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When a Legend Stepped Out of His Comfort Zone: The Story Behind 'Nishabd'
Imagine one of India's most iconic actors, Amitabh Bachchan, taking on a role that would challenge not just his acting skills, but also his public image. That's exactly what happened with Ram Gopal Varma's 2007 film Nishabd. The film, which featured Bachchan opposite debutante Jiah Khan, stirred up a storm of controversy and debate, and even years later, it remains a topic of discussion among cinephiles and fans alike.
The Controversial Role
Nishabd told the story of Vijay, a 60-year-old family man and photographer, who finds himself drawn to Jiah, an 18-year-old friend of his daughter. The film, inspired by Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita and the Oscar-winning American Beauty, explored themes of attraction, guilt, and the complexities of human emotions.
Director Ram Gopal Varma recently admitted that the intimate scenes between Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan were a mistake. "Audiences couldn't take it because of Mr. Bachchan's image," he said. The film's subject matter was considered too bold for its time, especially given Bachchan's status as a national icon.
Behind the Scenes
Varma explained that the film was an attempt to showcase a different side of Amitabh Bachchan, but it backfired. The intimate scenes, in particular, were seen as controversial and were panned by critics and audiences alike. Despite the backlash, Varma maintains that Nishabd is one of his most sensitive films and that Bachchan delivered one of his most complex performances.
Jiah Khan, who made her debut with this film, was praised for her confident and expressive performance. However, the film's controversial plot and subject matter overshadowed her talent, and Nishabd ended up being a box office flop.
The Impact
The controversy surrounding Nishabd didn't just affect the film's reception; it also had a personal impact on Amitabh Bachchan and his family. Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh's wife, was reportedly very tense about the film's release, concerned about how it would affect her husband's reputation.
Despite the controversy, neither Varma nor Bachchan regrets making the film. Varma believes that Nishabd was a bold experiment that pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema, even if it didn't resonate with the audience at the time.
What Do You Think?
Nishabd remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Indian cinema. It challenged norms, sparked debate, and showcased the complexities of human relationships. Whether you see it as a bold experiment or a misstep, there's no denying its impact.
What are your thoughts on Nishabd? Do you think it was ahead of its time, or was it a mistake to cast Amitabh Bachchan in such a controversial role? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don't forget to share this post with your friends who love Bollywood cinema!
Comment below and let us know your thoughts on Nishabd and its impact on Indian cinema!
```Citations
1.https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-ram-gopal-varma-calls-nishabd-controversial-for-amitabh-bachchans-image-yes-it-was-a-mistake-1398734
2.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/nishabd/articleshow/1716040.cms
3.https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-makeup-man-warned-him-jaya-bachchan-was-tensed-ram-gopal-varma-defends-nishabd-8956397/
4.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nishabd/articleshow/2611483.cms
5.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ram-gopal-varma-admits-amitabh-bachchan-and-jiah-khans-intimate-scenes-in-nishabd-were-a-mistake-audiences-couldnt-take-it-because-of-mr-bachchans-image/articleshow/125598513.cms
6.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nishabd/articleshow/1716410.cms
7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ1lkSP9lzI
8.http://indpaedia.com/ind/index.php/Amitabh_Bachchan
9.https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/jiah-khan-death-case-could-this-be-a-reason-behind-the-nishabd-actors-supposed-suicide-jiah-khan-ghost-death-reason-murder-suicide-sooraj-pancholi-276131-2015-12-08
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