Yes, there are few readers who were answered the questions, partially correct, though. For correct answers and the name of the readers who sent correct answers, click here.  

I was impressed by one reader who answered the question: Name the movies where Vijay was Amithabh’s screen name. Congratulations to Courtney Silva. Check your answers and see if you missed anything...Yes, you did. Do you remember ‘DON’? 

Amitabh and Jaya were paired first time in Ek Nazar – and what was needed was, just Ek Nazar. The film did not do well at box office, as so was the fate for their next film together – Bansi Birju, But the pair was destined to be successful – on screen and in real life. When the then giants of the screen Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor refused to change their romantic image to an angry young man’s, Amitabh agreed for a lead role in Prakash Mehra’s ‘Zanzeer’. And the rest is history. The success of Zanzeer – for the pair - was followed by Abhimaan, Sholay, Mili and Chupke Chupke. Those were the last films for Jaya Bhaduri, by then Jaya Bachchan. 

This was the end of Jaya’s filmi career – phase I. But Amitabh had just begun the journey. He was ready to be paired against some more charming faces. Parveen Babi, Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman and who else but sizzling Rekha. Talks of their love affair will go on forever. 

The first time both Amitabh and Rekha worked together was on the sets of ‘Namak Haraam’. Rekha had very little to do in this film. This movie was a battle of two giants – Amitabh and Rajesh. Only Hrishikesh Mukharjee have been successful in bringing these two starts together – not once, but twice. In Anand, Rajesh won the hearts of people and in Namak Haraam, it was Amitabh who stole the show. It is being said that Rajesh had a choice to pick the role of Vicky or Somu. And like Anand. Rajesh preferred the role of Somu who eventually dies at the hands of his friend – Vicky. More sympathetic role, but this time, accolades were for louder Amitabh. 

Getting back to Amitabh and Rekha. The hottest pair of the Indian silver screen. Well, I should say, one of the hottest – due respect to Raj Kapoor-Nargis, Rajesh-Sharmila, Dharam-Hema and Anil Kapoor-Madhuri(?). Or, let me rephrase it – the hottest pair in late 70s and early 80s. Was there a love affair between the two? Who knows? But one thing is for sure – the pair made some extremely popular movies, like Khoon Pasina, Mr. Natwarlal, Ganga Ki Saugandh, Ram Balram, Muqaddar KA Sikandar, Suhaag and… 

And then came Silsila. The most talked about film about a reel life love triangle – Amitabh, Jaya and Rekha in lead roles – was it a real life love triangle? But who could say ‘No’ to Yash Chopra? It was a single film comeback for Jaya, after several years – she would be in oblivion for many more years before her second comeback in mother’s roles in Koi Mere Dil Se Puchhe with Isha and Fiza with Karishma. 

Can you guess who was the first director to direct Jaya Bhaduri? I know what your answer would be – Hrishikesh Mukherjee for Guddi. Correct? No. The first director to direct Jaya was – maestro Satyajit Ray for Mahanagar (in Bengali) when Jaya was still a teen. Can you guess which Mahanagar Mr Ray talks about? You are right – it is Calcutta (or Kolikota) 

Let’s continue with some more Quizzes on Bade Bhaiya – Amithabh and Rekha, this time – and see how much you know (or don’t know) about this legend. Check this week’s Quiz, click here.