For which film did Amitabh actually get electrocuted?

Amitabh Bachchan, often referred to as the "Emperor of Bollywood," has had an illustrious career filled with unforgettable performances. Yet, one of the most memorable behind-the-scenes stories he has shared over the years involves an electric shock during the shooting of the song 'Sara Zamana Hosseinun Ka Deewana' from the 1981 film Yarana. Bachchan recently recalled this incident during an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (Season 16), giving fans a glimpse into the challenges faced by actors in the early days of Bollywood cinema.

The Legendary 'Sara Zamana' Song

The song 'Sara Zamana Hosseinun Ka Deewana' is an iconic number from the 1981 Bollywood movie Yarana, which starred Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. The song became a sensation not just for its catchy tune but also for the unique wardrobe choice that Bachchan wore during the performance—a jacket lined with electric lights. This outfit was unlike anything seen in Bollywood at the time, making the song a visual spectacle.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Iconic Electric Jacket

The Electric Jacket, as it is now famously called, was a groundbreaking creation for its time. The jacket was covered in small bulbs that lit up as Amitabh performed. However, due to the limitations of technology in the 1980s, this jacket required a direct connection to electricity to operate. The lights were controlled through wires attached to the actor's body, which led to an unexpected and shocking turn of events during the shoot.

The Electrocution Incident

Amitabh Bachchan revealed that during the filming of the song at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Stadium, he was unintentionally electrocuted multiple times. The team chose to shoot the song at night to avoid the large crowds that would gather during the day.

In a candid moment on Kaun Banega Crorepati, Amitabh explained, "The lights on the jacket were connected to a wire that was directly linked to the electricity, and I had wrapped the entire string of lights around my body."

He further shared that while dancing, he was constantly getting shocked due to the faulty wiring. "As soon as the electricity went on, I started dancing, not because I wanted to, but because I was getting electric shocks," he humorously recalled.

Technology of the Time

The early 1980s were a time of limited technological advancement in the film industry, especially in India. The dazzling visual effect of Bachchan’s electric jacket required manual connections and physical wires, unlike today's wireless and remote-controlled systems. The bulky design and direct connection to electricity made it both innovative and hazardous.

Amitabh’s story serves as a reminder of how far film technology has come, making such feats much safer and more seamless for today's actors.

Amitabh’s Sense of Humor Amid the Shocks

Despite the challenges, Amitabh Bachchan managed to maintain his characteristic sense of humor. The veteran actor laughed as he recounted how the shocks made him dance involuntarily, adding an unintended authenticity to his energetic performance in the song.

Over the years, Bachchan has shared several anecdotes about his on-set experiences, but the story of 'Sara Zamana' and the electric jacket remains a fan favorite.

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Conclusion

Amitabh Bachchan’s story of getting electrocuted while shooting the iconic song 'Sara Zamana' is a testament to the dedication and challenges faced by actors, especially during the early days of cinema. Despite the hardships, Bachchan managed to deliver a performance that is still celebrated today. His ability to maintain a sense of humor about the incident only further endears him to his fans.

As technology continues to evolve, such incidents are a reminder of the grit and determination required to bring larger-than-life performances to the screen in an era when filmmaking was not as advanced as it is today.