Bachchanalia

Book excerpt: Bachchanalia: The Films & Memorabilia of Amitabh Bachchan by noted film writer Bhawana Somaaya and Osian's CARD (Centre for Archiving, Research and Development) is the inaugural publication of the Osian's Publishing and Design House. The book, a collector's item, for the first time ever, pays the most comprehensive visual homage to Amitabh Bachchan by representing his aura through all of the 150 odd films he has acted in, during the last forty years. The book is dedicated to the films, publicity material and memorabilia of arguably one of the greatest personalities of Indian and world cinemas. The carnival of explosive colors and dynamic designing that runs through the pages of the book brings to the reader some of the most nostalgic and iconic moments in the annals of Indian popular art and culture as well as conveys the many flavors of the Bachchan legend. In his four-decade long career Bachchan has been a witness to all the turning points in show business both on and off screen and his growing stature from an actor to a superstar is evident from his altering body language reflected in film posters over the decades. In addition to the sumptuous illustrations that make the book the first of its kind about Mr. Bachchan's life and career there is a chronological filmography embedded in the images accompanied by a brief synopses of the films. There is a brief analytical introductory section on all the role types Mr. Bachchan has played in his career to give the reader an idea of the spectrum of social roles he has successfully conveyed on the screen. Also there is a running commentary through the text consisting of snippets about significant events or incidents during the shooting of the films pertaining to the film itself or to a moment in Mr. Bachchan's life. A glance into the trials and tribulations, his relationship with his colleagues and their perception of him and his role in the history of Indian cinema make this book an inspiring, illuminating page-turner, while the images of film posters, lobbycards, showcards, gramophone record covers and song synopsis booklets from the Osian's Archive Collection make it a visual delight.