Amitabh Bachchan’s 10 favourite films

By Subhash K Jha

Amitabh Bachchan tells Subhash K. Jha what his 10 favourite films are and why:

1: Gone With The Wind: Great novel, epic proportions, exquisite performances especially that of  Vivien Leigh, grand saga, finest interpretation from book to film I’ve ever seen.

2: Kaagaz Ke Phool: Poignant and incredible theme, most lingering visuals, music, performances and the ethereal Waheedaji. She’s my favourite.

3: Black: The  film changed my life. It connected me with feelings that I didn’t know existed within me. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is an absolute magician on screen.

4: Judgement At Nuremberg: I have always had a fascination for films about the Nazis and World War II. This was a film on the courtroom trial for the war crimes. I remember it mainly for the excellent and haunting performance of Montgomery Clift in a small cameo.

5: Scarface: The  brilliant performance of Al Pacino elevated this gangster epic to the level of a quasi-classic.

6: Godfather I/II/III:  A complete classic…loved all three parts…the growth of the film, its characters, the premise, the naturalness of the presentation and, above all, Marlon Brando’s towering performance. The trilogy is so engrossing…everything perfect about it.

7: Ganga Jamuna: Dilip Kumar Sahib’s greatest performance ever…the  setting, story, everything was unusual and trend setting.

8: Anupama: I just love the softness and simplicity of the film, its unexaggerated performances. It had a lyrical quality about it. This was a film by one of my favourite directors Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

9: On the Waterfront: Dynamic story, Brando at his best, so real and compelling, like The Godfather, this film  created huge stars out of even those who played small and seemingly insignificant roles.

10: Giant: Absolute dynamite, the ultimate story and casting… and that wonder called James Dean.