Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 30: In the winter of 1973, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Namak Haraam arrived as a departure from his celebrated comedies and family dramas, bringing politics, class conflict, and friendship under scrutiny. The film, starring Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, is remembered today not just for its story but for marking a turning point in Bollywood stardom.

Based on the 1964 Hollywood classic Becket, Namak Haraam explored the clash between capitalism and socialism, friendship, and morality. Rajesh Khanna played Somu, the gentle idealist, while Amitabh Bachchan was Vicky, the mill owner's flamboyant heir. Set against 1970s labor strikes, the narrative sees Somu infiltrating a mill to avenge his friend but gradually sympathizing with the workers, ultimately dying in the process. Vicky takes the blame for Somu’s death, showcasing a dramatic twist.

The film’s climax became a battleground off-screen as well. Originally, Amitabh’s character was to die, but Rajesh Khanna, known for his fascination with on-screen death, insisted that he get the heroic demise. Hrishikesh Mukherjee ultimately altered the script to satisfy Khanna, keeping Amitabh unaware until shooting. Amitabh was reportedly hurt, but the scene’s outcome inadvertently elevated his screen presence.

Released in November 1973, critics lauded Khanna’s restrained performance, but audiences were captivated by Bachchan’s intensity, particularly the scene where he confronts workers attacking Somu. This performance heralded the rise of the “angry young man” persona that would define Amitabh’s career, earning him the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award. Rajesh Khanna, meanwhile, began to see his superstar aura wane.

Music by R D Burman, lyrics by Anand Bakshi, and dialogues by Gulzar added depth to the film, producing timeless hits like Diye Jalte Hain and Nadiya Se Dariya. While Rekha played the female lead opposite Khanna, Bachchan’s pairing with Simi Grewal stood out, foreshadowing his later successful collaborations.

The production phase highlighted the changing tides of fame. Amitabh’s early scenes were initially seen as secondary, with distributors critiquing his performance and even his hairstyle. Post-Zanjeer success, Bachchan’s role was emphasized in publicity and poster campaigns, reflecting his new status. By the release, the audience reception cemented the shift: the hero of the future was Amitabh Bachchan.

Even small markers, like barber shops charging Rs 2 for a Rajesh Khanna haircut and Rs 3.50 for an Amitabh Bachchan style, reflected the changing times in Bollywood. Namak Haraam thus stands as both a cinematic and cultural landmark, marking the ascent of Amitabh Bachchan and signaling the evolution of Indian film stardom.