Directed by Manoj Kumar, the 1974 classic film ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makan’ is surely a milestone in Bollywood as the Amitabh Bachchan starrer delved into the most raw emotions rather than glamour and other elements which is the industry is mostly known for.Back in 2021, veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar took to Twitter to revisit one of the most defining chapters of his career, ‘Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974). Sharing a still from the film featuring himself with Amitabh Bachchan, he captioned it with a heartfelt line: “Zindagi ki kuch khaas yaadein” (some special memories of life). For Manoj, the film wasn’t just another project; it was a statement on social reality.
Amitabh Bachchan before superstardom
At the time of the film’s release, Amitabh Bachchan had not yet achieved the superstar status that soon followed him with ‘Zanjeer’ and other blockbusters. In ‘Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan’, he played Vijay, the brother to Manoj Kumar’s character Bharat, who was caught in the throes of financial struggle. Though not the central lead, Amitabh’s strong presence and intensity were evident even in a supporting role. Alongside him, the film featured Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee, and Shashi Kapoor.
Jaya Bachchan’s strong reaction
Interestingly, not everyone was happy with the way Amitabh was cast in the film. As per an IMDb report, Jaya Bachchan, who was already close to Amitabh at the time, expressed her displeasure in a media interview. She reportedly felt that Manoj Kumar had underutilized Amitabh’s talent and even suggested that his role was deliberately minimized.
A legacy of ‘Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan’
Despite the behind-the-scenes debates, ‘Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan’ remains an important milestone in Hindi cinema. Written, directed, and produced by Manoj Kumar himself, the film addressed the basic human needs which are food, clothing, and shelter, against the backdrop of a family’s financial struggles. Decades later, the film is remembered not only for its powerful social message but also as one of the early screen pairings of Manoj Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan.
 "Indonesia: 400 children fall sick in biggest food poisoning case linked to free school meals")
