13 - 19 September 2001
Issue No.551
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 13 - 19 September 2001 Issue No.551 |
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Limelight
Bachchan spells magic
There was magic in the air. The moon was a luxurious orange, full and round, surrounded by a thousand sparkling stars of the Milky Way. The night was cool and mellow, and the soft breeze gently brushed the gold autumn leaves as they rustled and whistled inaudible whispers, dancing about as if in anticipation of a huge festive event. Suddenly the silence of that perfect night was broken by a joyous cry It's a boy! -- the firstborn son to the honoured poet Harivanshrai Bachchan and his beautiful wife, Teji.
There was great feasting and rejoicing by the Bachchan family that night, October 11, 1942. No one knew then, that before the century was out, this first born son would be adored and cherished by over one billion people worldwide, and he would be named "Star of the Millennium" breaking all barriers, all boundaries, all records, all restraints and all restrictions. No confines would he heed, race, religion, colour or creed. No distances would be too high or too far. No language would be too strange or too hard. He would be adored by millions of women, emulated by millions of men. His charm and charisma, his warmth and sensitivity, his modesty and his kindness and above all his art would reach the hearts of all people around the globe. We have been the beneficiaries of our economic and industrial globalisation, which has allowed the wizardry of telecommunication to transport all forms of art into our living rooms. Art has transcended time and space, borders and skylines, making one Amitabh Bachchan an artist of international stature.
They called him Amitabh or "everlasting light", one of the names of The Lord Buddha. They sent him to the finest schools, and showered him with wisdom and love. After completing his formal education, he tried his hand at a job or two. What he really wanted, was to make movies. The Indian film industry was booming. Since its inception in 1912, it became a favourite national pastime and by mid-century it was one of the leading film industries in the world. Amitabh wished to be part of it, and he was not to be denied. He made his first film in 1969, which failed miserably. Four years and 13 films later he made his first hit Zanjeer in 1973, directed by Prakash Mehre. He never looked back! A series of blockbusters followed, making him cinema's biggest phenomenon. He became the new angry rebel real, human and flawed. His tall, lanky build, his "lean and hungry" look, his fighting yet tender persona, appealed to a whole generation of both sexes. The women adored, the men revered their Amit. He married his beautiful leading lady, Jaya Badhuri, an accomplished and popular actress, and had a son and a daughter. Throughout the seventies and eighties any film of Amitabh was a blockbuster. Even his flops were box-office hits. He could do no wrong. It was a charmed life. But such bliss would soon come to an abrupt halt. On the set of Coolie in 1982, while staging a fight scene, Amitabh had a brush with death. A near fatal accident threatened his life, and had the whole Indian nation, inside and outside India, offering prayers at temples, mosques and churches, for his recovery. The radio and television stations interrupted their daily programming to announce updates on the state of his health. The whole world was hushed and saddened. Amitabh recovered; he took time off to try politics, but it was short-lived. His art soon drew him back to the silver screen, to the delight of adoring fans. Once again Amit reigned supreme.
No national star has been able to achieve international recognition, without the Hollywood machinery behind him. Hollywood, with its limitless budgets, aggressive promotions and million dollar productions, has elevated many a national star to international status. All actors dream of Hollywood. All except Bachchan, Big B, King of Bollywood.
Knowing something about the nature of the Indian community in and outside India may shed some light on the stature that Amitabh has achieved. The seventh largest country in the world, with a population of a billion plus, India has for the past 200 years suffered the ravages of war, occupation and oppression before winning its independence from Britain in 1947. Many of its citizens migrated to every corner of the globe numbering over 25 million outside of India. They developed communities that are industrious, assiduous and indefatigable. They have distinguished themselves in every field, science, technology and the arts. India itself has the fastest growing economy in the world today, and despite their many races, religions and languages they are a productive, homogenous society. The film industry in India is no exception. Mainly centered in Bombay, India produces a staggering 350 films annually, hence the irksome nickname "Bollywood". Their films enjoy a worldwide market and such distinguished names as brilliant director and Oscar winner, Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) have enhanced the regard and lustre of the Indian film. To this royaume of Bollywood, a king was crowned -- Amitabh Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan
It was not always a bed of roses for the king. It was more of a roller-coaster ride, and he treated both triumph and tragedy with equal grace and calm. Harassed by scandals, rumours, diseases, failures, accusations, lawsuits, he always emerged unscathed and unblemished. His genuine humility about his achievements, makes him even more endearing to friends and fans. A superstar for 30 years he is only one year away from reaching 60, yet he still stands tall and active, breaking yet another barrier- the age barrier.
At the close of 1999, the BBC conducted an online poll, and Bachchan was voted "Star of the Millennium", placing him with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Laurence Olivier. The reason is simple. Entertainment is fleeting -- it is of the moment. Art is durable, it lives on to exalt and enhance from generation to generation. It ranks amongst humanity's finest activities. It uplifts and refreshes our eyes and ears, our senses and our hearts. Such is the art of Amitabh Bachchan.
The "King" himself is visiting our shores this week, to receive yet another of the many trophies, awards and honours bestowed upon him regularly from countries around the globe. He has been honoured at the 17th Alexandria Film Festival as "Star of the Century", which is only befitting, since he has already been named Star of the Millennium.
One cannot help but regret the fact that the English poet and Nobel Prize winner, Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) did not live long enough to witness our amazing state of the arts technology, which has effectively spread the many virtues of art. In such case, he may have written a sequel or prequel to his famous Ballad of the East and West. "Oh, East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet"
He contends:
"But there is neither East nor West, Border,
nor Breed, nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face,
though they come from the ends of the earth!"There is neither East nor West, nor North nor South, when art is involved, and when the Star of the Millennium was chosen by the BBC poll.
We are fortunate indeed, that India's biggest superstar is magnanimous enough to spread some of his magic around the world, which seems never to get enough of Amitabh Bachchan. It may not be the easiest name to spell, so if rushed or hard pressed, try
M-A-G-I-C.
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