"It would be a watershed for Indian cinema."
The 1970s: Indira Gandhi had introduced the Emergency, pent-up rage was simmering among the youth of India, and the movie landscape was set to change dramatically.
Romance and abroad locations had been staples of Bollywood in the 1960s, but the following decade saw films that were more rooted in Indian realism.
While the trio of Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, and Raj Kapoor was still around, their selective work drove fans to explore newer faces.
The late 1960s had witnessed the stratospheric superstardom of Rajesh Khanna.
However, although Rajesh continued to dominate in the early 1970s, the industry saw a newcomer dominate the decade.
He was a tall, lanky actor named Amitabh Bachchan.
His ‘Angry Young Man’ persona firmly resonated with the angst of the country and whenever he appeared onscreen, auditoriums would echo with thunderous applause.
Meanwhile, behind the camera, filmmakers such as Nasir Hussain, Yash Chopra, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Ramesh Sippy reigned supreme.
The screenwriting duo, Salim-Javed, masterminded wonderful scripts which propelled legendary cinema.
DESIblitz is thrilled to share 20 Bollywood films of the 1970s that you must see.
Johny Mera Naam (1970)
Director: Vijay Anand
Stars: Dev Anand, Hema Malini, Pran, Jeevan, Prem Nath, IS Johar, Padma Khanna
Kicking off this list is the highest-grossing film of 1970 – Vijay Anand’s Johny Mera Naam.
Brothers Sohan (Dev Anand) and Mohan (Pran) witness the murder of their father while they are still children.
The brothers grow up to adopt different paths. Mohan becomes a gangster, while Sohan is a CID officer.
Sohan later goes undercover as the petty thief, Johny, and falls in love with Rekha (Hema Malini).
Johny Mera Naam expertly blends sibling separation, romance, and revelations.
It has beautiful music by Kalyanji-Anandji. One of the songs, ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye‘ was used in an episode of The Simpsons in 2006.
The film is also famous for Dev Sahab’s rapid dialogue delivery as well as catapulting Hema Malini to stardom.
Anand (1971)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Stars: Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Sumita Sanyal, Ramesh Deo, Seema Deo
While Rajesh Khanna was riding the crest with his consecutive hits, these films often presented him as a conventional romantic.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic Anand allows him to shed this image and become a more grounded character.
The titular character, Anand Seghal, has a terminal illness – lymphosarcoma of the intenstine.
Despite being at death’s door, Anand spends his remaining time in the world bringing smiles with his infectious optimism.
Along the way, he inspires the pessimistic Dr Bhasker Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan), whom Anand calls ‘Babu Moshai’.
Rajesh dazzles in Anand. For his performance, he won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actor’ in 1972.
The film is also iconic for its line: “Babu Moshai, zindagi badi honi chaiye, lambhi nahin!” (“Babu Moshai, life should be large, not long!”).
Kati Patang (1971)
Director: Shakti Samanta
Stars: Asha Parekh, Rajesh Khanna, Prem Chopra, Bindu, Nazir Hussain
Continuing with the blockbusters of Rajesh Khanna, we come to Shakti Samanta’s Kati Patang.
The film introduces us to Madhu (Asha Parekh). Heartbreaking circumstances force her to become the widow, Poonam.
Madhu also deals with her personal trauma. Her life changes when Kamal Sinha (Rajesh Khanna) enters the scene.
In the early 1970s, Asha Parekh and Rajesh Khanna were a popular onscreen pairing.
They keep their chemistry intact in Kati Patang, which is famous for RD Burman’s melodies.
Songs, including ‘Yeh Shaam Mastani,’ and ‘Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai’ remain evergreen.
For Kati Patang, Asha won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actress’ in 1972.
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
Director: Ramesh Sippy
Stars: Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar
Adapted from Dilip Kumar’s Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Seeta Aur Geeta showcases Hema Malini as the titular sisters.
Seeta is shy and non-confrontational. On the other hand, Geeta is spirited and lively.
A series of comedic events see the long-lost sisters switch places with each other.
Geeta’s vivacity captivates Dr Ravi (Sanjeev Kumar), while Raka (Dharmendra) likes Seeta’s reserved nature.
Hema proves she is a force to reckon with in this award-winning dual performance.
Russia also harbours love for this film. In 2017, Hema said:
“I assume that if I make a sequel of the film even after all these 40 years, my Russian fans will be the first ones to go and watch it.”
Pakeezah (1972)
Director: Kamal Amrohi
Stars: Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Raaj Kumar
Kamal Amrohi directs a sublime Meena Kumari as Nargis / Sahibjaan in this magnum opus.
Nargis is a courtesan who is abandoned by her lover, Shahbuddin (Ashok Kumar).
The courtesan dies while giving birth to a daughter named Sahibjaan, who becomes a talented dancer and singer.
Sahibjaan learns the pain of sacrifice and the pressure of society when she falls in love with Salim Ahmed Khan (Raaj Kumar).
Adorned with gorgeous visuals and stunning music, including Lata Mangeshkar’s ‘Chalte Chalte‘, Pakeezah is Meena Kumari at her very best.
The poetic actress died shortly after the film was released.
After her passing, Pakeezah was rereleased to screenings of sobbing fans. In 2026, the film was restored at the BFI London Film Festival.
Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972)
Director: Dev Anand
Stars: Dev Anand, Mumtaz, Zeenat Aman
After the failure of Prem Pujari (1970), Dev Anand returned to the director’s chair with Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
Influenced by Kathmandu’s hippie culture, Dev Sahab stars as Prashant Jaiswal.
Seeking to reunite with his sister, Jasbir ‘Janice’ Jaiswal (Zeenat Aman), Prashant embarks on a difficult journey.
Arriving in Kathmandu, he is shocked to find that Janice has spiralled into an unforgiving world of drug use.
Hare Rama Hare Krishna turned Zeenat into an overnight sensation, and began Dev Sahab’s penchant for producing cinema with strong social themes.
The song, ‘Dum Maaro Dum‘, by Asha Bhosle, became an anthem and remains popular.
For the film, Zeenat won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in 1973.
Bobby (1973)
Director: Raj Kapoor
Stars: Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Pran, Prem Nath
In the early 1970s, Raj Kapoor was in financial crisis after the debacle of Mera Naam Joker (1970).
He saved his career by directing Bobby, a significant turning point for Indian cinema.
Bobby is a teenage love story, which marked the adult debuts of Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.
The young couple must face parental opposition and other barriers to be together.
In Rishi Kapoor, Bobby introduces an incredible actor who would enthral for decades to come.
In an Aap Ki Adalat interview, Rishi comments: “Before Bobby, heroes and heroines were called ‘men and women.’
“After Bobby, they came to be known as ‘boys and girls.’
This shows the changing impact Bobby had on Bollywood.
Zanjeer (1973)
Director: Prakash Mehra
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Pran
Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer is a classic example of the perseverance of a struggling actor.
Before this film, Amitabh Bachchan had mostly delivered box office failures.
Zanjeer was rejected by many leading men of the time, including Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Dharmendra, Raaj Kumar, and Rajesh Khanna.
Finally, Amitabh signed the film and made all his naysayers hang their heads in shame.
Gritty, real, and angry, Zanjeer perfectly captured the suppressed anger of India following the Emergency period.
Amitabh’s career prospects improved and a new superstar was slowly coming into focus. Rajesh Khanna had officially lost his crown.
The line, “Yeh police station hai – tumhare baap ka ghar nahin.” (“This is a police station – not your father’s house.”) is still remembered fondly.
Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
Director: Nasir Hussain
Stars: Dharmendra, Vijay Arora, Tariq Khan, Zeenat Aman, Neetu Singh
Want to know where the ‘masala’ formula began in Bollywood? You will find the answer in Nasir Hussain’s Yaadon Ki Baaraat.
The film narrates the story of three brothers who get separated in childhood.
One of them, Shankar (Dharmendra), is determined to find his brothers and avenge the murders of his parents.
This movie is a procession of music, revenge, and memories.
In Yaadon Ki Baaraat, superstar Aamir Khan made his first film appearance, as a child artist in a song.
A review of the movie states: “This film is great fun from start to finish with all the masala elements that one expects from a film like this – romance, action, comedy and melodrama.”
Watch Yaadon Ki Baaraat for a nostalgic yet entertaining time!
Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)
Director: Manoj Kumar
Stars: Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee
Manoj Kumar, otherwise known as the patriotic ‘Bharat Kumar’, directs this action-drama.
In a time when India’s economy was questionable, this film highlighting the importance of food, clothes, and shelter, was a smash hit.
Manoj also stars in the film as Bharat, who struggles to provide for his family.
This proves to be a hindrance in his relationship with his girlfriend, Sheetal (Zeenat Aman).
A frustrated and neglected Sheetal finds herself drawn to Mohan Babu (Shashi Kapoor).
Elsewhere, will Bharat manage to avoid the temptation of crime and overcome his poverty honestly?
Aside from being a blockbuster, the film is notable for being the first collaboration between Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.
For Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Manoj won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Director’ in 1975.
Deewaar (1975)
Director: Yash Chopra
Stars: Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi
Salim-Javed write this historic film which is brought to life by the blue-chip director Yash Chopra.
Inspired from Gunga Jumna (1961), Deewaar remains a landmark for Bollywood in the 1970s.
The film tells the gut-wrenching story of brothers Ravi Verma (Shashi Kapoor) and Vijay Verma (Amitabh Bachchan).
Poverty takes them in opposing directions. While Ravi becomes a respected police officer, Vijay turns into a wanted criminal.
Thus, a wall is erected in the family. A key part of the film is the brothers’ relationship with their mother, Sumitra Verma (Nirupa Roy).
Shashi’s iconic dialogue, “Mere paas maa hai!” (“I have a mother!”) encapsulates this bond vigorously.
Amitabh’s plane was soaring from Zanjeer. It became even higher with Deewaar. But that was still only just the beginning.
Sholay (1975)
Director: Ramesh Sippy
Stars: Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan
In another legendary collaboration between Salim-Javed and Amitabh Bachchan, we come to Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay.
Revered as one of the greatest Indian movies ever made, Sholay is about the policeman, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar).
To get revenge on the ruthless dacoit, Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan), Thakur recruits the convicts and best friends, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra).
Decorated with timeless music, iconic scenes, and everlasting dialogues, Sholay finds new fans in each generation.
Karan Johar calls the film “a textbook of Indian cinema”, in recognition of its exquisite balance of romance, action, emotion, and music.
Amitabh says: “Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. Sholay is one such film.
“Shooting for the film was an unforgettable experience, but at the time I had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema.”
For someone looking to be introduced to Bollywood, Sholay is the ultimate choice.
Chupke Chupke (1975)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Stars: Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan
Hrishikesh Mukerjee’s rib-tickling Chupke Chupke follows a love square between its four principal characters.
The film features Dharmendra (Parimal Tripathi / Pyare Mohan Illahabadi) and Amitabh Bachchan (Sukumar ‘Kumar’ Sinha).
Their respective love interests are Sharmila Tagore (Sulekha Tripathi) and Vasudha Sinha (Jaya Bachchan).
Amitabh proves he is great at comedy as well as action. His chemistry with his co-stars is unique and gratifying.
A Medium writer, Harleen Kaur, gushes: “The film might feel slow in the beginning.
“But if you stay with it, the light humour and simple jokes slowly make you smile.
“Personally, I have always loved how Hrishi Da had this magical way of finding comedy in everyday life.
“He captured life at its simplest.”
Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
Director: Yash Chopra
Stars: Waheeda Rehman, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh
Yash Chopra’s multi-generational romance, Kabhi Kabhie, presents Amitabh Bachchan through a different lens.
In this film, he is not the ‘Angry Young Man’. Rather, he is the romantic poet, Amit Malhotra.
Amit and Pooja Khanna (Raakhee) deeply love each other, underscored by Mukesh’s evergreen song, ‘Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein‘.
The lovers are shattered when they must marry Anjali Malhotra (Waheeda Rehman) and Vijay Khanna (Shashi Kapoor), respectively.
As deep bonds and painful relationships travel down to Vikram ‘Vicky’ Khanna (Rishi Kapoor) and Pinky Kapoor (Neetu Singh), will unfulfilled love ever be able to find its goal?
Apart from its iconic actors, Kabhi Kabhie is a testament to the craft of Yash Chopra.
Although they were in production simultaneously, he could do equal justice to a heartfelt romance like Kabhi Kabhie and a gritty drama like Deewaar.
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Director: Manmohan Desai
Stars: Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Neetu Singh, Parveen Babi, Nirupa Roy, Pran
Manmohan Desai’s Amar Akbar Anthony upholds the theme of separated brothers marvellously well.
We meet Amar Khanna (Vinod Khanna), Akbar Ilahabadi (Rishi Kapoor), and Anthony Gonsalves (Amitabh Bachchan).
They live different lives, but will fate bring them back together.
The film is filled with memorable moments, including Amitabh’s famous lines, which are hilariously nonsensical.
Emerging from a Easter Egg, he rambles:
“You see, the whole country of the system is juxtapositioned by the haemoglobin in the atmosphere, because you are a sophisticated rhetorician intoxicated with the exuberance of your own verbosity.”
The film is also significant for its unforgettable music, including famous qawwalis by Mohammad Rafi.
For the song, ‘Humko Tumse‘, Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, and Kishore Kumar sang together for the only time.
Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Director: Nasir Hussain
Stars: Rishi Kapoor, Tariq Khan, Kaajal Kiran, Amjad Khan, Kamal Kapoor
Nasir Hussain’s Hum Kisise Kum Naheen is another gem from the filmmaker’s tapestry of musical capers.
The film is about Rajesh (Rishi Kapoor), whose fortune is tied to a consignment of diamonds.
But after Seth Kishorilal (Kamal Kapoor) hides the diamonds, will Rajesh ever find what is rightfully his?
Rajesh must also win the heart of Kajal Kishorilal (Kaajal Kiran), unaware that her love already belongs to Sanjay Kumar (Tariq Khan).
RD Burman outdoes himself with the soundtrack. ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ by Kishore Kumar is a winner all the way.
And for his soul-stirring rendition of ‘Kya Hua Tera Waada‘, Mohammad Rafi won a National Award in 1977.
In an interview, Kunal Kohli says: “Nasir Hussain’s fame might go, but his memory and name will never go.”
That is evident in Hum Kisise Kum Naheen.
Don (1978)
Director: Chandra Barot
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Pran, Iftekhar
Amitabh Bachchan plays two characters in this racy thriller – the titular gangster and his lookalike, Vijay.
After the wanted gangster dies in a shooting, DSP D’Silva (Iftekhar) recruits Vijay to impersonate Don.
Meanwhile, Roma (Zeenat Aman) wants revenge against Don for murdering her brother and his fiancee.
With the police unaware of Don’s death, will Vijay be caught in a trap?
Don introduced pure thrill and hair-raising adventure to the 1970s.
For his splendid performance, Amitabh won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actor’ in 1979.
In 2006, Farhan Akhtar upheld the movie’s legacy by remaking it with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.
Trishul (1978)
Director: Yash Chopra
Stars: Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Raakhee, Poonam Dhillon, Sachin
In Trishul, Amitabh Bachchan and Yash Chopra reunite for a harrowing family drama.
After Raj Kumar ‘RK’ Gupta (Sanjeev Kumar) abandons Shanti (Waheeda Rehman), the latter raises his son, Vijay Kumar Gupta (Amitabh Bachchan) single-handedly.
When Shanti dies, the loss hardens Vijay, and he swears revenge on his illegitimate father.
Vijay becomes a constructionist, putting him in direct competition with RK’s company.
In his quest for revenge, Vijay bonds with his half-brother Shekhar Kumar Gupta (Shashi Kapoor) and Geeta (Raakhee).
Hard-hitting, heartbreaking, and entertaining, Trishul was one of the biggest money-spinners of the 1970s.
Sanjeev is particularly remarkable as RK. His natural talent for portraying older characters shines like never before.
Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978)
Director: Raj Kapoor
Stars: Shashi Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Padmini Kolhapure
In the 1970s, Raj Kapoor prioritised direction over acting.
After Bobby, his next offering as a director in the decade was Satyam Shivam Sundaram.
Tackling the topic of inner and outer beauty, the film showcases a daring and bold Zeenat Aman (Roopa).
Due to a childhood accident, Roopa’s face is scarred.
Things get even messier when the handsome Rajeev (Shashi Kapoor), who can’t stand ugliness, falls for Roopa, unaware of her appearance.
How long will Roopa keep up a facade to keep hold of Rajeev’s heart, and will Rajeev overcome his shallowness and embrace the power of spiritual beauty?
Interestingly, both Zeenat and Shashi were not the original choices for their respective roles.
But when we see the film now, we can’t imagine anyone other than them.
Mr Natwarlal (1979)
Director: Rakesh Kumar
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Ajit, Kader Khan, Amjad Khan
Justice becomes a maze of confusion for Natwar (Amitabh Bachchan) in this film.
Although his brother clears his name against the concoction of Vikram Singh (Amjad Khan), the latter retaliates, disillusioning Natwar.
Natwar grows up to be the titular conman, who seeks revenge against Vikram.
Using the fake persona of Avtaar Singh, Natwar falls in love with Shanno (Rekha).
A Robin Hood-style revenge fantasy, Mr Natwarlal sees Amitabh lives up to his stardom in the 1970s.
The film benefits from a fantastic score by Rajesh Roshan, who created the catchy number, ‘Mere Paas Aao‘.
This song marked Amitabh’s debut in playback singing, and he went on to charm the audience in many more songs to come.
It is truly a special film in more ways than one.
The 1970s is a unique chapter in Bollywood.
Along with presenting stories that are more resonant with the masses, it also holds true to Indian cinema’s classic roots of music and romance.
These films are created by talented filmmakers and performed by amazing actors.
Other great films from this decade include Dharam Veer (1977), Aan Milo Sajna (1970), and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), to name a few.
Although Amitabh Bachchan was the most dominant star of this era, the 1970s was rich with diverse talent and genuine storytelling.
What are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn and get lost in both the grit and romance of the 1970s in Bollywood.
