As the iconic film Sholay celebrates its 50th anniversary on August 15, 2025, it's time to revisit the making of this classic. Written by the legendary duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, directed by Ramesh Sippy, and released in 1975, Sholay redefined mainstream Hindi cinema with its unforgettable characters, gripping storytelling, and dialogues that became part of everyday conversation.
The Genesis of an Idea
The seeds of Sholay were sown when Salim Khan, working as an actor, heard harrowing tales of dacoits in Chambal. This inspired him to envision a "curry western" set in rural India. The initial idea revolved around an army man seeking revenge for his family's massacre, hiring two ex-army officials. However, due to potential restrictions, the army man was replaced with a police officer. Javed Akhtar recalls that the original concept was quite different from the final version. Initially, the focus was on the battle with the dacoit, with no characters like Basanti or Radha.
Writing the Epic
Salim-Javed drew inspiration from Seven Samurai and American Westerns. They also drew characters from Gunga Jumna and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. They wrote the dialogues with rhythm and repeat value in mind. Javed Akhtar has mentioned that he particularly enjoyed writing Gabbar's scenes.
Casting Challenges and Triumphs
The casting of Sholay was a journey in itself. Amitabh Bachchan was signed before the release of Deewar. Initially, both Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar wanted to play Gabbar Singh. However, the writers felt a fresh face would be more effective. Amjad Khan was almost dropped from the film. During the first schedule, Ramesh Sippy didn't shoot a single frame of Amjad Khan, leading to doubts and rumors. Salim-Javed even suggested replacing him. However, Ramesh Sippy stood his ground, and Amjad Khan ultimately delivered an iconic performance. Amjad Khan's pregnant wife, Shaila Khan, helped him rehearse, and he drew inspiration from a washerman's distinct tone when calling his wife.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Sholay brought a trend of multi-starer films. The writers were busy writing the script instead of thinking about other things. There was improvisation in the scene where Dharmendra's character, Veeru, is drinking and asks Jai to talk to Mausi about marriage.
The Impact and Legacy
Sholay was initially a slow starter at the box office. However, it soon gripped the nation's imagination, becoming the biggest film after Mughal-e-Azam. Sholay became a cultural ambassador, transcending linguistic and cultural divides. The film's dialogues have become part of everyday conversation in India. The film has had a lasting impact on stars across generations. Farhan Akhtar said that Sholay shaped his love for mainstream cinema, praising it as a rare film where every character remains unforgettable. Salman Khan fondly recalled listening to the film's dialogues on loop.
Restoration and Re-release
A restored, uncut 50th-anniversary version of Sholay premiered at the Il Cinema Ritrovato festival in Bologna, Italy. This version includes the original ending where Thakur kills Gabbar, which was censored during the Emergency. Shehzad Sippy, grandson of producer GP Sippy, decided to track down the film's original negatives and restore them. The restored version is 3 hours and 24 minutes long.
As Sholay turns 50, it remains a timeless saga that continues to ignite Indian cinema. The film's enduring appeal lies in its perfect blend of action, drama, emotion, and iconic characters.
