DUBAI (MNN); More than fifty years after the legendary Bollywood film Deewaar reshaped Indian cinema, a devoted fan and UAE-based gold businessman Anil Dhanak finally met screen legend Amitabh Bachchan and received a signed artwork inspired by the actor’s iconic look from the classic film.
The special meeting came as the film Deewaar marked its 51st anniversary. The movie played a defining role in establishing Bachchan as Bollywood’s original “angry young man,” propelling him to immense popularity and transforming the landscape of Indian cinema.
During the meeting, Dhanak presented Bachchan with a canvas inspired by his unforgettable 1975 appearance in the film. The actor graciously signed the artwork, turning the fan’s admiration into a treasured collector’s item.
Anil Dhanak, a well-known gold businessman in the UAE, also holds a place in the Guinness World Records for owning the world’s largest gold ring. Reflecting on the meeting, he said he was impressed by Bachchan’s professionalism and humility.
According to Dhanak, the veteran actor arrived exactly on time and greeted him warmly, displaying remarkable simplicity despite his global fame.
“He arrived precisely on time and was extremely warm and grounded. For someone of his stature, such discipline and humility are rare,” said the Dubai-based businessman.
The meeting took place at Bachchan’s residence in Juhu, Mumbai, offering a glimpse into the journey of Indian cinema—from the powerful storytelling of the 1970s to today’s polished global productions.
Dhanak described Bachchan as more than just a superstar, calling him an institution in the world of cinema.
“With a career spanning more than five decades, he has become the face of Indian cinema,” Dhanak said. “He commands respect not only for his performances but also for his professionalism, humility and commanding presence.”
He added that Deewaar played a crucial role in shaping Bachchan’s cinematic legacy. The 1975 film portrayed themes of anger, rebellion and social injustice, reflecting the frustrations of a generation struggling with inequality.
According to Dhanak, every dialogue, expression and silent moment in the film captured the spirit of a society demanding change, making it one of the most powerful films in Bollywood history.
Even today, he said, the film continues to influence filmmakers and actors, while Bachchan’s commanding screen presence remains timeless.
For Dhanak, there is little doubt about who stands as the greatest movie star in the world.
“It has to be Amitabh Bachchan,” he said. “Across generations and continents, his influence on cinema is simply unmatched.”
Despite his immense success, Dhanak noted that Bachchan remains humble and approachable.
“When someone reaches such greatness, you expect a larger-than-life personality,” he said. “But instead you meet a person who is grounded, attentive and respectful. That humility makes him even more extraordinary.”
The meeting also reminded Dhanak of his early years in business. Decades ago, he owned the Amruta Cinema in Bagasara, Gujarat, where films starring Bachchan regularly drew huge crowds.
“When an Amitabh Bachchan film was released, it was not just a movie—it was a celebration,” he recalled. “People gathered from early morning and the theatre remained packed for days.”
For Dhanak, meeting the legendary actor decades later was a moment he never imagined.
“To go from screening his films in a small-town cinema to meeting him at his home years later feels almost cinematic,” he said.
Anil Dhanak is also known for his close connections with members of the UAE royal family. He frequently attends royal events and has supplied gold to royal households for many years. He is also known to share a friendship with Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates and the Emirates Group.
