Calling Amitabh Bachchan the most versatile actor of the Hindi film industry wouldn’t be wrong. As the thespian turns a year older, here are the defining films that gave him the title of the Angry Young Man of Bollywood. (Image: IMDb)
Zanjeer (1973): The film that started it all! Not only did it mark in shift in Bachchan’s career but also Bollywood in general. Breaking away from the trend of romantic films, this crime drama introduced the idea of a self-righteous cop, unafraid to take justice into his own hands. (Image: IMDb)
Deewaar (1975): Then came this blockbuster, whose dialogues remain rent-free in every Bachchan fan’s mind. This action-packed film is an evergreen, and for all the right reasons. (Image: IMDb)
Muqaddar ka Sikandar (1978): This action crime drama film saw him play an orphan, raised in the slums of Bombay. It became the highest-grossing film of the year. (Image: IMDb)
Trishul (1978): That same year, Bachchan delivered another big hit with this Yash Chopra-directed action drama. He delivered a flawless performance, taking revenge on his biological father, who had left his mother to marry a rich heiress.
Don (1978): Bachchan was on a roll in 1978, with hit after hit. This action thriller film, which has since become a cult classic, saw him play the classic anti-hero. (Image: IMDb)
Kaala Patthar (1979): In this action thriller, Bachchan brought out the agony of coal mine workers in the most vulnerable way. (Image: IMDb)
Shakti (1982): Considered one of the best films of Indian cinema, the actor’s nuanced acting as a dejected son who turns into a mafia don will forever be remembered as one of his finest acting. (Image: IMDb)
Shahenshah (1988): In this vigilante, crime action drama film, Bachchan’s portrayal of the titular character is akin to a desi Batman, who takes up the responsibility to get rid of criminals from his city. (Image: IMDb)
