Amitabh Bachchan in his 10 best performances : Paa

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Amitabh Bachchan in his 10 best performances

Saat Hindustani

Year of Release: 1969
Director: Khwaja Ahmad Abbas

‘Saat Hindustani’ was written and directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. The film is about a gallant story of seven Indians who attempt to liberate Goa from the Portuguese colonial rule. The cast included Utpal Dutt, Madhu, A. K. Hangal and Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh played the role of Anwar Ali, an urdu poet.

Amitabh was part of an ensemble cast but the role bagged him a National Award for Best Newcomer.

Anand

Year of Release: 1971

Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Even though he had a supporting role in the movie, the intensity of Amitabh’s character was fabulously portrayed by Amitabh. Bachchan went on to do many more movies with Hrishi Da, including voice-overs and special appearances in movies like ‘Bawarchi’ and ‘Golmaal’.

Saudagar

Year of Release: 1973

Director: Sudhendu Roy

The story was about a village gur (Jaggery) seller. A rather simplistic role, the movie stars Nutan as Mijuben and Amitabh Bachchan as Moti. The movie was not a Box Office hits but it was a beautifully made film and has Bachchan playing his part almost as well as Nutan.

Sholay

Year of Release: 1975

Director: Ramesh Sippy

Sholay had everything a masala film required. But Amitabh stole the audiences hearts with his stellar performance as Jai. His comic timing, his silent brooding nature, his action hero formula, everything was right at its place.

Even though the movie was a steal by Amjad Khan’s Gabbar, Amitabh managed quite a few tears from the audiences when he sacrificed himself.

Agneepath

Year of Release: 1990

Director: Mukul S Anand

The name Vijay Deenanath Chauhan was immortalised by Amitabh introducing himself in the movie in a gruff low bass voice. And the movie has been a favourite of most Amitabh lovers.

Made at a time when Amitabh was not doing too well, this movie established him as a fantastic actor again. The movie also starred Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavi, Neelam Kothari, Rohini Hattangadi and Danny Denzongpa

Aks

Year of Release: 2001

Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

The movie bombed. But the reason it is on this list is because Amitabh played a good guy as well as a bad guy in the movie. He was suave, sexy and sophisticated playing a negative role too. He looked fantastic and it also bagged him the Filmfare Best Actor (Critics) award for this film.

Sarkar

Year of Release: 2005`

Director: Ram Gopal Varma

‘Sarkar’ was Ram Gopal Varma’s take on ‘The Godfather’. Amitabh was at ease in his role. And the movie was highly appreciated by the critics. The movie also starred Abhishek Bachchan, KayKay Menon and Katrina Kaif in leading roles.

Black

Year of Release: 2005

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji both bagged the Filmfare critic`s acting awards also, besides the best actor and actress awards. The performances of all the actors were highly appreciated, but what stands out is the gradual progression of a man and a girl’s relationship.

Amitabh had it tough with Rani giving a memorable performance, but he doesn’t fail to impress anyway.

Cheeni Kum

Year of Release: 2007

Director: R Balki

‘Cheeni Kum’ was a fun movie. The actors, especially Amitabh made a light hearted Rom Com with a older man younger woman combination. As a critic put it – Amitabh was the right amount of spice needed for the movie.

The movie was witty and Amitabh looked right playing the London Chef who has a slightly foul but charming motor-mouth. The movie also starred Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Zohra Sehgal and Swini Khara.

The Last Lear

Year of Release: 2008

Director: Rituparno Ghosh

Under the direction of Rituparno, Amitabh delivered a spellbinding performance as an ex-Shakespearian theatre actor in the movie and received praise for it from all quarters. The movie was all about him and he practically looks like he was born for the role.

The movie is artistic and beautiful and Amitabh’s brilliance as an actor and a performer shines through and through.

Paa

Year of Release: 2009

Director: R Balki

Amitabh spent immense number of hours each day putting on and taking off make-up. But thats not what the actors genius in this movie is about. The roles reversed with Abhishek, Amitabh played a child who suffers of Progeria but still has immense life left in him. The audience was taken in by the child portrayed by Bachchan than any of the other characters often forgetting whether it was the 6 feet tall star who was on screen.