In a recent roundtable discussion ahead of the global premiere of the docuseries Angry Young Men, the iconic screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar revealed some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the making of Sholay, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated films. One of the most intriguing revelations was that both Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar expressed a strong desire to play the role of the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh.
Salim Khan shared, "Film ki jitni star cast thi, everybody wanted to play Gabbar's role. Amitabh Bachchan too wanted to play the role of Gabbar. Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan both came to me and asked. Dharam Ji never asked for Gabbar's role. He was very happy with his role."
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This insight adds another layer to the legend of Sholay, illustrating just how coveted the role of Gabbar Singh was among the film’s star-studded cast. Amitabh Bachchan, who eventually portrayed the character of Jai, and Sanjeev Kumar, who took on the role of Thakur, both recognized the power and potential of Gabbar's character. However, it was Amjad Khan who ultimately brought the character to life, delivering a performance that became iconic in Indian cinema. His portrayal of Gabbar Singh, with his menacing dialogue delivery and unforgettable screen presence, remains one of the most memorable villain roles in the history of Bollywood.
The fact that stars of the caliber of Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar were interested in playing Gabbar underscores the impact that the character had on the film and on Indian cinema as a whole. Sholay was a turning point not just for the careers of its cast and crew, but also for the industry at large, setting new standards for storytelling, character development, and production values.
Sholay released in 1975, is one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema history. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim-Javed, the film is a multi-genre epic that blends elements of Western, action, drama, and comedy. The story revolves around two criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), who are hired by a retired police officer, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), to capture the ruthless bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Known for its compelling characters, powerful dialogues, and breathtaking cinematography, Sholay became a cultural phenomenon in India. It was a massive box-office success and has since achieved cult status, with its influence seen across generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. The film’s dialogues, characters, and music continue to be celebrated, making Sholay a timeless classic.
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