Who Can Break Rajesh Khanna's Record?

[Justcrazy]

Rajesh Khanna is known as the first superstar of Bollywood. He Gave 17 hits or superhits in a period of three years of which 15 were solo hits.

Can anyone break his record or even equal that ?

Thoughts please !

 

[JaDed]

It’s impossible due to reasons being the amount of time taken on films only Akshay can but it will never be at that level.

Dharmendra though is the highest in terms of hit movies 90ish..

If anything Dharmendra holds an actual record

 

[Itachi]

Well super hits of Rajesh Khanna and super hits now a days have different meanings.

So certainly someone can break it in terms of the name "hit movies".

But in quality wise, it is doubtful.

 

[Justcrazy]

Well super hits of Rajesh Khanna and super hits now a days have different meanings.

So certainly someone can break it in terms of the name "hit movies".

But in quality wise, it is doubtful.

It may mean different things, but I am talking about movies that have been declared hits.

 

[Saj]

Which were the 15 hits?

 

[Maher96]

It’s too hard these days to give back to back hits. Audience desire to see different genre has increased.

Critics are out everywhere and most times you appeal to some audiences.

Very rarely do you get people in agreement when it comes to movies.

Anybody to beat this record if it is one officially will now probably take Ranbir Singh.

 

[Justcrazy]

It’s impossible due to reasons being the amount of time taken on films only Akshay can but it will never be at that level.

Dharmendra though is the highest in terms of hit movies 90ish..

If anything Dharmendra holds an actual record

Dharmendra had 8 hits in 1987 , but he did not have consecutive hits

 

[Justcrazy]

Which were the 15 hits?

Rajesh Khanna had 15 consecutive solo hit films between 1969 and 1971. These were Aradhana, Doli, Bandhan, Ittefaq, Do Raaste, Khamoshi, Safar, The Train, Kati Patang, Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajna, Mehboob Ki Mehendi, Choti Bahu, Anand and Haathi Mere Saathi.

 

[Itachi]

Rajesh Khanna had 15 consecutive solo hit films between 1969 and 1971. These were Aradhana, Doli, Bandhan, Ittefaq, Do Raaste, Khamoshi, Safar, The Train, Kati Patang, Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajna, Mehboob Ki Mehendi, Choti Bahu, Anand and Haathi Mere Saathi.

Every one of them is in a league of their own. The golden days.

 

[MP2011]

Those were the days!

I so wish those days come back, not just the cinematic ones but how people were in general during those days!

But alas, that's not going to happen!

 

[jeetu]

Amitabh Bachchan from 1975 to 1985 (his peaks years) has more superhits but there were few duds between them.
Superhits according to me were
1. Deewar (75)
2. Sholay (75)
3. Chupke Chupke (76)
4. Kabhi Kabhi (76)
5. Hera Pheri (76)
6. Amar Akbar Anthony (77)
7. Parvarish (77)
8. Trishul (78)
9. Don (78)
10. Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (78)
11. Mr. Natwarlal (79)
12. Suhaag (79)
13. Dostan (80)
14. Ram Balraam (80)
15. Yaaraana (81)
16. Naseeb (81)
17. Lawaaris (81)
18. Silsila (81)
19. Kaalia (81)
20 Satte Pe Satta (82)
21. Desh Premee (82)
22. Namak Halaal (82)
23. Shakti (82)
24. Mahaan (83)
25. Coolie (83)
24. Sharaabi (84)
25. Mard (85)

 

[Justcrazy]

Amitabh Bachchan from 1975 to 1985 (his peaks years) has more superhits but there were few duds between them.
Superhits according to me were
1. Deewar (75)
2. Sholay (75)
3. Chupke Chupke (76)
4. Kabhi Kabhi (76)
5. Hera Pheri (76)
6. Amar Akbar Anthony (77)
7. Parvarish (77)
8. Trishul (78)
9. Don (78)
10. Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (78)
11. Mr. Natwarlal (79)
12. Suhaag (79)
13. Dostan (80)
14. Ram Balraam (80)
15. Yaaraana (81)
16. Naseeb (81)
17. Lawaaris (81)
18. Silsila (81)
19. Kaalia (81)
20 Satte Pe Satta (82)
21. Desh Premee (82)
22. Namak Halaal (82)
23. Shakti (82)
24. Mahaan (83)
25. Coolie (83)
24. Sharaabi (84)
25. Mard (85)

Firstly MR Bachchan did not have that many solo hits in his career as Dharmendra or Rajesh Khanna.

Secondly he had flops in between like Farar ( 75 ) , Iman Dharam ( 76 ) , Khoon Pasina ( 77 ) , Alaap ( 77 ) , etc

 

[PakLFC]

I don't see the records of Rajesh or Amitabh ever being broken. The Indian film industry has changed now forever. Most of Amitabh's hit films were multi starrers with a Shashi Kapoor or Vinod Khanna in equal roles yet Amitabh unfairly took the credit. Rajesh's hit films were mostly with him only in the lead role for which reason he was more successful. In the few Rajesh-Amitabh and even Dharmendra-Amitabh films the big B was always second lead. This is what i remember when i watched Bollywood.

 

[Justcrazy]

I don't see the records of Rajesh or Amitabh ever being broken. The Indian film industry has changed now forever. Most of Amitabh's hit films were multi starrers with a Shashi Kapoor or Vinod Khanna in equal roles yet Amitabh unfairly took the credit. Rajesh's hit films were mostly with him only in the lead role for which reason he was more successful. In the few Rajesh-Amitabh and even Dharmendra-Amitabh films the big B was always second lead. This is what i remember when i watched Bollywood.

Amitabh is a very solid actor no doubt, but he is overrated. He is a shrewd person and used politics to keep himself in the media and print.

 

[PakLFC]

Amitabh is a very solid actor no doubt, but he is overrated. He is a shrewd person and used politics to keep himself in the media and print.

In his autobiography Rishi Kapoor does mention how Amitabh's co-stars never got any credit. Saleem-Javed always gave AB priority when they created his "angry young man" character. AB walked out of many roles when he felt his character was not the main lead.

 

[Justcrazy]

In his autobiography Rishi Kapoor does mention how Amitabh's co-stars never got any credit. Saleem-Javed always gave AB priority when they created his "angry young man" character. AB walked out of many roles when he felt his character was not the main lead.

As I mentioned Amitabh has used the media and print to his advantage.

Even an old Dharmendra had 7 clean hits in 1987 , but no one talks about that. Amitabh is an intelligent person. He is very much image-conscious.

 

[JaDed]

Amitabh Bachan is most famous due to his range as an actor as well, in Shakti Dilip Kumar overshadowed him , he was good with that.

Also Amitabh was known for punctuality unlike Rajesh.

Amitabh has always learnt from his mistakes.

 

[Saj]

None of the Khan trio come close to this record?

Surely Amir Khan?

 

[gazza619]

No disrespect to Rajesh Khanna but people had fewer choices of entertainment those days.

 

[PakLFC]

As I mentioned Amitabh has used the media and print to his advantage.

Even an old Dharmendra had 7 clean hits in 1987 , but no one talks about that. Amitabh is an intelligent person. He is very much image-conscious.

No criticism of AB here. If he didn't do right for his career then no one else would have done so. He is a self made man for which he deserves credit but Rajesh Khanna never belittled AB's accomplishments. I guess the Kapoor family had a hard time seeing both Rajesh and Amitabh hammering their men them at the box office

Too bad that AB's son is not even a patch on him. After AB is gone their is no one to takeover the mantle. AB was humble enough to play second lead a few times as in the film "Shakti".

 

[PakLFC]

No disrespect to Rajesh Khanna but people had fewer choices of entertainment those days.

Then why could no one else during that period be as successful as Rajesh Khanna?

 

[NishanKonar]

None of the Khan trio come close to this record?

Surely Amir Khan?

Aamir Khan makes 1 movie every 5 years

 

[NishanKonar]

In his autobiography Rishi Kapoor does mention how Amitabh's co-stars never got any credit. Saleem-Javed always gave AB priority when they created his "angry young man" character. AB walked out of many roles when he felt his character was not the main lead.

Rishi Kapoor is just ******** that despite hs famous familybackground - he never became Bollywood's top star and was always 2nd best to Amitabh Bachchan

Among other things Rishi Kapoor admitted bribing judges to win Filmfare best actor awards to compete with Amitabh

 

[JaDed]

Rishi Kapoor is just ******** that despite hs famous familybackground - he never became Bollywood's top star and was always 2nd best to Amitabh Bachchan

Among other things Rishi Kapoor admitted bribing judges to win Filmfare best actor awards to compete with Amitabh

Yes 30000 rupees, that’s why we can never take any award seriously, I ve stopped caring about even oscars lately.

Emmy is something i still see but don’t care as such.

 

[Justcrazy]

Every one of them is in a league of their own. The golden days.

My thread is not about acting of actors , off course Rajesh Khanna is lesser than lot of actors , but in those days there was only print media , nothing else , yet the stardom and craze for Rajesh Khanna was phenomenal. That kind of stardom has never been associated with anyone.

 

[Justcrazy]

Amitabh Bachan is most famous due to his range as an actor as well, in Shakti Dilip Kumar overshadowed him , he was good with that.

Also Amitabh was known for punctuality unlike Rajesh.

Amitabh has always learnt from his mistakes.

Amitabh is still punctual, that is why he said he is a more clever person than Rajesh Khanna.

Dilip Kumar overshadowing someone on screen is nothing to be surprised, Amitabh did act very well in that movie , but Dilip Kumar is arguably the best .

 

[Justcrazy]

None of the Khan trio come close to this record?

Surely Amir Khan?

None.

 

[Justcrazy]

No criticism of AB here. If he didn't do right for his career then no one else would have done so. He is a self made man for which he deserves credit but Rajesh Khanna never belittled AB's accomplishments. I guess the Kapoor family had a hard time seeing both Rajesh and Amitabh hammering their men them at the box office

Too bad that AB's son is not even a patch on him. After AB is gone their is no one to takeover the mantle. AB was humble enough to play second lead a few times as in the film "Shakti".

Second fiddle?

I am sure Amitabh would not played Dilip Kumars father

 

[Justcrazy]

No disrespect to Rajesh Khanna but people had fewer choices of entertainment those days.

There were well established actors at that time , also the others were in same situation.

 

[Justcrazy]

Rishi Kapoor is just ******** that despite hs famous familybackground - he never became Bollywood's top star and was always 2nd best to Amitabh Bachchan

Among other things Rishi Kapoor admitted bribing judges to win Filmfare best actor awards to compete with Amitabh

He did not mention Filfare award I think , he just mentioned some film award.

 

[Zaz]

Good on rajesh at the time but films and film making changed after that period

The angry young man phenomena took over and then multi starrers and so on and so on

The thing with amitabh i always enjoyed and what made him successful over such a long period was his versatility which arguably other actors of that era didnt have and hence they fizzled out with the changing times and tastes

 

[gazza619]

Then why could no one else during that period be as successful as Rajesh Khanna?

Credit to him. He was talented, charming and had luck on his side with good film makers and scripts.

 

[Saj]

None.

That's very surprising.

Of the 3 Khans I would have thought Amir Khan would be close to this record.

 

[NishanKonar]

He did not mention Filfare award I think , he just mentioned some film award.

In the 70s and 80s Filmfare was the only award that mattered. So it must have been Filmfare awards

All these plethora of awards mushroomed in the 90s with the advent of cable tv

 

[Justcrazy]

In the 70s and 80s Filmfare was the only award that mattered. So it must have been Filmfare awards

All these plethora of awards mushroomed in the 90s with the advent of cable tv

Yes , but I just mentioned award , also he said he is not sure if that really worked or just a scam.

 

[Justcrazy]

That's very surprising.

Of the 3 Khans I would have thought Amir Khan would be close to this record.

Amir Khan had 3 - 4 consecutive hits at the stretch as far as I know, maximum maybe 5 , but in between there were flops.

 

[Major]

Amir Khan:

Lagaan
Dil Chata Hai
Fanaa
Rang De basanti
Tare Zameen Per
PK
3 Idiots
Dangal
Ghajini(umm to some extent)

Raja Hindustani
Qayamat se Qayamat tak
Rakh
hum hai rahi pyar kay
andaz apna apna


Why not him?

 

[Justcrazy]

Amir Khan:

Lagaan
Dil Chata Hai
Fanaa
Rang De basanti
Tare Zameen Per
PK
3 Idiots
Dangal
Ghajini(umm to some extent)

Raja Hindustani
Qayamat se Qayamat tak
Rakh
hum hai rahi pyar kay
andaz apna apna


Why not him?

After Dil Chahta hai , there was mangal pandey in 2005 .

After qayamat se Qayamat tak he had flops like Rakh , Love Love Love , Tum Mere ho etc.

 

[Major]

After Dil Chahta hai , there was mangal pandey in 2005 .

After qayamat se Qayamat tak he had flops like Rakh , Love Love Love , Tum Mere ho etc.

do you think Amir can break the record you mentioned?

His films are always terrific and has maintain a standard.

SRK eventually got exposed with making same genre every now and than

 

[Zaz]

do you think Amir can break the record you mentioned?

His films are always terrific and has maintain a standard.

SRK eventually got exposed with making same genre every now and than

No one will break that record Its impossible these days to have so many consecitive hits

Be it amir khan or anybody else It wont happen

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

do you think Amir can break the record you mentioned?

His films are always terrific and has maintain a standard.

SRK eventually got exposed with making same genre every now and than

Aamir last movie was flop, so he has to start from scratch for consecutive hits

 

[Waleed93]

Akshay Kumar has an outside chance of matching that record, keeping in mind the amount of films he does in a year.

Aamir Khan could stand a chance but he takes 2 years to make a film, and SRK is currently going through his worst phase.

That record of Rajesh Khanna is some kind of achievement. Amitabh completely dominated the 70s and 80s and still never managed to match that number, despite him being a bigger superstar and a more versatile and better actor in my view.

 

[NishanKonar]

Aamir last movie was flop, so he has to start from scratch for consecutive hits

I think Lal Singh Chadda will be a big hit. Its the kinda role Aamir Khan is made for

 

[Justcrazy]

do you think Amir can break the record you mentioned?

His films are always terrific and has maintain a standard.

SRK eventually got exposed with making same genre every now and than

I do not think anyone can break that record.

Rajesh Khanna stardom was unique , his car was white was made pink with lipstick wherever he went, girls married his picture , some used his car dust as vermillion. He was unique.

Amir, Salman, Shahrukh are all well past their primes.

If a Hero has six consecutive clean solo hits now , it would be great let alone 15.

 

[Justcrazy]

Akshay Kumar has an outside chance of matching that record, keeping in mind the amount of films he does in a year.

Aamir Khan could stand a chance but he takes 2 years to make a film, and SRK is currently going through his worst phase.

That record of Rajesh Khanna is some kind of achievement. Amitabh completely dominated the 70s and 80s and still never managed to match that number, despite him being a bigger superstar and a more versatile and better actor in my view.

Amitabh Bachchan did not dominate the 70s and 80s , its a myth created by the media.

 

[PakLFC]

Rishi Kapoor is just ******** that despite hs famous familybackground - he never became Bollywood's top star and was always 2nd best to Amitabh Bachchan

Among other things Rishi Kapoor admitted bribing judges to win Filmfare best actor awards to compete with Amitabh

Yes many other actors would also naturally be jealous of AB too.

 

[PakLFC]

Second fiddle?

I am sure Amitabh would not played Dilip Kumars father

In terms of being the hero of the film. Having the more influential role.

 

[PakLFC]

Credit to him. He was talented, charming and had luck on his side with good film makers and scripts.

Yes if you are talking about AB then I agree. Rajesh was only a romantic hero, one dimensional in that sense. He struggled after the romantic 1970's era was over.

 

[smkk]

Amitabh Bachchan did not dominate the 70s and 80s , its a myth created by the media.

No he did dominated 70s and 80s.

You see, when I was young, I used to be a huge bollywood fan. So I did went through all records of the decades.

Rajesh Khanna dominated from 1969 to 1974. He achieved the above mentioned record in this period. But one thing is overstated over here. All movies in the 17 movie record were sucessful, but not hits. If you go through the box office more closely then this is how it goes:

1969
Aradhana – Blockbuster (biggest hit of the year)
Ittefaq – Semhit
Doli – Semihit
Bandhan – Hit
Do Raaste – Blockbuster (2nd biggest hit of the year)
1970
The Train – Above Average
Sachaa Jhutha – Superhit (2nd biggest hit of the year)
Safar – Hit
Kati Patang – Hit
Aan Milo Sajna – Superhit (3rd biggest hit of the year)
1971
Anand – Hit
Maryada – Hit
Haathi Mera Saathi – Blockbuster (biggest hit of the year)
Amar Prem – Semihit
Andaz – Hit
Dushman – Superhit (3rd biggest hit of the year)
1972
Apna Desh – Hit

Brilliant record, but after that he fizzles out very fast. His main problem was that after his golden period, he did got a lot of successful movies but big hits like blockbuster and superhits were very rare.

In this department, Dharmendra and Amitabh overshadow him in the later parts of the decade. In fact in the same period Dharmendra did more movie and recieved more superhits, even though there were few flops.

But eventually he did continues his good run, said to have own the 70s, just like Amitabh own the 80s decade.

 

[Zaz]

No he did dominated 70s and 80s.

You see, when I was young, I used to be a huge bollywood fan. So I did went through all records of the decades.

Rajesh Khanna dominated from 1969 to 1974. He achieved the above mentioned record in this period. But one thing is overstated over here. All movies in the 17 movie record were sucessful, but not hits. If you go through the box office more closely then this is how it goes:

1969
Aradhana – Blockbuster (biggest hit of the year)
Ittefaq – Semhit
Doli – Semihit
Bandhan – Hit
Do Raaste – Blockbuster (2nd biggest hit of the year)
1970
The Train – Above Average
Sachaa Jhutha – Superhit (2nd biggest hit of the year)
Safar – Hit
Kati Patang – Hit
Aan Milo Sajna – Superhit (3rd biggest hit of the year)
1971
Anand – Hit
Maryada – Hit
Haathi Mera Saathi – Blockbuster (biggest hit of the year)
Amar Prem – Semihit
Andaz – Hit
Dushman – Superhit (3rd biggest hit of the year)
1972
Apna Desh – Hit

Brilliant record, but after that he fizzles out very fast. His main problem was that after his golden period, he did got a lot of successful movies but big hits like blockbuster and superhits were very rare.

In this department, Dharmendra and Amitabh overshadow him in the later parts of the decade. In fact in the same period Dharmendra did more movie and recieved more superhits, even though there were few flops.

But eventually he did continues his good run, said to have own the 70s, just like Amitabh own the 80s decade.

Yes from all accounts rajesh khanna did well after 1972 for another good 10-12 years There were many hits Its just the fact because he had such a huge peak anything less than that was seen as a relative failure

From all the stars of that period He also holds the unofficial record i believe of starring in the least number of multi starrers which you could say means he could hold a film on his own unlike some of the others

People underestimate khanna post 1972 and how well he did

 

[smkk]

Yes from all accounts rajesh khanna did well after 1972 for another good 10-12 years There were many hits Its just the fact because he had such a huge peak anything less than that was seen as a relative failure

From all the stars of that period He also holds the unofficial record i believe of starring in the least number of multi starrers which you could say means he could hold a film on his own unlike some of the others

People underestimate khanna post 1972 and how well he did

Actually Khanna could not evolve with changing time in 70s. He was doing good movie, but those were social drama and romantic which was no longer a big draw in the latter half of 70s.

In my opinion, Khanna debuted almost a decade later, instead of 70s, he should have come in 60s when such movies were in demand. Infact 60s most successful hero Rajendra Kumar, with all due respect to him, in all his movies he could have been replaced by Rajesh Khanna and those movies would still be big success. But other way around, you cannot say the same, as Rajesh Khanna were far better and more charismatic performer.

Even in the last phase of those genre in bollywood, ie. in early 70s, Rajesh Khanna were invincible. In the 60s he would have been unstoppable.

 

[smkk]

Also everyone is underestimating Amitabh in this thread. The range of this actor is unachievable by any other actor of today.

In the latter half of 70s, action masala genre came to the front with Sholay.

What is masala genre?

A mixture of every other genre - heavy drama, action, comedy etc.
So only versatile actors who can fit in all genre can find success in this genre, like - Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Mithun and most importantly Amitabh.

Everyone is saying that Amitabh only got success in only multistarar movie, but it was precisely for this reason his path of success was far more difficult to achieve. In a platora of actors, coming out at the top is not easy at all. To leave a lasting impression on the viewers is even more difficult. Amitabh did actually that, that's why he is so successful. His comic timing and screen presence was absolutely impeccable. With his range of acting and discipline, he used to overshadow everyone on the screen as well as in the entire movie.

In Amar Akbar Anthony and Naseeb, without Amitabh no one will remember those movies at all no matter how big star cast movie those were.

In both Deewar and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, even though it was a two hero project, Amitabh took away all the attention of the viewer. In script level, he was given more meaty role, yes, even then with out proper acting capability no one could have sketch themselves in the mind of viewers as much as he did.

This is all because of his hard work. Even at the peak of his career, Amitabh was most punctual and used to rehearse every scene before shooting. He used to lead tight and control life, which Rajesh Khanna never did in his entire career.

So Amitabh did achieve all those success and popularity with his hard work, not by manipulating others. At the peak of his fame, Amitabh popularity was so much that all other leading heroes of bollywood - Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Jetendra, Mithun combined popularity could not match Amitabh's alone.

 

[Justcrazy]

No he did dominated 70s and 80s.

You see, when I was young, I used to be a huge bollywood fan. So I did went through all records of the decades.

Rajesh Khanna dominated from 1969 to 1974. He achieved the above mentioned record in this period. But one thing is overstated over here. All movies in the 17 movie record were sucessful, but not hits. If you go through the box office more closely then this is how it goes:

1969
Aradhana – Blockbuster (biggest hit of the year)
Ittefaq – Semhit
Doli – Semihit
Bandhan – Hit
Do Raaste – Blockbuster (2nd biggest hit of the year)
1970
The Train – Above Average
Sachaa Jhutha – Superhit (2nd biggest hit of the year)
Safar – Hit
Kati Patang – Hit
Aan Milo Sajna – Superhit (3rd biggest hit of the year)
1971
Anand – Hit
Maryada – Hit
Haathi Mera Saathi – Blockbuster (biggest hit of the year)
Amar Prem – Semihit
Andaz – Hit
Dushman – Superhit (3rd biggest hit of the year)
1972
Apna Desh – Hit

Brilliant record, but after that he fizzles out very fast. His main problem was that after his golden period, he did got a lot of successful movies but big hits like blockbuster and superhits were very rare.

In this department, Dharmendra and Amitabh overshadow him in the later parts of the decade. In fact in the same period Dharmendra did more movie and recieved more superhits, even though there were few flops.

But eventually he did continues his good run, said to have own the 70s, just like Amitabh own the 80s decade.

Rajesh Khanna was the highest-paid actor till early 80s , he still had hits after that as well , but those years about which this thread is was special , the craze that Rajesh Khanna had was unprecedented , which did not remain later .

But You need to account for the number of solo hits Rajesh Khanna had.

You made that list about Rajesh Khanna , actually, you should have made the list for Amitabh Bachchan , so that you could show your point. If you do not , and me I can dissect that point I made. But if you really want to discuss this , because it takes time

 

[Justcrazy]

Yes from all accounts rajesh khanna did well after 1972 for another good 10-12 years There were many hits Its just the fact because he had such a huge peak anything less than that was seen as a relative failure

From all the stars of that period He also holds the unofficial record i believe of starring in the least number of multi starrers which you could say means he could hold a film on his own unlike some of the others

People underestimate khanna post 1972 and how well he did

Exactly what is happening to Kohli now , even though he is scoring runs , just because he is not getting hundred , people think he is not in good touch , Rajesh Khanna remained highest-paid actor till about mid 80s

 

[Justcrazy]

Actually Khanna could not evolve with changing time in 70s. He was doing good movie, but those were social drama and romantic which was no longer a big draw in the latter half of 70s.

In my opinion, Khanna debuted almost a decade later, instead of 70s, he should have come in 60s when such movies were in demand. Infact 60s most successful hero Rajendra Kumar, with all due respect to him, in all his movies he could have been replaced by Rajesh Khanna and those movies would still be big success. But other way around, you cannot say the same, as Rajesh Khanna were far better and more charismatic performer.

Even in the last phase of those genre in bollywood, ie. in early 70s, Rajesh Khanna were invincible. In the 60s he would have been unstoppable.

Rajesh Khanna was a rich person even before he was a actor , he belonged to rich family. His way of thinking was different from others. He never used politics to get roles, he was a large-hearted person.

We can never take away the fact that Media was forced to call him a superstar for the first time.

 

[Justcrazy]

@ssmk We are talking about stardom here , being punctual on sets is not something that is connected to the thread.

 

[Justcrazy]

[MENTION=136955]smkk[/MENTION] We are talking about stardom here , being punctual on sets is not something that is connected to the thread.

He also did use his Nehru - Gandhi connection to his advantage.

Solo Hits do matter, that shows the crowd-pulling ability of a star.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

Well if you want to talk about an Indian movie Superstar no one beats Rajinikanth. We speak urdu so follow bollywood but once when I came to Singapore then realised how big of a deal he is. Even 3-4 years ago his movie was sold out for many days in advance despite getting a huge number of screens compared to any other.

 

[PakLFC]

Well if you want to talk about an Indian movie Superstar no one beats Rajinikanth. We speak urdu so follow bollywood but once when I came to Singapore then realised how big of a deal he is. Even 3-4 years ago his movie was sold out for many days in advance despite getting a huge number of screens compared to any other.

Rajnikanth is popular among the Tamil speaking community. Overall he is not a patch on the craze that was Rajesh Khanna in the 1970's so much so that ladies would write letters written in their blood proposing marriage to him. In Bollywood Rajnikanth is/was nothing.

 

[Waleed93]

Amitabh Bachchan did not dominate the 70s and 80s , its a myth created by the media.

Well, as far as I understand, Amitabh completely ruled the 70s and 80s Bollywood.

Yes, he had a lot competition to deal with. The likes of Rajesh, Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor all had their moments of greatness.

However, the sheer versatility and range that Amitabh possesed during that era remains unmatched, and that is one of the main reasons why he is still so admired when the rest of his peers had completely vanished from the scene a long time ago.

Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Muqaddar ka Sikandar, Kabhi Kabhi, Naseeb, Kaalia, Coolie, Mard, Shahenshah... these are some of his classics which released in that era and completely separated him from other Bollywood stars.

I recall one French director even calling Amitabh Bachchan a "one man industry" during those times.

The main difference between him and other was the fact that he was not limited to a single genre.

Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor were noted for their romantic images. Vinod Khanna and Dharmendra were the action heroes of that era.

Amitabh Bachchan was a master of all trades. He could portray the angry young man image in a film, while adding his comic timing and romantic lines into it and making it a complete "masala" film, something the names mentionned above were not capable of doing.

 

[Justcrazy]

[MENTION=145946]Waleed93[/MENTION] In 1972 Amitabh had his first solo hit zanjeer .
1973 he has a semi -hit abniman.
In 1975 Do Anjane hit.
In 1977 Kasme wade hit
In 1978 Besharam a semi hit
In 1979 Mr natwarLal Hit
In 1981 lawaris Hit
In 1981 kalia Hit
In 1985 sharabi Hit / mard hit
In 1986 Shehensha Hit / Akhri Raasta Semi hit

Those were his solo hits in 70s and 80s

He ended 1980 with 5 big Flops - Ganga Jamuna Saraswati , Toofan , Jadugar , Main Azad Huin , Agneepath.

You also mentioned that Dharmendra was action hero. Some of the most beautiful romantic numbers have been filmed on Dharmendra, he has acted in a diverse body of work.

 

[PakLFC]

Amitabh in the 1970's and 1980's had the most entertaining films. The magic was this man could do every kind of role from gangster to policeman and comedy and drama to emotion then action. AB was an all rounder. He could even shake a leg when needed as in films like "Yaarana". There has not been another complete actor like him in the Bollywood industry. Dilip had great dialogue delivery where as Rajesh and Raj Kapoor were romantics. Rishi at his peak did all the songs and dances, all of them were one dimensional compared to AB who could do it all. The longevity of AB's career speaks for itself.

Amitabh looked good doing the role of any religion, even an atheist as in "Deewar" was a very convincing.

 

[PakLFC]

Amitabh's expression of disgust when refusing the enter the temple in "Deewar" was outstanding. In the same film his argument with God in the temple was awesome too. He made the atheist community proud. In the climax he did not accept God at all even when dying in his Mum's arms. He was more displeased with upsetting his Mum then possibly angering God! He couldn't give a damn about that!

 

[PakLFC]

Amitabh could pull of the role of a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh or atheist with complete ease. Imagine Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Rishi or Dilip playing Catholics or most other religions. They would look ridiculous! Amitabh did the role of a Catholic brilliantly in "Amar, Akbar, Anthony" like no one else could have done. No one else looks good speaking the "Apun" and "tupan" kind of Hindi. I still enjoy the old Amitabh flicks even today.