Amitabh Bachchan and Jeetendra, towering figures of Indian cinema, collaborated only once in the 1973 film Gehri Chaal, directed and produced by C. V. Sridhar under the Chithrakala Pictures banner. The film, which also starred the celebrated Hema Malini, marked a unique moment in cinema history, as fans saw these two luminaries share the screen. Bachchan’s career, which famously gained momentum with the blockbuster Zanjeer, found an intriguing intersection with Jeetendra’s, leaving fans wondering what might have been if their on-screen teaming had been more frequent.
Gehri Chaal centers around a suspense-filled storyline involving the mysterious death of Dharamchand, Chairman of Olympic Bank, who leaves behind a suicide note implicating him in financial fraud. The plot thickens as his son Ratan conceals this note, only to be ensnared by blackmailers who force him into committing a robbery. Meanwhile, Hema, who plays a significant role, witnesses the crime, leading to a tense investigation helmed by CBI officer Sagar. The intricate plot and the captivating performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Jeetendra elevated the film, prompting a Tamil remake titled Vaira Nenjam in 1975.
The tale behind Gehri Chaal is as compelling as its narrative. Salim-Javed, the storied screenwriting duo, had encountered Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of Anand, where his undeniable talent was evident despite less successful previous ventures. It was in these early days that Salim-Javed earmarked Bachchan for the role in Zanjeer, a decision pivotal to his career. Javed Akhtar recounted, “So, one day, I found his phone number and called him… I will narrate the script to you, and I will also have you meet the producer, but please don’t discuss any terms and discussions with the producer, just blindly do the film.” These words underscored their belief in Bachchan’s capabilities, catalyzing his ascent to fame.
Javed Akhtar further elaborated on the importance of this period, stating, “With or without Zanjeer, Amitabh Bachchan would have surely become successful in one or the other way. It is not possible to waste a talent like him.” It was during his filming of Gehri Chaal with Jeetendra and Hema Malini that Prakash Mehra finalized Bachchan’s involvement in Zanjeer, setting the stage for one of Bollywood’s most significant partnerships.
The collaboration, although fleeting, left an indelible mark. Fans today continue to marvel at this singular union of talent, wondering what new heights Bollywood might have reached had these leading men appeared together more often. Gehri Chaal stands as a testament to the cinematic allure of the 1970s, reflecting the era’s storytelling complexity and the power of star-led narratives.
As Amitabh Bachchan’s trajectory soared post-Zanjeer, Gehri Chaal remains a fascinating chapter in his journey, a precursor to the legend he would become. This sole collaboration with Jeetendra does more than entertain; it encapsulates a moment when two of the era’s brightest stars flickered together, illuminating the path that would soon lead Bachchan to unparalleled stardom.
