Amitabh: The Making of a Superstar

by Susmita Dasgupta

A remarkable insight into the films and times of India's greatest star-actor In an industry where fashions change every Friday, Amitabh Bachchan has been synonymous with cinematic entertainment for over thirty years. But beyond the labels of 'one-man industry' and 'star of the millennium', a number of issues pertaining to the star, his films and his era remain largely unaddressed. What is it that makes Amitabh Bachchan the star he is? Is it his undeniable genius as an actor, his ability to connect with the masses and the classes alike, or is it his writers and directors who project him in varied roles? Did his films in his heyday reflect the angst of his time, or did they ferment the spirit of anger and rebellion in the first place? Was he really the rebel as his 'angry young man' image suggests, or was there, behind all the sound and fury, a conformist subtext that called for restoration of the status quo? How relevant is Amitabh Bachchan today? In The Making of a Superstar, Susmita Dasgupta answers these and other questions that lie buried in the trail of glory the star blazed. In a warm and insightful analysis, the author traces the world-view and philosophy that have shaped the films of Amitabh Bachchan-from the angry young man of Zanjeer, the tragic antihero of Deewar and the entertainer of Amar Akbar Anthony to his more conservative turns in Mahabbatein and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. In the process, she not only chronicles the star's journey from a flop actor to a national icon but also brings to life a period in the history of Indian cinema which altered forever the economics of film-making in the country.

187 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2007

Reviews

[Vikas Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amitabh: The Making of a Superstar is much more than a biography of a film star—it is an insightful study of how a cultural phenomenon is created. The book traces Amitabh Bachchan’s journey from an uncertain newcomer to a figure who came to define an era of Indian cinema.

What makes the narrative particularly compelling is its exploration of the social and political climate that shaped Bachchan’s rise. The author shows how the "Angry Young Man" image resonated with a generation grappling with frustration, inequality, and changing aspirations. Through a close reading of his films and career choices, the book reveals how Bollywood evolved alongside Indian society.

Thoughtful and well-researched, it offers a deeper understanding of why Amitabh Bachchan became more than a superstar—he became a reflection of the times and a symbol of the audience’s hopes, anxieties, and aspirations.

[Rajib Banerjee]

Great read. More of a personality analysis of this superstar.