Long before the towering titles and box office records, Amitabh Bachchan found a lifeline in actor-producer Anwar Ali, brother of ace comedian Mehmood. Their bond began during the 1969 shoot of Saat Hindustani, sparking a friendship that weathered early rejections and uncertain streets in Bombay.
Amidst those difficult starting years, Anwar and a young Amitabh navigated the city together, even cruising in a Jaguar or returning home by local train when fuel ran out. Anwar eventually welcomed Amitabh into Mehmood’s family home, where he stayed for two years. the household sisters treated him like family, frequently cooking his favorite meals like bhindi.
When the opportunity for a breakthrough role in bombay to goa emerged, anwar stepped up to champion his friend. he took bachchan to the blow up Discotheque at the Taj Mahal hotel to demonstrate his dancing and help convince mehmood to cast him. the gamble paid off, giving Amitabh a critical stepping stone toward superstardom. The two later reunited on screen and behind the scenes when Anwar produced the 1982 film Khud-daar, featuring Amitabh Bachchan.
Decades later, their enduring connection remains a testament to loyalty and brotherhood from a time when the icon was simply a newcomer fighting for a chance.
News Edit KV Raman
