When Amitabh Bachchan looks up at skies, why directors look down?

Millennium Star Amitabh Bachchan has been named the most recognised celebrity in India. According to Hansa Research’s Brand Endorser score results, Big B has garnered the highest-ever recognition score of 92%, leaving behind MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and many others. 

Throughout his career spanning over 5 decades, Big B has embarked on several milestones in the Indian film industry with his stellar performances. The 'Jhund' actor has proven his versatility in different roles and even at this age, he gives tough challenges to the new-generation actors. 

Till date, he has worked in over 199 movies in Hindi and several other languages. After Jhund, all eyes are set on his upcoming 'Brahmastra: Part One- Shiva' in which he will be seen mentoring Ranbir Kapoor who is portraying the lead character Shiva. 

Convincing 'The Angry Young Man' for signing a project

In his career of over 5 decades, the stellar actor has worked with several directors. It was Prakash Mehra with whom he got his first blockbuster in 1973 and now it must be an honour for Ayan Mukerji like new-age directors to work with the actor, who is an institute in himself.

However, here we bring a lesser-known incident that will take you back to the old golden days when Amitabh-starrer movies dominated the box office as movie lovers thronged the theatres in large. This incident certainly would reveal how tough it was for the directors to convince the 'Angry Young Man' when he was at the pinnacle of success.

Actor-writer-director Tinnu Anand had written and directed 1981's Kaalia, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Parveen Babi, Asha Parekh, Kader Khan, Pran, Amjad Khan and Jagdeep. Sharing his experience with Big B and convincing him for the script, Tinnu shared about the situation. 

Kaalia, Shahenshah, Main Azaad Hoon, Major Saab... 76th Birthday wishes to Director/Writer/Actor TinnuAnand.
Here Tinnu Anand with Amitabh Bachchan during movie shoot pic.twitter.com/TZKQbf2fFN

— Subhash Shirdhonkar (@4331Subhash) October 12, 2021

As described, Tinnu was chasing the 'Angry Young Man' for a year to narrate his script, from studio to studio, and every time he (Amit) would say, "Not today, tomorrow," due to the fact he had a really busy schedule. 

Finally, Tinnu got hold of the Megastar on the sets of Don and finally narrated his script. When Tinnu finished, Big B was silent. 

Tinnu said, "You don't have to tell me that you like my script because I know you like it very much."

To this, the Shahenshah actor asked, "How do you know that?"

Tinnu replied, "Before I came, a few people told me that if Amitabh Bachchan is hearing a script and he looks towards the sky and he starts stroking his hair, it means your script is rejected. I am glad you did neither while I was narrating the script." 

Following that, Big B liked Tinnu's confidence and signed the project.

Amitabh got a break in B Town for Tinnu

Fans of Big B are well aware that Big B made his debut with 'Saath Hindustani'. But, many are still unaware that it was Tinnu who was the reason behind Big B getting a break in B Town. 

Tinnu was focused on direction and didn't want to pass the opportunity to assist the legend, Satyajit Ray. During an interview with ETimes, Tinnu spilt the beans about the incident. 

Speaking about Amitabh Bachchan, The Towering Inferno quoted Tinnu as saying, "I've known Amitabh Bachchan since 1968. He has been a friend from the beginning of our careers. As a director, I went on to make four films with him- Kaalia, Shahenshah, Main Azaad Hoon and Majorsaab."

@SrBachchan Amitabh Bachchan with Tinnu Anand and Meenakshi during the shooting of "Shahenshah" in Ooty #30YearsOfShahenshah pic.twitter.com/nC7JUql8Kg

— Moses Sapir (@MosesSapir) February 11, 2018

Describing Big B's dedication to his profession, Tinnu added, "I have worked with so many actors, not only as director but as an actor, too. But no one has taken his job quite so seriously as Amit has, even today. That's exactly what makes him different."

"When he walked into the industry, everyone told him that he was too tall for his heroines, too thin, too unconventional. And when he did make a mark in films, he had a very unconventional hairstyle that the whole country copied. He made the unconventional acceptable. He has lasted so long because of the ability to not stop working," he added.

"@MosesSapir: Amitabh ji with Tinnu Anand & Meenakshi ji during the shooting of Shahenshah @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/V3ECj8iqnj"

— BACHCHAN WORLD (@BachchanWorld) April 28, 2014