Sholay director Ramesh Sippy reveals why Amitabh Bachchan got a role in Sholay, it’s not because of Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan

Bollywood has produced various great movies that have deeply impressed audiences. From Pakeezah and Trishul to Don, films from the 70s era are still loved in 2024. Nevertheless, Amitabh Bachchan’s Sholay became one such film that broke all records and became a in point of fact perfect hit. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini in key roles, the movie still holds its appeal among fans. The film’s success in theatres became largely driven by word of mouth. But do what the X factor became that landed Amitabh the lead role within the film? This became revealed by the director when, years later, he appeared as a guest on Big B’s KBC and spilt the beans.

One day of the show, Amitabh asked Ramesh Sippy to reveal why he cast him and Dharmendra for the enduring roles of Jai and Veeru. Sippy spoke back, “We had ‘Veeru’, he became there within the last film, too. So, one thing I had thought about became that we had three superstars, and if I brought in one more superstar, it'd be not easy for me. So, I made up our minds I needed a wonderful actor who does quality work and can change right into a component of the team. When Salim-Javed suggested Amit ji for this role, saying there’s this ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ who’s doing great work and had worked with us in Zanjeer, I said, ‘Ok, that’s good.'”

Ramesh Sippy further added, “At the time, he wasn’t a celeb yet, so I wouldn’t have the issue of managing one more superstar on set. But there were two things I remembered about you, Amit ji. You probably did a wonderful job in Anand, a in point of fact serious role, and then in Bombay to Goa, you played a lighter role with Mehmood Saab. In that bus, you were this tall man, and the way wherein you danced so gracefully— I felt this became an actor who may maybe do anything. That’s when I knew you’d have the flexibleness to present us what we needed for the role. That’s how the casting became done.”

In keeping with reports, Amitabh Bachchan charged several lakhs for the film. Nevertheless, Dharmendra received the superior payment, with Amitabh ranking 1/3 on the topic of fees. Sanjeev Kumar took the 2d spot.

About Sholay

Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay turned out to be a enormous hit. It remains among the many many most loved and iconic films in Hindi cinema. The characters have change into legendary, and the entirety in regards to the movie is remembered to today. The film became made on a budget of ₹three crores and collected ₹35 crores at the box place of work.