Bachchan, 70, had delivered many flops before starring in the hit 1973 film and successfully earned the tag of 'Angry Young Man'.
"40 years anniversary of film 'Zanjeer' today .. An entire lifetime gone by.. What a moment.. Salim-Javed for thinking of me, thank you... Have always wondered how they did.. A failed newcomer.. So much connected to the film.. What a time in the life of a life!!," he posted on Twitter.
Having released on May 11, 1973, the film also starred Jaya Bachchan, Pran, Ajit and Bindu in pivotal roles.
The classic is being remade by filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia' starring Southern actor Ram Charan Teja and Priyanka Chopra.