Amitabh Bachchan's Dedication: The Story Behind the Role He Earned for Rs 5,000
Amitabh Bachchan's commitment to his craft is legendary in Bollywood. Stories of his dedication to roles are numerous, but one anecdote from his early career stands out, highlighting his passion and willingness to go the extra mile, even for a meager sum.
In 1969, Amitabh Bachchan made his Bollywood debut with the film Saat Hindustani. Directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, the film saw Bachchan portray Anwar Ali, a Muslim youth from Bihar. The movie was shot in Goa on a very tight budget.
Adding to the financial constraints, the makeup artist, Pandhari Jukar, had to leave for Mumbai for seven days due to unforeseen circumstances. In those days, the resources and expertise available to makeup artists were limited, requiring them to put in considerable effort for each look. When the makeup artist informed Amitabh about his unavoidable absence, Big B decided to maintain his look for the role by not washing his face for those seven days.
Bachchan himself recounted that he didn't even splash water on his face for six days. When Pandhari returned, he was taken aback by Bachchan's dedication. Big B had sported a beard for the look and hadn't disturbed the makeup for six days while eating and sleeping. Impressed by Amitabh's commitment, the makeup artist predicted that his dedication would propel him to great heights.
Saat Hindustani may not have been a box-office success, but the film and Bachchan's dedication to it remain a talking point. The actor reportedly received only Rs 5,000 for his role in the film. Despite the low pay, Bachchan's commitment to the character shone through, demonstrating his unwavering passion for acting.
This incident exemplifies Bachchan's early struggles and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Even before achieving stardom, he displayed a remarkable work ethic and a willingness to immerse himself completely in his characters. This dedication, coupled with his undeniable talent, eventually paved the way for him to become one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema.
