From Trishul to Mumbai: A Fan's Journey Inspired by Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most revered actors in the Indian film industry. His iconic Angry Young Man roles in films like Deewar, Sholay, Zanjeer, and Trishul have left a lasting impact on his fans. One such fan is real estate developer and producer Anand Pandit. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Pandit shared how Amitabh Bachchan’s 1978 film Trishul inspired him to leave his hometown Ahmedabad and move to Mumbai. The then 15-year-old Anand was so captivated by Bachchan’s on-screen persona of Vijay that he aspired to start his own construction business, similar to the one in the film.
Speaking to SCREEN, Anand Pandit said, “I have grown up watching Amitabh Bachchan’s films. His film, Trishul, really inspired me and motivated me to leave Ahmedabad and move to Mumbai. I also wanted to have my own Shanti Construction Company, and fortunately, today I have made Lotus Developers. His character Vijay inspired me to be where I am today. It is all because of Bachchan sahab.”
As years passed, Anand managed to become Amitabh Bachchan’s neighbour. Additionally, he also bought the bungalow right behind Jalsa, which he eventually sold to the star for Rs 50 crore in 2013. Anand told SCREEN, “I feel so privileged to know him so closely. He treats me like his family. He always stands by me whenever I need him. I had a bungalow next to him and he wanted to expand his bungalow. He requested me to sell him my property and I did.”
According to reports, Anand Pandit had bought the bungalow in 2010 as an investment. He now lives in the Janaki Kutir complex, less than 50 metres away from Jalsa. On Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday, Anand Pandit shared how he was among the millions who thronged to Mr Bachchan’s bungalow to catch a glimpse of him. “I was an ardent fan who had grown up watching his films, and a twist of fate then made me his neighbour when I bought a bungalow next to his. I eventually ended up selling it back to him and that is when we grew closer.”
Previously, attending his 60th birthday party, which was also attended by Big B, Shah Rukh Khan shared that he goes out on drives with Anand at night. In a viral video from the producer’s birthday, SRK said, “In the night, at 12-1 am, he comes visits me and we roam around Juhu. He doesn’t tell me, ‘This is my building, that is my building.’ Instead, in the two-kilometre drive, he tells me barring two to three buildings, all buildings are his. Our journey becomes easy.”
