Birthday love: Celebrating the “tashan” of Amitabh Bachchan

11th October is the birthday of Bollywood�۪s greatest legend Amitabh Bachchan. What can be said about this man that hasn�۪t been said before? His acting is untouchable, his style of dressing is unique and his voice is extremely powerful.

At times when one thinks about the career of Big B, it feels as though he has tried everything in acting. However every so often he leaves the audience stunned with his performances in films like ��Paa�۪ (2009) and ��Piku�۪. (2015)

To celebrate the birthday of the angry young man BizAsia��is looking back at five of his songs that displayed attitude, rebellion and above all fearlessness.

Apni Toh Jaise Taise from ��Laawaris�۪ (1981)

It�۪s a song that has been remixed a number of times but as the saying goes ��you can�۪t beat the original�۪. Big B did some funky steps in the song but what remains memorable to this day is the attitude he displayed. His character feels betrayed by the world and in this song he seems to challenge the ways of society.

He sings about the differences between the rich and the poor and how life is better for the wealthy, whereas the poor might as well not exist. His anger, his emotions are presented perfectly by his expressions and of course those powerful lyrics. Kishore Kumar sang this iconic song and the lyrics were written by Prakash Mehra.

Rote Hue Aate Hai Sab from ��Muqaddar Ka Sikander�۪ (1978)

Riding on his motorbike Big B is shown travelling on the busy roads of India. The video is simple yet it does the job of expressing the characters feelings. The character Sikandar (Big B) is fearless in the sense that he�۪s aware that life will be filled with troubles but he believes in facing every obstacle with courage, only then can one become the conqueror of destiny.

There are many brilliant lines in the lyrics such as ��Zindagi toh bewafa hai, eik din tukh rayegi�۪ (life is unfaithful, one day it will reject you). It almost reminds one of those life quotes that give advice but in a poetic manner.

The music of the film was given by the duo Kayanji Anandji and the lyrics were written by Anjaan.

There were two versions of the song. One was sung by Kumar while the second was a sad version sang by Mohammed Rafi.

Arrey Deewano from ��Don�۪ (1978)

Smart, fearless and full of confidence, Don is the man that can never be caught. Big B did a double role in the film, one was the street performer Vijay and the other was of a powerful gangster named Don. The film was a huge hit because of its brilliant story line which was written by the duo Salim-Javed. The film also had some great performances by Zeenat Aman and Pran.

The music of the film was extremely popular composed by the duo Kalyanji Anandji. Kumar did the vocals for Big B in the upbeat song ��arrey deewano�۪. It was a western song with a joyful beat that celebrated the don.

The lyrics are basically asking the world to acknowledge the man known as Don. When he befriends someone he is willing to lay down his life for them but be it an enemy he will beat them at their game.

Jaha Teri Yeh Nazar Hai from ��Kaalia�۪ (1981)

Directed by Tinnu Anand this film shows the journey of an innocent man named Kallu, who transforms into the revenge seeking Kaalia. The song was sung by Kumar while the music was composed by RD Burman.

The lyrics describe a man who knows of his capabilities and isn�۪t afraid to admit it. This song had Kaalia challenging Shahani (Amjad Khan) warning him, that he is always one step ahead of him. The song takes place at a party organised in the honour of a princess, where both Shahani and Kaalia aim to steal her diamond necklace.

The song had a western beat and saw Big B shaking a leg with many backing dancers.

Mard Tangewala from ��Mard�۪ (1985)

��Mard ko dard nahi hota�۪ (A true man doesn�۪t feel pain) This Manmohan Desai direction celebrated 30 years recently and is regarded as a classic by many Big B fans.

Bachchan played the role of Raju a courageous young man who will fight for the rights of others without fearing of the consequences. Set during the period of the British rule, Raju challenges the British who see Indians as nothing but worthless slaves.

The song ��Mard Tangewala�۪ was sung by Mohammed Aziz while the music was composed by Anu Malik.

Raju has a tanga also known as a horse and cart in which he transports passengers to their destination. His two loyal friends are his dog Moti and horse Badal which he refers to in the song. He is proud of his job and isn�۪t fearful of enemies harming him as he believes that the lord is his friend.

BizAsia wishes Amitabh Bachchan a happy 73rd Birthday!

By Yasmin Shabir