Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently shared a fascinating anecdote about the iconic film Zanjeer and Amitabh Bachchan's initial skepticism about playing the role that would ultimately define his career. During a session at the Indian Film Project (IFP), Akhtar recounted how Amitabh, who was then known for portraying poets, doctors, and writers, was unsure if he could pull off the intense, non-romantic role of Vijay in Zanjeer.

"I went to his place and said, 'Let me give you the script and make you meet the producer. You don’t discuss any terms and conditions with him. Just do the film in whatever way possible.' He asked for a narration. I gave him a narration. I still remember very clearly that he looked at me in wonder. He said, ‘Do you think I can pull off this role?’ Because till then, he was playing only poets doctors, and writers. So he said, ‘Can I do this?’ Then I told him, ‘Nobody can do it better than you,'" Javed recalled.

The legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed crafted the Angry Young Man persona for Amitabh in Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer (1973). Despite being a departure from the romantic hero archetype of the time, which was dominated by stars like Rajesh Khanna, the role of Vijay was intense and groundbreaking. Initially, all the leading men of Hindi cinema turned down the role, making Amitabh's eventual casting a turning point in Bollywood history.

Amitabh Bachchan, who had made his debut in the late 1960s and gained attention with Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Anand (1971), was struggling with a series of box office failures. Prakash Mehra was initially hesitant to cast him but took a chance, which paid off spectacularly. Zanjeer became a blockbuster, cementing Amitabh's status as the quintessential Angry Young Man in subsequent hits like Sholay, Deewar, and Trishul.

Looking ahead, Amitabh Bachchan is set to make his Tamil debut in Vettaiyan and will also star in the courtroom drama Section 84. Meanwhile, Javed Akhtar has penned a new script that will be directed by his daughter, Zoya Akhtar, continuing his legacy in Indian cinema.