Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who currently hosts the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, recently shared an amusing and lesser-known anecdote from his iconic song “Sara Zamana” from the 1981 film Yaarana. While interacting with contestant Swapn Chaturvedi from Madhya Pradesh, Bachchan revealed that he endured electric shocks during the shoot of the famous song.
Amitabh’s Shocking Experience
During the episode, Swapn expressed his admiration for Yaarana, calling it one of his favorite films. He praised Amitabh’s versatility as an actor, prompting the star to humorously respond, “Hum toh naukri ke chakkar mein hote hain, bas naukri mil jaye!” (I’m just trying to get a job!).
Amitabh then shared an unforgettable moment from the shoot of “Sara Zamana,” explaining how the song was originally filmed at Kolkata’s newly inaugurated Netaji Subhas Chandra Stadium. Initially, the team planned to shoot during the day, but a massive crowd of 50,000 to 60,000 fans gathered, far exceeding the stadium’s seating capacity of 12,000 to 15,000. Due to the overwhelming fan frenzy, filming had to be halted.
A Secret Night Shoot
Determined to complete the shoot, Amitabh suggested filming the song at night, without drawing public attention. The team quietly returned to Kolkata after a brief break in Mumbai, opting for a night shoot. To create the illusion of a live audience, the director creatively placed candles in the seats of the stadium. The plan worked, and they successfully filmed the sequence without any interruptions.
The Famous “Electric Jacket”
Amitabh also recalled the now-famous costume he wore in the song—referred to as the “bijli wala jacket” (electric jacket). At the time, technology was not as advanced, and the jacket’s lights were powered by a wire connected to a main switchboard. The wire ran down Amitabh’s leg, and as soon as the electricity was turned on, the lights illuminated. However, there was an unintended side effect—Amitabh found himself dancing involuntarily due to the electric shocks he received. “The moment the electricity flowed, I started dancing—not because I wanted to, but because I was getting electric shocks!” he humorously revealed.
The audience, both in the studio and watching at home, was left entertained by this behind-the-scenes story from one of Amitabh Bachchan’s most iconic performances. His candid revelations continue to engage and delight fans on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16.
Sources By Agencies
