Anand

…his masterpiece, the emotionally engrossing Anand (1971), featuring gripping performances by Bollywood heartthrob Rajesh Khanna and emerging star Amitabh Bachchan. Anand represents the epitome of Mukherjee’s mature style; technical flourishes and camera tricks are absent, and his direction emphasizes pure narrative.

…films such as Aradhana (1969), Anand (1971), and Kati Patang (1971; “The Severed Kite”) and set the template for the modern Bollywood icon. The baton was passed in the ’70s to Amitabh Bachchan, whose epochal career redefined the film industry in several ways, including popularizing a new kind of action…

…Awards for his performance in Anand (1971). The early years of his career were marked by the box-office failure of such films as Sanjog (1971; “Coincidence”), Bansi Birju (1972), and Ek Nazar (1972; “One Glance”). His work during this period of struggle included a supporting role in Reshma Aur Shera…