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This article was first published 12 years ago

Amitabh Bachchan's Ten Favourite Films

Last updated on: September 20, 2012 12:54 IST

Image: Clark Gable and Viviene Leigh in Gone With The Wind
Subhash K Jha in Patna

Amitabh Bachchan, who turns a glorious 70 next month.

Amitabh Bachchan has given us some awesome movies over the years. But which films has the Big B loved himself?

The actor, who turns 70 next month, lists his all-time Top 10 movies. Take a look.

1. Gone With The Wind 

About this Hollywood classic, Bachchan says, "It was a novel of epic proportions. The exquisite performances, especially (actress) Vivien Leigh, made the screen adaptation even more grand.

"It's the finest interpretation from book to film I've ever seen."

2. Kagaz Ke Phool

Image: Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt in Kagaz Ke Phool

Guru Dutt's 1959 film that was resurrected in the 1980s as a world cinema cult classic figures at number two in the actor's list.

"The film's incredibly poignant theme, lingering visuals, music and performances stand out," Bachchan says.

"Also, Waheeda (Rahman)ji, she's my favourite," he adds.

3. Black

Image: Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan in Black

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2005 film Black comes third on the top 10 list.

The Big B, who also stars in the film, describes the film as life-changing, "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 Nuremburg

Image: A scene from Judgment At Nuremburg

The 1961 American drama that deals with the Holocaust figures at number four in the Big B's list.

He says about the film, "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 cameo."

5. Scarface

Image: Al Pacino in Scarface

Brian De Palma's 1983 epic crime drama Scarface starring the legendary Al Pacino in a memorable role makes the cut too.

"The brilliant performance of Al Pacino elevated this ganagster epic to the level of a quasi-classic," Bachchan says.

6. The Godfather 1, 2 and 3

Image: Movie poster of The Godfather

The Big B is as taken by Mario Puzo's classic tale of a Sicilian ganglord as the rest of the world.

In his words, it's "a complete classic."

He further says, "I loved all three parts of the film -- the growth of the film, its characters, the premise, the presentation and above all, Marlon Brando's towering performance. The trilogy is so engrossing."

7. Ganga Jamuna

Image: Vyjayantimala and Dilip Kumar in Ganga Jamuna

This 1961 dacoit drama, starring his acting idol Dilip Kumar, figures in his all time favourite list too.

He pegs it as Dilip Kumar greatest performance ever. He says, "The setting, story... everything was unusual and trendsetting."

8. Anupama

Image: Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore in Anupama

Hrishikesh's 1966 film, starring his Sholay costar Dharmendra, takes up the eighth spot on his list.

He says, "I just love the softness and simplicity of the film and its understated performances. It had a lyrical quality about it. This was a film by one of favourite directors."

9. On the Waterfront

Image: A scene from On the Waterfront

A 1954 American film, On The Waterfront deals with union violence and stars one of Big B's favourite actors, Marlon Brando.

According to him, Brando was at his best in the film. He says, "It was 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

Image: Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean in Giant
About this 1956 film starring two Hollywood legends -- Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean -- the Big B says, "Absolute dynamite, this film had the ultimate story and casting... and that wonder called James Dean."