Memories of 'Deewar' by Sr. Bachchan @ Zee Cinema

His actual name would've been Amitabh Srivastava had his father, Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan not changed the surname from Srivastava to Bachchan. Bachchan was the pen-name under which he used to publish his work.

Amitabh, after graduating from Kirori Mal College of University of Delhi, grabbed a job of a freight broker for a shipping firm based out of Kolkata. But the love for acting saw him give up his job and chase his dream ' that of becoming an actor. He did manage to become an actor, and not just an actor; he managed to become an icon. A legend. He's an institution by himself.

He's given us numerous hit films and bagged a number of all the major awards out there, including three National Film Awards.

Deewar was one of the most important films of his career. In fact, it wouldn't be incorrect to say that it was perhaps the most important film for him because that not only cemented Amitabh Bachchan's image as an angry young man but also made him the superstar of our Hindi film industry. Here are some of the trivia about Deewar which Bachchan himself gave out while filming for the 5th edition of Zee Cimena's much celebrated property Shanivaar ki Raat Amitabh ke Saath.

Post "Saat Hindustani' , Bachchan had no work in hand. In dire need for money, he, Jalal Agha and Anwar Ali took up roles of junior artistes in a Merchant Ivory film starring Shashi Kapoor. Shashi Kapoor noticed Amitabh's talent and convinced him that he is made for better roles. In fact he also ensured that his shots were chopped from the Merchant Ivory movie. Later on Shashiji went on to play Amitabh's younger brother in Deewar.

Why the heck am I going on about Amitabh, and Deewar in particular? That is because, first, I am a huge fan of this cinema giant, and second, because Deewar is going to be there for all of us to watch on Zee Cinema tonight, at 8:00pm. Yippee!