hit.
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The Johars and Bachchans share a familial bond and Dharma Productions' collaboration with Big B in multiple projects price the same.
Well, due to the family-like bond, Bachchan saved Dharma Productions and the Johars when they were going through hurdles.
Dharma Productions' Ordeal
Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, during a recent conversation with Lehren Retro, talked about his association with Dharma Productions. He reminisced the time when the production house was struggling to survive and the Johars had to sell their lights and cameras and even had to mortgage their house.
Even at this crucial time, Karan Johar's mother Hiroo Johar suffered a heart attack. When Big B heard the tragic news, he paused shooting and went to meet his school friend Yash Johar and his wife at the hospital.
At the hospital, the Kalki 2898 AD actor told Yash about a boy with whom he is making a film.
Sr Bachchan said, "Romesh is producing it but you call him up and tell him that Amit has given dates for your film. There is a subject on Scarface, we should do it together.”
According to Nikkhil, that's how they collaborated on the 1990's action-thriller Agneepath, helmed by Mukul Anand. The filmmaker also revealed that Big B told Yash that he knows what they are going through and what their condition is. So, he gave them his dates to start the movie.
Agneepath
Though Agneepath garnered critical acclaim, it was initially a commercial failure. However, over time, it achieved cult classic status and remains one of the most celebrated movies of Big B's career.
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As a tribute to his late father, KJo remade the mass entertainer with the same title in 2012. Helmed by Karan Malhotra, Agneepath starred Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Rishi Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in key roles.
