Shatrughan Sinha ‘paid the price for stardom’: Looking back at his friendship and feud with Amitabh Bachchan
Shatrughan Sinha starrer Kalicharan launched on February 7, 1976. 20 days later, Amitabh Bachchan’s Kabhi Kabhie hit theatres. Whereas Amitabh added one other hit beneath his belt, it was Shatrughan’s first main hit as a lead actor. Previous to Kalicharan, the actor had performed supporting roles in a number of films in early Nineteen Seventies, many additionally that includes Massive B like Parwana and Bombay to Goa.
Along with his persona, baritone and dialogue supply, Shatrughan quickly grabbed consideration. The actor’s recognition was on the rise however it additionally led to cracks in his friendship with Amitabh.
Shatrughan Sinha and Amitabh Bachchan in a nonetheless from Dostana.
In his memoir Something However Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography, Shatrughan Sinha revealed that on account of Amitabh Bachchan, he returned the signing quantity of a number of movies. “The issue was the applause I used to be getting for my performances. Amitabh may see the response I used to be getting. That’s why he didn’t need me in a few of his movies.”
“Throughout Kaala Patthar, a heroine who was recognized to be very pleasant with him, would go to him. She would come throughout Dostana additionally however not as soon as would he convey her out and introduce her to any of us. In showbiz, all people knew who was visiting whom. The media would instantly know if Reena was in my make-up room. Such issues can by no means be hidden in our world,” Shatrughan added in his biography, mentioning that Zeenat Aman or Rekha deepened the rift.
Shatrughan Sinha and Amitabh Bachchan with Gulzar. (Picture: Categorical Archives)
Another excuse for his fallout with Amitabh, many declare, is the truth that some main movies which proved to be hits in Massive B’s profession like Deewar, Sholay and Satte Pe Satta have been first supplied to Shatrughan. Although Shatrughan rejected the claims whereas talking to TOI early this yr, he added, “Maybe the makers, in some unspecified time in the future, realise that another actor can be higher for a task, or at occasions I couldn’t have taken a movie on account of date points, which was the case with Sholay. I believe the character of Jai was one of many final ones to be forged. Ramesh Sippy was very eager that I do it, however I simply couldn’t accommodate the movie. Such issues don’t spoil relations.”
Whereas Shatrughan had beforehand revealed that he fell out of favour with one other good good friend Rajesh Khanna as a result of he contested towards him in a by-election, his love-hate relationship with Amitabh has remained a speaking level for years now.
Speaking in regards to the fallout earlier this yr, Shatrughan Sinha stated that “It’s the value you pay for stardom”. The actor stated he had nothing towards Amitabh Bachchan. “I’ve solely love and regards for him. But if somebody asks, I say: Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat purani. Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahani (Don’t discuss in regards to the previous, let’s start afresh).”
However can we ever neglect the 2 superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha sharing display screen house in iconic movies Dostana and Kaala Patthar? What these two have given us will stay etched in followers’ recollections.
Completely happy birthday, Shatrughan Sinha!
