Jaya Bachchan pushes for ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay’ stamps on their 50th anniversary in Rajya Sabha, says, "please don't kill this industry"

On March 27, 2025, veteran actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan brought Bollywood into the heart of Indian politics by invoking the legacy of two iconic films—Deewar and Sholay—in the Rajya Sabha. Urging the Modi government to issue commemorative stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of these cinematic landmarks, she highlighted the cultural significance of preserving India’s film heritage. “The initiative would serve as a cultural bridge between generations, highlighting the importance of preserving Indian cinematic heritage and the role of cinema in shaping our cultural identity,” she stated.

Both Deewar and Sholay starred her husband, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. While Sholay became a cult classic with its gripping story of friendship and revenge, Deewar portrayed the gritty rise of an underworld figure, contributing significantly to Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic “angry young man” image.

Jaya Bachchan used this moment to also raise broader concerns about the struggles faced by the Indian film industry. During a discussion on the Union Budget 2025-26, she addressed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directly: “You have totally ignored one of the industries, the film industry, and sadly, past governments have done the same. But today, you have the opportunity to take it to the next level.”

She didn’t stop there. Warning of the industry’s decline, she pointed out the shrinking number of cinema-goers and the closure of single-screen theaters. “Today, single-screen theaters are shutting down. People are not going to movie halls because everything has become so costly. Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether,” she remarked sharply.

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