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Economic Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
'I am a flop actor': When Jaya Bachchan reminisced about Amitabh Bachchan's career struggles
Amitabh Bachchan faced a significant career downturn in the 1990s, marked by box office failures and financial struggles with his company, ABCL, leading to near bankruptcy. He made a remarkable comeback by humbly seeking acting opportunities, landing a role in Mohabbatein, which revitalized his film career. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Amitabh Bachchan's Tumultuous Climb Back to Stardom The Downturn of the 90s Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads ABCL's Collapse and Mounting Losses A New Beginning Through Old Strengths Reinvention on the Small Screen The acting profession is riddled with uncertainties. Fame is a fickle mistress, and even veteran stars with numerous blockbusters under their belt are at the mercy of weekend box-office collections. In an interview with superstar Amitabh Bachchan's biographer Khalid Mohammed, his wife, actress Jaya Bachchan, recalled how she saw the men in her life cope with a dry phase in their B, who faced a lean phase in his career during the '90s, often used to refer to himself as a 'flop actor' in front of Jaya. Jaya, who acted as a pillar of strength, decided not to take his career setbacks to heart.'I never took his flops seriously; I was convinced that they were a passing phase. He was learning and improving. He would not get depressed by his failures, but, yes, at times he would retort sharply, 'Naturally, no one wants me since I'm a flop actor…' she Bachchan's cinematic journey began in 1969 with the film Saat Hindustani, marking the start of a difficult path. Despite his entry into films, recognition remained elusive for several years. His true breakthrough came with Zanjeer, a film that finally brought his raw charisma and talent into the spotlight. This film marked the beginning of his rise in the Hindi film industry. However, the road ahead was far from smooth, and a single miscalculation threatened to erase everything he had the 1990s, Bachchan's career faced an extended period of stagnation. A string of box office disappointments like Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi, Jaadugar, Toofan, and Main Azaad Hoon pushed his once-flourishing stardom into the shadows. The Illustrated Weekly of India even ran a cover story labelling him 'Finished!', a harsh reflection of public sentiment at the time. From 1992 to 1996, he stepped away from films completely, choosing to disappear from the screen as he re-evaluated his 1995, Amitabh took a bold turn by launching his entertainment venture, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL). Initially, the company showed promise by producing the popular television series Dekh Bhai Dekh. But what started on a hopeful note soon spiraled into disaster. Poor management decisions and ambitious plans, like organizing the 1996 Miss World pageant in India, ended up damaging ABCL's reputation. The swimsuit segment of the pageant sparked public outrage and had to be moved to Seychelles. This incident marked the beginning of ABCL's public the problems, none of the films produced by ABCL managed to succeed commercially. Financial losses kept piling up, eventually reaching a staggering Rs 90 crore. Bachchan's return to films in 1997 with Mrityudata added to his woes when the movie failed miserably. By 1999, his financial situation had deteriorated to such an extent that he was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. His home, Prateeksha, was under threat, and he faced unrelenting pressure from creditors, many of whom arrived at his doorstep making aggressive demands. In a 2013 India Today interview, Bachchan reflected on that harrowing period, calling it one of the darkest chapters in his career, spanning over four to overcome his debts, Bachchan turned to what he knew best—acting. Swallowing his pride, he approached filmmaker Yash Chopra, who lived nearby, and humbly requested an opportunity to work. Chopra responded with a role in Mohabbatein (2000), casting him in a strong supporting role. Though this move stemmed from financial necessity, it marked a dramatic turnaround in Bachchan's life and became a massive box office success and was among the highest-grossing films of that year. Bachchan's portrayal of Narayan Shankar, a stern and principled school principal, earned him widespread critical acclaim. His performance resonated with audiences and marked his re-entry into mainstream cinema with the same year, Bachchan embraced television for the first time. He became the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the Indian adaptation of the British game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? His baritone voice, dignified presence, and warmth as a host made him an instant favorite among viewers. In no time, KBC turned Bachchan into a household name once again, rejuvenating his connection with the masses and securing his comeback across platforms.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
When Amitabh Bachchan described ‘frightening' experience of his fame ‘withering away': ‘You go unnoticed, autograph books are snatched…'
Just like many superstars, Amitabh Bachchan has seen both the soaring heights and brutal lows of a public career. From being hailed as the 'Shahenshah' of Bollywood to facing a personal and financial crisis at the turn of the millennium, his story is marked by sharp turns. In a 2008 blog post, he offered a rare, unfiltered account of what it feels like to recede from the public imagination. As he prepared for the Unforgettable Tour, his first live performance in 18 years, the then 66-year-old actor reflected on the shifting nature of attention and relevance. 'As you slide down on the wrong side of the hill, the few left with sincere affection, have a condescending look. The spark of instant excitement has mellowed down. You go unnoticed on occasion. If at all there is notice it is a notice with silence and a smile that has some difficulty coming on. Your autograph book could get snatched away in the middle of your signature if the younger heartthrob were to suddenly appear at same location. The hustle and bustle around you would shift there. From being the eye of all attention you are left with just an 'I'.' It was a candid admission from someone who had once commanded the nation's undivided attention. He further wrote: 'You wither away. You are out of sight and out of most minds.' The blog also reflected on the psychological toll of this transition, and the varying ways artists deal with the end of mass adoration. 'Some cleverly become the circumstances. And some, sadly never contend with the change. They believe and live in that glory forever. It requires strength and conviction and character to do that.' This personal reckoning came not just with fading stardom, but under the weight of a financial collapse. By the late 1990s, Amitabh was grappling with major debt. His production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL), had failed, and the actor found himself in the midst of mounting legal disputes. The reported liabilities stood at Rs 90 crore. He later described the experience as humiliating, with creditors constantly at his door and his assets under threat. During this period, his son Abhishek Bachchan, then studying at Boston University, decided to return home. In a recent interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Abhishek recalled: 'Truth be told, I left university. I was studying in Boston University… I left my education because my father was going through this really rough time, financially. He had started this business called ABCL.' Also Read | Amitabh Bachchan wasn't even able to pay his watchman during financial crisis, 'whole Bollywood was laughing at him': Rajinikanth hails Big B's resilience The family made difficult decisions. Properties in Mumbai, including their Juhu home, were considered for sale. Amitabhh reportedly walked to filmmaker Yash Chopra's house because he couldn't afford a driver. He refused financial assistance, insisting on earning his way back. That conversation with Chopra led to a role in Mohabbatein. Shortly after, he was cast as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, a move that would prove pivotal in reviving his public image and career. Yet even with the return of work and recognition, the experience left a mark. In his blog, Amitabh described the hunger for public attention in stark terms: 'Attention is an elixir. When it is not available you shrink. A desolate traveller in search of that oasis in a turbid desert. But you never find it. An inviting mirage keeps beckoning. Only to disappoint. And then you perish.'
