In the glittering world of Bollywood, few partnerships have left an indelible mark like that of director Manmohan Desai and superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Their collaboration birthed some of the most iconic films of the 1970s and 1980s, films that continue to captivate audiences with their high drama, unforgettable songs, and larger-than-life storytelling.
The bond between Desai and Bachchan transcended the typical director-actor dynamic, evolving into a profound friendship built on mutual trust and respect. A poignant moment that exemplifies this unbreakable connection occurred during the grand success party for their blockbuster ‘Amar Akbar Anthony.’ In a heartfelt declaration, Desai looked into Bachchan’s eyes and vowed, ‘You might leave me someday, but I will never leave you.’
Born on February 26, 1937, in Mumbai, Manmohan Desai started his journey in cinema as a humble assistant director. He quickly grasped the pulse of the masses, crafting a string of massive hits in the ’70s and ’80s. Movies like ‘Amar Akbar Anthony,’ ‘Dharam Veer,’ ‘Chacha Bhatija,’ and ‘Parvarish’ not only smashed box-office records but also defined an era of masala entertainment.
‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ marked the beginning of their golden partnership. The film’s roaring success at the box office solidified their alliance, with Desai publicly committing to Bachchan as his leading man for future ventures. True to his word, Desai cast Bachchan in nearly all his subsequent films, including ‘Suhag,’ ‘Naseeb,’ ‘Desh Premee,’ ‘Coolie,’ ‘Mard,’ and ‘Ganga Jamuna Saraswati.’ Each of these delivered spectacular results, cementing Bachchan’s status as the angry young man and Desai as the master of crowd-pleasing spectacles.
In interviews, Desai often referred to Bachchan as the soul of his films, crediting the star’s charisma for their triumphs. Bachchan, in turn, has frequently acknowledged Desai’s role in propelling his career to stratospheric heights.
Tragically, Manmohan Desai passed away on March 1, 1994, after falling from his balcony. Yet, the legendary bond he shared with Amitabh Bachchan endures as a timeless chapter in Bollywood history, inspiring generations of filmmakers and stars.