"Sholay," the iconic Indian film that redefined action dramas, continues to captivate audiences even after half a century. As the film approaches its 50th anniversary in August 2025, details about its making and cast have resurfaced, revealing intriguing facts about the salaries of the actors. Contrary to popular belief, Amitabh Bachchan was not the highest-paid actor in "Sholay".
Dharmendra, who played the affable Veeru, received ₹1.5 lakh for his role, making him the highest-paid actor in the cast. Sanjeev Kumar, who portrayed Thakur Baldev Singh, earned ₹1.25 lakh. Amitabh Bachchan, who played Jai, was paid ₹1 lakh. Amjad Khan, who delivered a career-defining performance as the villainous Gabbar Singh, received ₹50,000. Among the female leads, Hema Malini, who played Basanti, was paid ₹75,000. Jaya Bachchan, who portrayed Radha, received the lowest remuneration of ₹35,000. Other cast members, like Mac Mohan (Sambha), Viju Khote (Kaalia), and A.K. Hangal (Imam Saab), received ₹12,000, ₹10,000, and ₹8,000, respectively.
In 1975, the total budget for "Sholay" was ₹3 crore, a substantial investment for the time. The film's earnings in India during its initial run were ₹150 million, significantly exceeding its budget. "Sholay" was also a success overseas, particularly in the Soviet Union, where it sold millions of tickets. Factoring in the changes in technology, actor fees, and promotion, if "Sholay" was made in 2025, the budget would be between ₹300 to ₹400 crores.
"Sholay" broke records for continuous screenings in numerous theaters across India and ran for over five years at Mumbai's Minerva theatre. The film earned a record of 60 golden jubilees across India and was the first to celebrate a silver jubilee in over 100 theaters.
The film is set to receive a special 50th-anniversary tribute with the world premiere of its fully restored, uncut version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The special screening took place on June 27, 2025, at Piazza Maggiore. The restored version is presented in a 2.2:1 aspect ratio with enhanced sound and visuals.
