"Biddu, How's the Film Doing?" — Amitabh Bachchan's First Words After Coolie Set Accident Show His Spirit

In 1982, the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Khuddar hit theatres, produced by Anwar Ali—Mehmood’s younger brother and a long-time friend of Big B since their Saat Hindustani days. But fate took a sharp turn that same year when Amitabh was severely injured on the sets of Coolie during a fight scene in Bangalore.

As Khuddar was nearing release, Anwar Ali received the shocking news of Amitabh’s accident. His manager had informed that Bachchan had been injured, but no one could predict the gravity of the situation. He was rushed to Mumbai and admitted to Breach Candy Hospital, fighting for his life.

Anwar Ali recalled, "I stood in an endless line to donate blood, only to realize our blood groups didn’t match. But I would have given my entire body to save him. That's how much he means to me."

During those difficult days, Anwar, alongside Jaya Bachchan, visited places of worship, praying endlessly. "Our faith never wavered," he said.

And then came a moment of emotional relief. When Amitabh finally regained consciousness, he turned to Anwar and softly asked, "Biddu, how is the film doing?", referring to Khuddar. “I told him it’s a superhit,” Anwar said, a tearful smile in his voice.

Though the recovery was long and exhausting, Amitabh bounced back with unshakable willpower, backed by his doctors, family, and fans across the nation.

Anwar summed up their bond beautifully:
“Amitabh and I have stood by each other in every situation—action and silence, closeness and distance. He is to me what breath is to the soul.”