"I was in awe of him."
Amitabh Bachchan is one of Indian cinema’s legendary and most loved actors.
He eclipses every frame and towers over each scene. His baritone voice echoes with a deep ferocity when delivering dialogues.
Amitabh has dominated Bollywood for over five decades with his fantastic movies and memorable characters.
However, the actor is also a skilled and talented dancer.
Some of the dances pictured on him make for the most entertaining iconography on the silver screen.
So, join DESIblitz as we delve into 12 fun Bollywood dance sequences featuring Amitabh Bachchan at his best.
My Name is Anthony Gonsalves – Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Kicking off our list is a thoroughly entertaining sequence from Manmohan Desai’s classic, Amar Akbar Anthony.
In ‘My Name is Anthony Gonsalves’, the titular character (Amitabh) bursts out of an Easter Egg.
Sporting a top hat and a suit, Anthony tries to woo the luscious Jenny (Parveen Babi).
Amitabh’s footwork, his control over the choreography, and his expressions make this routine a treat to watch.
Although Amar Akbar Anthony is filled with many charming moments, it is most remembered for this song.
Amitabh’s comedic performance in the dance sequence ensured that the film became the classic it is.
Khaike Paan Banaraswala – Don (1978)
Millions of fans remember Chandra Barot’s Don for this iconic dance sequence.
In the routine, while on the run from the police, Vijay (Amitabh) prances around chewing betel leaves while impressing an amused Roma (Zeenat Aman).
Amitabh’s son Abhishek Bachchan was a child when Don was released.
Amitabh took inspiration from the moves of his son when performing this number.
Not many know that this song became the saving grace of Don which was originally released without it.
The original print did not do well and Chandra was advised to add a fun song to add some relief.
‘Khaike Paan Banaraswala’ does exactly that. The song was recreated in Farhan Akhtar’s Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006).
The renewed version features Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. However, nobody did it better than Amitabh Bachchan.
Jo Soche Jo Chaahe – Do Aur Do Paanch (1980)
‘Jo Soche Jo Chaahe’ is a fast-paced rollercoaster of a number that rests entirely on Amitabh’s shoulders.
In Do Aur Do Paanch, Amitabh plays Vijay/Ram. This song shows him dancing energetically with Shalu (Hema Malini) and Anju Sharma (Parveen Babi).
Meanwhile, an irritated Sunil/Lakshman (Shashi Kapoor) watches on.
Amitabh does full justice to the song as he leaps, hops, and struts through the number.
Kishore Kumar’s rapping and yodelling increase the warmth of the chartbuster.
Amitabh’s dance compliments Kishore Da’s voice perfectly.
A comment on YouTube reads: “Amitabh Bachchan is my favourite hero. He is a superstar also.”
This shows the greatness of Amitabh in ‘Jo Soche Jo Chaahe’.
Rang Barse – Silsila (1981)
Yash Chopra’s Silsila is as much remembered for its melodious songs as it is for its controversial story of extramarital love.
The film shows Amit Malhotra (Amitabh) and Chandni (Rekha) rekindling their old romance and cheating on their respective spouses.
While intoxicated at a Holi celebration, Amit inadvertently makes their affair public when he and Chandni dance intimately together.
‘Rang Barse’ shows the couple dancing excitedly as Dr VK Anand (Sanjeev Kumar) and Shobha Malhotra (Jaya Bachchan) stare at them with disappointment and disgust.
While the scene of the song is questionable, what cannot be denied is Amitabh’s enthusiastic movement.
‘Rang Barse’ benefits greatly from the superb chemistry between Amitabh and Rekha.
The steps in unison, performed with startling accuracy are a testament to this.
Any Holi celebration is incomplete without ‘Rang Barse’.
Mere Angne Mein – Laawaris (1981)
This original number features Amitabh Bachchan (Heera) in drag.
Heera dresses according to the verses in the song. He sings about a woman who is fair-skinned, dark-skinned, fat, tall, and short.
‘Mere Angne Mein’ has a key focus on Amitabh’s footwork which he nails with precision and professionalism.
Since the release of the film, Amitabh has performed the number onstage several times.
In the routines, he often invites women onto the stage to join him in a resplendent display of dance.
What makes the song even more special is that the actor sings the number himself.
‘Mere Angne Mein’ showcases Amitabh Bachchan at his singing, dancing, and acting best.
For that, it will never be forgotten.
Ke Pag Ghungroo – Namak Halaal (1982)
Clad in a turban and kurta, Amitabh Bachchan (Arjun Singh) dances merrily singing about a girl wearing anklets.
This upbeat song won Kishore Kumar a Filmfare ‘Best Male Playback Singer’ award in 1983.
Amitabh glides and swings across the hall, using his arms and hands as methods of enhancement.
A user on YouTube praises Amitabh in ‘Ke Pag Ghungroo’:
“Amitabh has just nailed it. From the image of an angry young man to dancing with this passion shows what class of an actor he is.”
During an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Amitabh reminisced about filming the dance sequence:
“I can’t express what I went through while working on that song.
“The dance teachers were very strict when telling me what to do. I was in a bad state.”
That certainly isn’t suggested in ‘Ke Pag Ghungroo’, which is rightfully one of Amitabh Bachchan’s finest acts.
Jumma Chumma – Hum (1991)
‘Jumma Chumma’ is an energetic routine that stars Amitabh as Shekhar Malhotra/Tiger.
Shekhar begs Jumalina ‘Jumma’ Gonsalves (Kimi Katkar) for a kiss.
Amitabh dances with force and fervour, living up to the character name of Tiger.
Interestingly, before Hum was released, Amitabh performed ‘Jumma Chumma’ with Sridevi. The year was 1990.
This built up anticipation for the song to show on the big screen and when it did, it became a signature sequence of Amitabh Bachchan.
In 1992, The choreographer Chinni Prakash won a Filmfare Award for his work on the song. Chinni recalls Jaya Bachchan’s reaction to a step in ‘Jumma Chumma’:
“When we saw the song after editing, Jaya Bachchan was also present and she was happy to see that step.
“She said, ‘This is the best step, people will not forget this’.
“Jaya Ji felt the hook step would become a hit. Even if Amitabh was not really okay with the hook step, it was Jaya Ji who said the hook step would be remembered by everyone even in the upcoming eras.
“She even asked Amitabh Bachchan to retain the hook step in the song.”
Say Shava Shava – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was one of the first films to feature Amitabh as a character actor.
He plays Yashvardhan Raichand. ‘Say Shava Shava’ features Yashvardhan at a party with his family.
The song also includes Nandini Raichand (Jaya Bachchan), Rahul Raichand (Shah Rukh Khan) and Naina (Rani Mukerji).
Amitabh gives Shah Rukh a run for his money in the routine which demands a lot of energy and infectious enthusiasm.
‘Say Shava Shava’ indicates that Amitabh is just as entertaining in character roles as he used to be in his leading parts.
The song was criticised for its alleged overuse of Punjabi but Amitabh’s routine is remarkable to watch.
He holds his own against the younger lot of actors who were arguably more popular with the audience.
Holi Khele Raghuveera – Baghban (2003)
Returning to the theme of Holi celebrations, we arrive at this captivating routine from Ravi Chopra’s Baghban.
‘Holi Khele Raghuveera’ depicts Raj Malhotra (Amitabh) and his wife Pooja Malhotra (Hema Malini) celebrating Holi with their family.
They include their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.
Amitabh is jolly, eccentric, and enthusiastic in the dance. As he playfully throws colours on his wife and sons, one would not believe that the actor was in his sixties.
Some of the lyrics in the song go: “My age might be advanced, but my heart is still young!”
That is evident in the choreography of ‘Holi Khele Raghuveera’ which Amitabh handles with expertise.
Title Song – Bol Bachchan (2012)
Amitabh Bachchan makes a special appearance purely for this sequence.
In Rohit Shetty’s comedic film, Bol Bachchan, Ajay Devgn (Prithviraj Raghuvanshi) and Abhishek Bachchan (Abbas Ali) are the main players.
They also appear in the song.
However, Amitabh makes himself one to remember despite only being in the film for this song that plays over the opening credits.
He dances with equal talent to the other younger actors and one step in the routine with women underlines his playful youth.
Speaking highly of Amitabh, Rohit Shetty gushes: “Though I have worked with him in Bol Bachchan, I want to work with him again.
“I was in awe of him.”
This awe was felt by the viewers as well when they saw Amitabh’s performance in the title song.
A fan comments: “The energy level of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan even at this old age is truly astonishing.”
Badumbaaa – 102 Not Out (2018)
Umesh Shukla’s 102 Not Out is a charming and fun-filled father-son drama. The film reunited Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor together onscreen after 27 years.
In the movie, the 102-year-old carefree Dattatraya Vakharia (Amitabh) wants to send his 75-year-old grumpy son Babulal Vakharia (Rishi) to an old age home.
‘Badumbaaa’ plays over the film’s ending credits, underscoring this peculiar relationship.
The veteran actors are funny, full of energy, and boisterous. Amitabh’s footwork and rhythm are a joy to witness.
Notably, ‘Badumbaaa’ was originally not a part of the film. However, Amitabh insisted on a song pictured on him and Rishi.
Thus, ‘Badumbaaa’ was composed by Amitabh himself and he and Rishi also lent their vocals to it.
The dance is great and a memorable end to such a beautiful film.
Vashmalle – Thugs of Hindostan (2018)
Thugs of Hindostan is the first film to star Amitabh Bachchan (Khudabaksh ‘Azaad’ Jhaazi) and Aamir Khan (Firangi Mallah) together onscreen.
‘Vashmalle’ gives the audience a hotly anticipated dose of the pair’s chemistry.
The sequence showcases Khudabaksh and Firangi dancing happily together.
Speaking about the dance, Aamir says: “I figured that this is my one chance to dance with Mr Bachchan, so I’m going to have the time of my life!”
Amitabh matches his steps and his energy with the younger Aamir. This song becomes one of the most popular sequences with male duos.
Thugs of Hindostan did not do well at the box office but ‘Vashmalle’ is a great visual sequence that deserves to be celebrated.
During his extensive career, Amitabh Bachchan has undeniably proven himself as a wonderful actor.
However, he is also one of the best dancers the industry has ever seen.
That is obvious in his many dance sequences that never fail to entertain and enthral the audience.
Nobody will blame you for being enchanted with Amitabh’s acting.
But when a dance sequence of his comes before you, do not underestimate him.
Feel free to get up and shake a leg with the ultimate legend, Amitabh Bachchan.
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