KBC 17: Javed Akhtar and Farhan honour Amitabh Bachchan’s cinematic journey on his birthday

Farhan Akhtar with father Javed Akhtar; (right) Amitabh Bachchan

Ahead of Amitabh Bachchan's 83rd birthday on October 11, the team of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 17 shot a special episode marking his big day. Choosing the celebrity guests for the episode was easy - Javed Akhtar, who, along with screenwriter Salim Khan, gave the megastar the ‘Angry Young Man' image through their films, and his son Farhan Akhtar, who remade Bachchan's Don (1978).

Filmed earlier this week, the episode was a heartwarming celebration filled with anecdotes and nostalgia. A source revealed, "Javed saab played a pivotal role in shaping Bachchan's career. The veteran writer told the audience how Salim Khan and he first envisioned the ‘Angry Young Man', and chronicled Bachchan's rise to the cinematic legend that he is today. One of the highlights was when the actor, on Farhan's request, performed a dialogue from Zanjeer [1973]."

A surprise act was when the makers played video messages from the megastar's schoolmates. "There was another poignant moment when an audio clip of his late mother Teji Bachchan was played. It moved the host to tears," added the source. Pleased that they could celebrate Bachchan's birthday in a meaningful way, KBC director Arun Sheshkumar said, "It wasn't just a celebration; it was a symphony of memories, laughter, and respect."

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Movies Amitabh Bachchan and Javed Akhtar collaborated on