When Javed Akhtar recalled a scene from Sholay to talk about religious interpretation: 'Not possible to have a scene like that today'

As Sholay celebrated 50 years since its release on August 15, 1975, Javed also reflected on the film’s early days.

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has always been outspoken about his views on religion, faith, and belief systems. An old interview of his has resurfaced online, where he delves into the nuances of religion using a memorable scene from his iconic 1975 classic, Sholay.

During a 2024 panel discussion with author and academic Makarand Paranjape, Javed Akhtar discussed topics like religion, dharma, and spirituality, reflecting on how perspectives have changed over time.

Recalling a famous Sholay scene, he said, “In Sholay there was a scene where Dharmendra hides behind a Shiv ji’s murti and speaks and Hema Malini seems Shiv Ji is talking to her. Is it possible to have a scene like that today? No. i will not write a scene. Were there no Hindus in 1975? Were there no Dharmic people? There were. As a matter of fact, Raju Hirani and me we were in Poona (Pune) in front of a big audience and I said, don’t become like Muslims make them like yourselves. You are becoming like Muslims, it’s a tragedy what is our strength in this country, what makes us different front others.”

Javed Akhtar on temple scene from Sholay. pic.twitter.com/7Xu2svpFAt

— The Cinéprism (@TheCineprism) October 18, 2025

He went on to share his thoughts on India’s strength in diversity, saying, “Why do we have Democracy? Which you don’t find till you reach the Mediterranean coats. Because what he said is true, this can be true and that can also be true. This can be believed and that can also be believed.”

As Sholay celebrated 50 years since its release on August 15, 1975, Javed also reflected on the film’s early days. In a separate interview with ETimes, he revealed that though Sholay initially faced a lukewarm response, he and Salim Khan never lost faith in it.

Javed said, “Not us. Not Salim-Javed. Not for a second did we think the film would go wrong. Others got nervous, but our confidence never wavered. In the first week itself, on Friday, we gave an ad in Screen, Film Information and Trade Guide that Salim-Javed guarantee Sholay will do more than Rs 1 crore. We put our money where our mouth was — when the industry was convinced it had failed.”

Also read: Javed Akhtar receives prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award; Shabana Azmi shares insight

Javed Akhtar remains one of India’s most articulate and fearless voices, unafraid to express his thoughts on faith, society, and art. His reflections on Sholay and religion highlight his belief in freedom of expression, pluralism, and the coexistence of multiple truths, values that continue to shape his worldview and creative legacy.