How Jaya Bachchan's prayers with the Hanuman Chalisa brought 'Clinically Dead' Amitabh Bachchan back to life post the 'Coolie' accident

Time of India

13-05-2025

In the world of Bollywood, there are iconic moments etched in history, but few are as raw and emotional as the incident that forever changed
Amitabh Bachchan
's life. On the sets of
Coolie
, in 1982, the superstar suffered a fatal injury that shocked not only the nation but also the world. But it wasn't just the incident that left an indelible mark; it was the unparalleled love, resilience, and unwavering hope of his wife,
Jaya Bachchan
, that led to one of the greatest comebacks in cinematic history.
The story of Amitabh's near-death experience began during a routine fight scene on the 'Coolie' set. Amitabh, performing a jump onto a table, misjudged the move, hitting the sharp edge of the table, which caused severe internal bleeding. What was meant to be a regular stunt turned into a life-threatening emergency. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors struggled to stabilize him. As his condition worsened, he was declared clinically
dead
. His heart stopped, his vitals dropped to zero, and he was left hanging between life and death.
40 years of Amitabh Bachchan's 'Coolie' accident: Big B once recalled that he was 'clinically dead for a couple of minutes'
The news of his tragic condition spread like wildfire, sparking mass prayers across the country. Fans fasted, walked barefoot to temples, and offered their most heartfelt prayers in the hopes of witnessing a miracle. But it was the strength of Jaya Bachchan, standing by her husband's side, that was truly remarkable.
In an emotional recounting years later on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Jaya described the harrowing moments she faced. She recalled rushing to the hospital, only to find herself surrounded by uncertainty and despair. Her brother-in-law had prepared her for the worst, but she refused to accept it. Holding the
Hanuman Chalisa
, she prayed, but her trembling hands couldn't even focus on the words. The doctors, desperately working to revive Amitabh, told her that only prayers could save him now. But it wasn't until Jaya noticed a slight movement in Amitabh's toe that hope surged back. Her voice cracked with emotion as she cried out, 'He moved, he moved!' In that single moment, everything changed. Amitabh had come back from the brink.
Despite being revived, Amitabh's journey of recovery was nothing short of grueling. He had lost nearly 75% of his physical strength and had to fight to regain even the most basic movements. His once powerful presence on screen had been replaced by a frail body that struggled to walk. His face had changed, his hair had thinned, and his body no longer reflected the strength it once had. But the man who had captivated audiences with his unparalleled energy was not ready to be defeated. With determination, he faced the painful process of relearning how to stand, walk, and rebuild his strength.
Jaya, too, was forced to endure this exhausting journey, supporting her husband through every moment of pain and struggle. She recalled how their young children, Shweta and Abhishek, were too young to understand the severity of the situation. She shared the heartbreaking story of Abhishek, who had an asthma attack at school after a classmate told him that his father was going to die. Jaya's heart ached as she tried to shield her children from the harsh reality.
The recovery was long and hard, but Amitabh's incredible strength of will, combined with Jaya's constant love and support, allowed him to emerge victorious. On August 2, 1982—a date now celebrated as Amitabh Bachchan's second birthday—the actor made a miraculous recovery. This was more tha
n just the survival of a film star; it was a testament to the power of love, hope, and the will to live.
Looking back at this life-changing moment, it's impossible to ignore the immense emotional and physical toll that both Amitabh and Jaya went through. The near-fatal
accident
was a defining chapter in their lives, one that proved not only Amitabh's resilience but also the unshakeable strength of their bond. For Jaya, it was a reminder that love can truly overcome the greatest of obstacles.
Today, as we remember this life-altering event, we celebrate the spirit of survival that defined Amitabh Bachchan's journey, the strength of a wife's love that never wavered, and the remarkable ability to rise from the ashes—stronger and more determined than ever.