Master Raju Reflects on 1970s Bollywood Power Dynamics with Amitabh Bachchan
In a fascinating glimpse into the golden era of Indian cinema, veteran child actor Master Raju has shared remarkable anecdotes from the 1970s, revealing a period when his star power momentarily eclipsed that of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. During a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Raju delved into the bustling film industry of that decade, where he was in such high demand that he often worked on multiple projects simultaneously, a rarity for any actor at the time.
The Unforgettable 'Faraar' Shoot: When Big B Had to Wait
One of the most striking revelations centers around the filming of the 1975 movie Faraar. Raju explained that due to his packed schedule, he was the priority on set, while Amitabh Bachchan, who was still ascending to superstardom, had comparatively fewer commitments. "Amit ji is very punctual, and how should I say this but back then he had less work than I had? It makes me laugh even saying this," Raju recounted with a chuckle. He described how Bachchan would arrive on time for shoots, have his close-ups taken first, and then be asked to step aside as Raju's scenes were prioritized to accommodate the child actor's tight three-hour window. "During that time, Amit ji would just wait patiently. After my shots were done, they would take his remaining close-ups," he added, highlighting the unexpected role reversal in an industry where seniority often dictated schedules.
A Humorous On-Set Moment: Motherly Scolding for Big B
Adding a touch of levity to the narrative, Raju shared a hilarious incident from the same Faraar set involving his mother and Amitabh Bachchan. During a lunch break, Bachchan was filming a scene that required him to display a wound on his hand, which attracted a swarm of flies. "My mother scolded Amit ji," Raju recalled with amusement. "She said, 'Please cover this, there are flies here and we are eating.'" This anecdote not only showcases the informal, family-like atmosphere on sets back then but also humanizes the larger-than-life figure of Bachchan, who took the gentle reprimand in good stride.
Amitabh Bachchan's Exceptional Punctuality in a Late-Coming Culture
Beyond the specific stories, Raju emphasized Amitabh Bachchan's standout discipline in an era where tardiness was almost a norm among leading actors. "It was a norm back then to come late to sets. Vinod Khanna ji would come late, Sanjeev Kumar ji would come late, Kaka ji (Rajesh Khanna) would come late, even Dharm ji. I think everyone except Amit ji would come late," he noted. Raju pointed out that arriving late was considered fashionable, and sometimes not showing up at all was part of the trend, making Bachchan's consistency and professionalism all the more remarkable.
The Rising Tension: Amitabh Bachchan vs. Rajesh Khanna
Raju also touched upon the broader industry dynamics of the time, particularly the growing rivalry between Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna, who was then hailed as the "first superstar" of Bollywood. As Bachchan's popularity surged, it created palpable tension. "He didn't want anyone to replace him, and Amitabh Bachchan was rising fast," Raju explained. He recounted an incident where Khanna made disparaging remarks about Bachchan to Jaya Bachchan, leading to a confrontation that even halted shooting on a set. This insight sheds light on the competitive undercurrents that shaped Bollywood's evolution during the 1970s.
Master Raju's reflections offer a unique window into a transformative period in Indian cinema, where child stars could outshine future icons, and professionalism stood out amidst a culture of casualness. His stories not only celebrate the humility and patience of Amitabh Bachchan but also underscore the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring bonds formed on film sets.
