In a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, Amitabh Bachchan shared an amusing and somewhat dangerous incident from the shooting of the popular song Sara Zamana from the 1981 movie Yaarana. Known for his love of storytelling, Big B delighted the audience and contestant Swapna Chaturvedi with a surprising revelation about how he endured electric shocks while shooting the iconic song.
Shooting Amidst Thousands: A Chaotic Day at Netaji Subhash Chandra Stadium
During the show, Amitabh Bachchan recounted how the idea to film the song in Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Stadium was his own. The stadium had just opened at that time, and its massive structure seemed like the perfect location for a grand shoot. However, what the team didn’t anticipate was the overwhelming crowd that would gather to watch the superstar in action.
Bachchan revealed that though the stadium had a seating capacity of around 15,000, nearly 50,000 to 60,000 people showed up, leading to chaotic scenes. The crowd was so large and uncontrollable that the crew had to halt filming and clear the space. The team finally decided to continue the shoot at night, hoping to avoid more crowds. With candles placed in the audience area to simulate a full stadium, the shoot finally resumed successfully under the cover of darkness.
The Electric Jacket: A High-Voltage Dance Routine
One of the most iconic elements of Sara Zamana is the dazzling light-up jacket that Amitabh Bachchan wore. During the episode, the actor shared how rudimentary technology was at the time. The jacket was rigged with electric lights, all of which were powered by a series of wires that were attached to his body and connected to a switchboard through his feet.
The veteran actor humorously recalled how, as soon as the power flowed into the lights, he began to receive electric shocks. The shocks were so intense that he ended up dancing, not because of the choreography, but because of the constant jolts of electricity running through him. What appeared to be a smooth and energetic performance to the audience was actually Bachchan trying to cope with the unexpected “shock therapy” mid-performance.
A True Performer: Amitabh’s Dedication
Despite the dangers involved, Amitabh Bachchan carried on with the shoot, demonstrating his dedication as an actor. His performance in Sara Zamana became one of the most memorable moments in Bollywood history. To this day, the song is beloved by fans, with many unaware of the behind-the-scenes challenges that Big B faced.
The incident, as recounted on KBC 16, added a whole new layer of appreciation for the iconic song. The fans were left entertained and impressed by the actor’s dedication and ability to laugh at the challenges that came his way.
