In the annals of Indian cinema, few incidents have left as deep an impact as the life-threatening accident that megastar Amitabh Bachchan suffered during the filming of the 1982 movie Coolie. The shocking event not only brought the film industry to a standstill but also united an entire nation in prayer for the actor’s recovery.

The accident occurred while filming a fight sequence with co-actor Puneet Issar. Due to a mistimed stunt, Bachchan hit the edge of a table with force, resulting in severe internal injuries. He was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, and what followed was one of the darkest chapters in the actor’s life.

doctors at one point declared Amitabh “clinically dead” due to the extent of his internal bleeding and trauma. However, his wife, actress Jaya Bachchan, refused to give up hope. In a later interview, she revealed that she was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa—a sacred Hindu hymn—when she noticed Amitabh’s toe move slightly. It was this moment that inspired the medical team to attempt another revival effort, which miraculously succeeded.

Bachchan had sustained serious injuries to his intestines and had to undergo multiple surgeries. Reports indicate that he lost over 75% of his physical strength and was temporarily unable to walk. His road to recovery was long and fraught with uncertainty, both physically and emotionally.

Adding to the complications, Amitabh was later diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles. The condition further debilitated him, pushing him into an even more vulnerable state.

Despite the immense challenges, the actor’s resilience, the unwavering support of his wife, and the relentless efforts of the medical team eventually led to his recovery. His comeback to cinema after the accident was not just a personal victory but a moment of collective celebration for millions of fans across the globe.

The incident also significantly altered the film Coolie. In tribute to the actor’s survival, the film’s climax was changed, and the exact frame where the accident occurred was marked in the final cut, immortalizing a moment that almost ended a legendary career.

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