The Forgotten Flop : Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan's First Film Together Was a Box Office Catastrophe

While Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri (later Bachchan) are celebrated as one of Bollywood's most iconic and successful on-screen and off-screen couples, their very first collaboration was a monumental failure at the box office. The 1972 film, titled "Bansi Birju," marked the first time audiences saw the pair together, but the movie failed to make an impression and is remembered as one of the biggest disasters of their early careers.Directed by Prakash Verma, "Bansi Birju" was a romantic drama that told the story of a village man, Birju (Amitabh Bachchan), who marries a prostitute named Bansi (Jaya Bhaduri). The film's plot delved into the social stigma and challenges the couple faced as they tried to build a life together against the backdrop of a judgemental society that refused to accept Bansi's past.Despite the intriguing premise and the fresh pairing of two rising stars, the film was a commercial catastrophe. Produced on a budget of around 65 lakh rupees, "Bansi Birju" struggled to draw crowds and reportedly grossed a mere 50 lakh rupees worldwide, leading to significant financial losses for its producers. For Amitabh Bachchan, who was still finding his footing in the industry and had a series of unsuccessful films behind him, this was another major setback.Ironically, while the film itself disappeared from public memory, its music achieved lasting fame. The soundtrack, composed of nine songs, resonated well with audiences. Several tracks, including the beautifully rendered "Manwa Re Tu Ga Re Nisdin," became popular hits and continue to be appreciated by lovers of classic Bollywood music even today. The enduring appeal of the songs stands in stark contrast to the film's theatrical failure.It was only after "Bansi Birju" that the duo went on to deliver blockbuster hits like "Zanjeer," "Abhimaan," and "Sholay," which firmly established them as a beloved cinematic pair and celluloid legends.