'I am a flop actor': When Jaya Bachchan reminisced about Amitabh Bachchan's career struggles

Economic Times

3 days ago

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.
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Amitabh Bachchan's Tumultuous Climb Back to Stardom
The Downturn of the 90s
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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 careers.Big 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 revealed.Amitabh 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 achieved.During 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 path.In 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 decline.Compounding 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 decades.Desperate 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 legacy.Mohabbatein 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 authority.In 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.