About the Book
Amitabh Bachchan As The Other by Shoma A Chatterji is not a biographical study of the actor. Beyond the persistent 'angry young man' label, Chatterji contends that Bachchan's cinematic prowess defies stereotypes, aligning him more closely with the intriguing concept of The Other. This 'Other' challenges norms, demands our attention, holds us responsible for our actions, and prompts a reconsideration of our understanding of the world. To substantiate this thesis, Chatterji meticulously examines fifteen of Bachchan's classic performances spanning two decades, from Anand to Agneepath. The other films in this study include Parwana, Zanjeer, Saudagar, Namak Haram, Abhimaan, Deewaar, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Shakti, Coolie, and Main Azaad Hoon. In the chapter titled 'Othering the Other, we witness a mellow Bachchan embracing roles he never thought possible in his youth.
About the Author
Veteran film critic, author, and film scholar Shoma A Chatterji has written thirty-two books to date, with over sixteen focusing on various aspects of Indian cinema. She is a two-time recipient of the National Award for Best Writing on Cinema, eaming the titles of Best Film Journalist of the Year in 1991 and Best Book on Cinema in 2002. Recognized for her substantial contributions to gender and cinema, Chatterji has been honoured with numerous lifetime achievement awards. Among her more popular works are insightful perspectives of notable figures such as Aparna Sen, Suchitra Sen, Bimal Roy, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, and Pramathesh Barua.
Foreword
When Shoma Chatterji requested me to write the foreword to her book, Amitabh Bachchan as The Other, I was honoured. Besides the fact that Shoma A Chatterji is an award-winning film critic, journalist, prolific writer who has authored an impressive 32 books and a fellow cinephile who I have known for several years, this also gives me an opportunity to pen a few words about the man who has been my hero since I was a child and who continues to play an unexpected but major role in my life today.
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