On the silver screen, Pran’s name was synonymous with terror. Yet when he transitioned from villainous roles to character parts, his aura remained unmatched. February 12 marks the birth anniversary of this legendary actor, and it is a fitting moment to recall how Pran played a pivotal role in shaping Amitabh Bachchan’s career.
It may come as a surprise to many, but the blockbuster Zanjeer, the film that turned Amitabh into the “Angry Young Man” of Bollywood, initially struggled to find buyers. Salim Khan of the iconic Salim-Javed duo revealed that stars like Dharmendra, Dev Anand, and Raaj Kumar had all rejected the script.
When director Prakash Mehra finally signed Amitabh, he faced skepticism. At the time, Amitabh was considered a “jinx actor” after enduring 17 consecutive flops. The real challenge was convincing distributors to back a project led by a struggling actor.
Enter Pran. Already a bankable superstar with hits like Dharma, Victoria No. 203, and Jungle Mein Mangal, Pran’s presence lent immediate credibility. Mehra cleverly showcased Pran’s involvement during a distributors’ meeting, screening a clip of the legendary qawwali, “Yaari Hai Imaan Mera, Yaar Meri Zindagi…”. The reaction was electric—distributors clamoured to acquire the rights.
The film went on to become a massive success. Pran delivered an outstanding performance, but it was Amitabh who rose to superstardom, forever changing the landscape of Hindi cinema.
In retrospect, Pran’s influence as a catalyst cannot be understated. Without his credibility and star power, Amitabh’s fortunes might have taken a very different trajectory. The story of Zanjeer is not just about an actor’s rise; it is also about the mentor-like presence of a legend who helped launch a superstar.
