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The Roar of Confidence: How Abhishek Bachchan’s Birth Fueled Amitabh Bachchan’s Daring Tiger Stunt
Mumbai, India – In an era before advanced visual effects and stringent safety protocols, the world of Hindi cinema often demanded extraordinary courage from its stars and stunt professionals. A vivid testament to this fearless spirit has recently emerged through the recollections of veteran action master Mohan Baggad, who shed light on a pivotal and perilous moment in Amitabh Bachchan‘s career: his decision to personally confront a live tiger for a scene in the 1977 action-drama, ‘Khoon Pasina’.
Baggad’s account, shared with Hindi Rush, unveils a fascinating connection between a personal milestone and professional bravery. The birth of Bachchan’s son, Abhishek, in February 1976, seemingly provided the legendary actor with an unexpected surge of confidence that propelled him to undertake the exceptionally dangerous sequence.
The initial plan for the tiger scene called for a stunt performer to double for Big B. Action director Veeru Devgan approached Mohan Baggad for the task, noting that Bachchan’s usual stunt double, due to a darker complexion, wouldn’t match the actor convincingly. Baggad admits his apprehension. "I said yes though I was scared since it was with a tiger," he recounted, highlighting the inherent risks involved.
Precautions were rudimentary at best, with Baggad explicitly warned against direct confrontation with the powerful animal. "I was asked not to face the tiger. If it hit me with its paw, it could mutilate my face!" he explained. Despite the palpable danger, Baggad completed a few initial shots, gradually acclimating to the environment. His performance over two to three days served as an unwitting inspiration. "When Amit ji saw me, he also got the encouragement and said, ‘I’d do the scene too,’" Baggad revealed.
The turning point, however, occurred on set in Kandivali. As filming progressed, Amitabh Bachchan received a momentous phone call: "Aap ke ghar mein ladka paida hua hai" (A son has been born in your house). Baggad vividly remembers Bachchan’s profound reaction. The news of Abhishek’s birth resonated deeply, transforming Bachchan’s resolve. "Ye sher hai toh main bhi sher hu. Mere ghar pe ek sher paida hua hai," Bachchan declared – a powerful statement translating to, "If he is a lion, then I am a lion too. A lion has been born in my house." This personal celebration imbued Bachchan with a renewed sense of courage, leading him to deliver remarkable shots himself, undeterred by the substantial risks.
The perils of working with untrained wild animals in that era were constant and severe. Baggad himself bore the brunt of these unpredictable encounters. During the filming of ‘Khoon Pasina’, he was knocked unconscious by the tiger, suffering a head injury. Another terrifying incident occurred while filming a tiger sequence for Bachchan in Rakesh Kumar’s ‘Mr. Natwarlal’. "The tiger hit me with its paw, so I still have injury marks on my face. Another friend of mine even got 10-12 stitches," Baggad shared. He emphasized that these animals were not trained performers, and their unpredictable nature meant that even with their mouths stitched – a crude safety measure – they would often react aggressively, attacking anyone nearby.
Mohan Baggad also took the opportunity to commend another legendary star for his unwavering bravery in the face of animal co-stars. He recalled that
These compelling anecdotes from Mohan Baggad offer a rare glimpse into a bygone era of Indian filmmaking, where the lines between actor, stunt performer, and genuine peril were often blurred. They celebrate a generation of cinematic stalwarts who, driven by a blend of professional commitment and personal inspiration, fearlessly pushed boundaries, creating unforgettable moments that continue to resonate with audiences today.
