Amitabh Bachchan: the Angry Young Man

16 November 07

Amitabh Bachchan's Angry Young Man roles defined his career and epitomised the moral heart of the Indian nation, writes Rachel Dwyer.

Amitabh Bachchan is often called the 'Angry Young Man' of Indian cinema, a term inspired by realist London theatre of the 1950s, in particular Osborne’s Look Back In Anger. Much as Amitabh is still celebrated for his wide-ranging performances as romantic hero, dramatic lead, comedian and now elder statesman, it is the roles he played as the AYM for which he is most celebrated.

This defiant character, who appeared across several films in the 1970s and 80s, was typically called Vijay ('Victorious'). Created by writers Salim (Khan) – Javed (Akhtar) as an epic hero rather than a novelistic type, he clearly paralleled Karna in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Like Karna, Vijay faces frequent childhood injustice: seeing his parents killed (Zanjeer), growing up without the father who abandoned his mother before marriage (Trishul), or losing the whole family after a dispute at work (Deewaar). Bachchan embodies the besieged male hero in a precarious world who fights a personal war against injustice – specifically the wrongs done to him and his family.

The power of these films is their ability to portray an outraged but sympathetic character. Despite his ongoing struggles, Amitabh as Vijay maintains his self-respect, gains respect from others and is a model of moral rectitude, especially in his interaction with women, elders and children but also in upholding his religious beliefs. He is fierce but controlled and noble, never losing his dignity but robbing others of theirs. Vijay is not a rebel. His fury is not random but focused on righting moral wrongs, which he pursues at the risk of his own life.

Amitabh as Vijay differs from other 1970s 'AYMs' such as Bruce Lee, Robert De Niro or Clint Eastwood. He is not an isolated vigilante subversively taking the law into his own hands but rather an upright man, motivated by family justice. The viewer empathises with Vijay’s anger and his humiliation. He is sad but admirable in his self-sacrifice and fortitude, even when he is doing wrong. We share his pain. We believe he is right, at least most of the time, and that his desire for vengeance is virtuous.

It is perhaps for this reason that Amitabh’s Angry Young Man had such far-reaching cultural impact. For many young Asians the world over, he epitomised a heroic masculinity whilst providing a link to India, its traditional values and a proud, unapologetic sense of self. He was also celebrated as the ideal son, deeply attached to his mother, who would look after family when the father failed. His brooding good looks (and lack of interest in women) added to his appeal.

Amitabh Bachchan, Hindi film’s biggest star, is a great communicator of the moral sentiments while his juniors, especially Shah Rukh Khan, often specialise in depicting the tender ones. Compassion is beautiful but, as Kant says, it has no moral worth in itself, although if it motivates us to care then it has. Indian film still wants the moral hero and, even today, there is only one that will do.

Image Credit: Meena Kadri

Sarfaraz

(30-34-2011)

"Amitabh Bachchan has been legend of India, he has secured more status in India and Sindh Pakistan."

Dhananjay S kulkarni pune

(13-54-2011)

"nice & perfect analysis of amitabh image"

Ramson

(08-06-2009)

"Amitabh Bachchan is perhaps the biggest star of the world who will be remembered for his versatility. Angry young man image if carefully seen, he played during his early career, was not in much films except like Deewar, Sholay etc. In the very same period he did cool realistic semi-commercial and some noncommercial movies too with directors like Basu Chatterji and Hrishikesh Mukherji. Some of such films are saudagar(The Trader), Manzil, Alaap, Mili, Abhimaan, Namak Haraam, Anand, Chupke Chupke...in fact the list of such movies would be higher. The reason for such a high craze of YMI has in fact other reason which is socio-political system prevailing in India at that time where most of the youths were feeling themselves useless, romanticism had become irrelevant thing with the prevalent situation. Joblessness was increasing and same time corrupt system which became patron of Mafia and rich people capable of exploiting the system in which common man became scapegoat. The public was heavily confused and unable to find the solution and relief. And then came Amitabh's YMI which very perfectly covered their frustration and just in single night a man became the reliefe house of millions of Indians and their frustration. Amitabh Bachchan became immortal crusader for suppressed in which they found hope to fight against the system. Perhaps nowhere in the cinematic world such social revolution or impact has been done by any star or actor which Amitabh did. Also this is the very reason behind the immortality which Amitabh enjoys in India which none other actor there before him and after him could even imagine. He is ruling there still after spending 40 years. Yes in the wake of shoft of India from socialism to consumerism things have changed so the present day Amitabh Bachchan, but then he had already ebcome larger than life some decades ago! "

Prateek Chakraborty

(17-42-2009)

"Amitabh Bachchan really was fit for the portrait of the Angry Young Man. He cherished the Indian Cinema with his roles of Vijay in Zanjeer, Deewaar, Kaala Patthar..."