When Jaya Bachchan got angry with Manoj Kumar for giving a supporting role to Amitabh Bachchan in 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan' and not realising his true potential

Amitabh Bachchan is a legend and nobody has been able to match his level of stardom. Not to mention, his movies and performances remain unparalleled and his unique qualities as an actor can never be replaced.

He may be celebrated today as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” but his rise to the top was anything but smooth. Stories from his early years continue to fascinate fans, especially a memorable episode from 1974 that showcased both the hurdles he faced and the support he received at home.That year, he appeared in Manoj Kumar’s 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan', a star-studded film featuring Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. While the movie tackled social issues like unemployment and poverty, Amitabh’s role was noticeably small. Shashi Kapoor took center stage, while Amitabh was left with limited screen presence, something that didn’t sit well with Jaya Bachchan, who had married him just a year earlier.Upset by the casting, Jaya publicly voiced her frustration, insisting that an actor of Amitabh’s calibre was being sidelined. She even remarked that Manoj Kumar had failed to recognise her husband’s true potential. At the time, Amitabh was still trying to find his footing in the industry, despite the breakthrough success of Zanjeer following a string of box-office failures.This wasn’t the first time Jaya Bachchan stood up for him. Back in 1972, before their marriage, she stood firmly by his side during a clash with superstar Rajesh Khanna on the sets of Bawarchi. Rajesh reportedly advised her to distance herself from Amitabh, dismissing his chances of ever making it big.

Jaya, however, confidently declared that one day, Amitabh would rule the industry—a prediction that history proved right.Although his role in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan was secondary, the film itself turned into one of the biggest hits of 1974. For Amitabh, it marked yet another step in a career defined by persistence, resilience, and Jaya’s unwavering belief in him.Soon after, he went on a winning streak with Deewar, Sholay, Don, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, cementing his position as the biggest star of his generation—and proving Jaya’s faith was never misplaced.