50 Years of Sholay: Iconic characters of Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and others reimagined

50 Years of Sholay: Iconic characters of Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and others reimagined

50 years ago, Sholay exploded onto the Indian cinematic landscape and rewrote the rules of Bollywood storytelling. The film combined the rugged swagger of cowboy dramas with the emotional intensity of Indian family sagas. But what if Sholay, with its dacoits, dusty villages, unforgettable one-liners, and bullet-ridden revenge arcs, was made in 2025? Who would play whom in this reimagined Ramgarh? Grab some popcorn and read on!

The new age dosti

Ranbir and Vicky

Let’s start with the heart of the film - Jai and Veeru. The dynamic duo is more than just a bromance. They represent loyalty, humour, and sacrifice. Vicky Kaushal, with his quiet intensity and proven acting chops, would be an ideal modern-day Jai. Opposite him, Ranbir Kapoor, with his unfiltered charm, unpredictable energy, and comic timing, feels tailor-made for Veeru. Their chemistry could spark the same fire Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan once did.

The women of Ramgarh

Alia Bhatt

For Basanti, you’d want someone who can bring both mischief and warmth. Alia Bhatt’s versatility makes her a strong contender. She can chatter with reckless abandon and still carry emotional depth. A perfect match for today’s tanga-driving Basanti.

Grieving widow

Sai Pallavi

Radha, the grieving widow, speaks more through silence than words. In an age of minimalist performances, Sai Pallavi could bring the kind of quiet poignancy Jaya Bhaduri once did, with layers of grief, resilience, and grace.

Gabbar Singh 2.0

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

And then there’s the big one - Gabbar Singh. Recasting a villain that defined fear itself is no small feat. But Nawazuddin Siddiqui, could craft a chilling, grounded Gabbar that speaks to today’s anxieties, perhaps more cerebral than theatrical, but no less terrifying.

Thakur’s rage

Manoj Bajpayee

Sanjeev Kumar’s Thakur, the spine of the story, demands gravitas and moral weight. Manoj Bajpayee could bring layered restraint and rage to the role of the fallen lawman thirsting for justice.

Big screen or binge-worthy series?

In terms of treatment, Sholay 2.0 would likely be grittier, with moodier cinematography, a leaner runtime, and more psychological depth. Streaming platforms might even pick it up as a limited series, perhaps an entire episode on Gabbar’s backstory or Radha’s internal world.