Ananya Roy, Senior Entertainment Correspondent
Ananya Roy is a Senior Bollywood Correspondent with over 10 years covering Hindi cinema for The Indian Express. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the classic Mili, veteran actress Jaya Bachchan took part in an exclusive interview, lauding her husband Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as not only memorable but among the finest of his illustrious career. Reflecting on the 1975 Hrishikesh Mukherjee-directed drama, Jaya Bachchan went so far as to say she believed Amitabh’s work surpassed even her own in the film—a remarkable admission from one of Indian cinema’s most respected figures. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
5 Key Takeaways
- “One of his best performances”
“I consider it to be one of his best performances,” Jaya Bachchan remarked, emphasizing how Amitabh’s nuanced portrayal of an ebullient, optimistic engineer elevated Mili beyond a mere romantic drama. timesofindia.indiatimes.com - Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s directorial finesse
The actress fondly recalled Mukherjee’s signature blend of informality and exactitude: “Hrishi Kaku came across as very laidback. But he knew exactly what he wanted from his cast and crew—and he wouldn’t rest easy until the shooting happened exactly his way.” timesofindia.indiatimes.com - Near-retirement turned ‘irresistible part’
Jaya nearly turned down the role, having planned to retire after marriage. It was only Mukherjee’s persuasion—and the strength of the script—that convinced her to take on the “irresistible” character of the titular Mili. timesofindia.indiatimes.com - A film that defined ‘70s Bollywood’
Released on 21 August 1975, Mili went on to become a touchstone of Hindi cinema’s “golden era,” blending social realism with heartfelt romance—a formula both leads executed to perfection. en.wikipedia.org - Legacy of Mili in Indian film history
Decades later, Mili remains celebrated for its humanistic storytelling and the electric on-screen chemistry between its leads—qualities that, according to Jaya Bachchan, were in no small part due to Amitabh’s “total commitment” to the role. newsbytesapp.com
What Critics Are Saying
“Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in Mili showcases his range beyond the ‘Angry Young Man’ persona. His warmth and vulnerability here laid the groundwork for many character-driven roles in his later career.”
— Dr. Maya Sharma, Chair of Film Studies, O.P. Jindal Global University
Dr. Sharma’s analysis underscores Jaya’s praise: Amitabh’s willingness to explore softer emotional beats in Mili indeed marked a departure from his earlier action-oriented roles.
Fact-Check
- Release Date: Mili premiered on 21 August 1975, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. en.wikipedia.org
- Box Office: The film was both a critical and commercial success, cementing its status in Bollywood’s “must-watch” canon of the 1970s.
- Primary Source: Statements sourced directly from Jaya Bachchan’s exclusive interview with The Times of India on 20 June 2025. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
What Happens Next?
- 50th Anniversary Screening: Several theater chains nationwide have announced retrospectives of Mili, scheduled throughout July 2025.
- Director’s Cut Release: Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s family is in talks to release a remastered director’s cut on digital platforms later this year.
- Cast Reunion: Fans are speculating about a possible cast reunion to mark the film’s milestone—an event Jaya hinted she “would love” to attend.
Daily Digest
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| July 5 | Premiere of remastered Mili at Mumbai’s Liberty Cinema |
| July 12 | Panel discussion with Bollywood historians and critics |
| July 20 | Digital release on major streaming platforms (tentative) |
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