Jaya Bachchan says she did not want to be part of Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘male-centric’ Zanjeer: ‘Temptation was my co-star’

Jaya Bachchan, one of Indian cinema’s most respected and versatile actresses, recently opened up about her initial reluctance to be part of the iconic film “Zanjeer,”

which played a pivotal role in catapulting her husband, Amitabh Bachchan, to stardom.

Reflecting on the film’s production and its significant impact on the trajectory of their careers, Jaya revealed that she had reservations about joining the project, primarily because she felt it was a “male-centric” film that offered limited scope for her as an actress. Despite her initial hesitation, Jaya eventually agreed to be part of the movie, but not without a sense of inner conflict.

“Zanjeer,” released in 1973, marked a turning point in Bollywood, not only for its gritty portrayal of crime and justice but also for establishing Amitabh Bachchan as the “angry young man” of Indian cinema. The film, directed by Prakash Mehra, was a departure from the romantic and family dramas that dominated the industry at the time. It was intense, action-packed, and centered around the male protagonist, Inspector Vijay Khanna, played by Amitabh. For Jaya, who had already established herself as a strong performer with a penchant for nuanced roles, “Zanjeer” seemed like a step back from the kind of work she wanted to do.

In a candid conversation, Jaya shared that she was apprehensive about being part of a project that was so heavily focused on the male lead. “It was a male-centric film, and I did not want to be just a decorative piece,” she said. Her concerns were rooted in the belief that as an actress, she had more to offer than what the role in “Zanjeer” seemed to demand.

At the time, Jaya had already demonstrated her acting prowess in films like “Guddi,” “Uphaar,” and “Koshish,” where she had played strong, well-defined characters. The role of Mala in “Zanjeer,” by contrast, was relatively subdued and offered limited opportunities for her to showcase her talent.

However, what ultimately swayed Jaya’s decision to join the cast of “Zanjeer” was not the role itself, but the prospect of working alongside Amitabh Bachchan, who was still finding his footing in the industry. The two had already appeared together in films like “Bansi Birju” and “Ek Nazar,” and their on-screen chemistry was palpable.

“The temptation was my co-star,” Jaya admitted, acknowledging that the chance to work with Amitabh was a significant factor in her decision to accept the role. It was a personal and professional decision, rooted in the desire to support Amitabh in a film that she believed had the potential to change the course of his career.

Jaya’s intuition proved to be correct. “Zanjeer” not only became a massive hit but also transformed Amitabh Bachchan into a superstar. The film’s success was a watershed moment in Bollywood, ushering in an era of action films and anti-heroes that dominated the 1970s. For Amitabh, “Zanjeer” was the breakthrough he needed after a string of flops, and it established him as one of the most bankable stars in the industry.

For Jaya, the film was a turning point in a different sense. While her role in “Zanjeer” may not have been as prominent as some of her previous performances, her presence in the film contributed to its success and solidified her standing as a supportive partner, both on and off the screen.

In retrospect, Jaya’s decision to be part of “Zanjeer” can be seen as a strategic choice, one that balanced her artistic aspirations with her personal commitment to Amitabh. The film’s success opened new doors for both of them, leading to more collaborations in the years that followed. Films like “Abhimaan,” “Chupke Chupke,” and “Mili” showcased their chemistry and mutual respect as actors, further cementing their place as one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen couples.

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