The importance of the film ‘Coolie’ (1983) in Amitabh Bachchan’s career and life is no less than a historical event. Directed by Manmohan Desai, the film not only proved to be a milestone at the box office, but also became a part of the biggest medical drama of that time. The most talked about thing to this film is its ending which was changed after Amitabh Bachchan’s new life in real life.

Death and an emotional song: which could not be a part of the film

According to the original script of the film, in the end Amrish Puri’s bullet hits Amitabh Bachchan’s character ‘Iqbal Khan’ and he dies. To make this tragic scene more emotional, a special song was composed—a sad version of the film’s famous song ‘Saari Duniya Ka Boj Hum Utha Hain’. This song was so touching that no one could stop their emotions after listening to it. But an accident during the shooting changed the whole story.

That scene of shooting: When the heartbeat of the country stopped

Amitabh Bachchan suffered a serious injury during the shooting of the film ‘Coolie’, due to which he suffered severe internal bleeding in the internal parts of his body. This situation was proving fatal. At that time the whole of India was praying for the safety of Amitabh outside the hospital. Amidst doctors, yagya and prayers, Amitabh returned after defeating death.

Director Manmohan Desai’s decision: defeated death

When Amitabh Bachchan returned to the set after recovering completely, director Manmohan Desai felt that it would be very sad for the fans to see the character of the actor who had himself returned from death, dying on screen. He made major changes in the script of the film.

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  Death scene removed: Iqbal Khan’s death scene was removed from the film.

  
  


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  Doctor’s Miracle: At the end of the film, Amitabh’s character was shown dying, but was then brought back to life through a ‘medical miracle’.

  
  


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  Real life mirror: At the end of the film, a scene was added in which Amitabh stands on the roof of the hospital and thanks the people, which was similar to the scene of his recovery and return home in real life.

  
  

The film proved to be ‘Dhansu’ at the box office.

This transformation of Manmohan Desai not only touched the hearts of the audience but also gave an emotional connect to ‘Coolie’. The audience saw it not just as a film but as a celebration that their ‘great hero’ is safe. The film ‘Coolie’ is still counted among those select films of Indian cinema, in which the line between reel and real life was completely erased.