In the annals of Bollywood history, the 1970s stand out as a transformative decade, marked by the rise of new stars and the reshaping of cinematic norms. One such story is that of a blockbuster film that, after being rejected by five established stars, became a career-defining moment for a struggling actor, catapulting him to the status of Bollywood's greatest icon. That film was 'Zanjeer', and the actor was Amitabh Bachchan.

During the golden era of Hindi cinema, 'Zanjeer' emerged as a project that defied the trends of lightweight storytelling. Made on a modest budget of approximately ₹90 lakh, the film was initially viewed as a risky venture. The script, a departure from the romantic and comedic themes that dominated the era, centered on a suspended police inspector's quest for justice and revenge. This narrative, filled with rage and a raw portrayal of injustice, was a gamble at a time when audiences were more accustomed to light-hearted entertainment.

The film was first offered to several leading actors of the time, including Raaj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Dev Anand, and Dilip Kumar. However, for various reasons, they all turned down the role. Some found inadequacies in the character of Vijay, while others were perhaps wary of the film's serious and unconventional theme. Dharmendra reportedly declined the role on the advice of a family member.

Amitabh Bachchan, at the time, was an actor struggling to find his footing in the industry. After a string of 11 consecutive flops, he was on the verge of leaving Bollywood and returning to his hometown. 'Zanjeer' was offered to Bachchan, who grabbed the opportunity.

'Zanjeer' was released in 1973 and was directed by Prakash Mehra. From its opening scene, the film introduced a new cinematic experience, marked by Bachchan's intense performance, powerful dialogues, and straightforward direction. Bachchan's portrayal of Inspector Vijay resonated deeply with audiences, who were captivated by his "angry young man" persona. This character became a symbol of the frustrations and aspirations of a generation, and 'Zanjeer' became a reflection of the socio-political climate of the time.

The film's success was not just commercial; it was a cultural phenomenon. 'Zanjeer' grossed ₹17 crore, a significant amount for the time, and its impact extended far beyond the box office. The film marked the beginning of Bachchan's reign as the "Shahenshah of Bollywood", a title that reflects his unparalleled dominance in the industry.

'Zanjeer' is often credited with establishing Bachchan's superstardom. His performance paved the way for a new era of action heroes in Bollywood. It solidified his position as a leading man and redefined the image of the Bollywood hero.

While Rajesh Khanna was Bollywood's first superstar, dominating the early 1970s with his charm and romantic roles, Bachchan brought a new kind of hero to the screen: rebellious, brooding, and relatable to the common man. Other prominent actors of the 70s included Dharmendra, known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood, and Shashi Kapoor, the quintessential romantic hero. However, it was Bachchan who truly captured the zeitgeist of the decade.

The film 'Zanjeer' not only rescued Amitabh Bachchan's drowning career but also reshaped the course of Bollywood history.