The 1975 cinematic masterpiece Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, continues to be celebrated as an enduring classic. However, a lesser-known fact about the film is that Amitabh Bachchan wasn’t the initial choice for the iconic role of Jai. That part was first offered to Shatrughan Sinha. In a recent interview, Dharmendra shed light on this intriguing piece of film history, revealing that he played a pivotal role in Amitabh Bachchan securing the role.
Dharmendra recounted his recommendation to news agency ANI, stating, “It has already been mentioned. Yes, I recommended him. Mai to kehta nahi maine unko (Amitabh Bachchan) role dilaya. Ye mujhe milne aate the Amitabh sahab (He used to come to meet me, Mr Amitabh). He used to sit next to me. To maine Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai usko awaaz se to lagta hai bahut acha kaam karega. Unki jo andar se chahna thi. Jo khud se pyar karne ki khoobsurati thi vo achi lagi..maine kaha inko lelo (So I told Ramesh Sippy that this is a new boy. Judging by his voice, he will do a great job. I liked the desire he had from within. The beauty of loving oneself. I said take him).”
Reflecting on his experience working on Sholay, the veteran actor expressed his deep enjoyment of the project. He added, “Yeh film mere khyayal se sadiyun ke liye ban gayi hai (this film will be there for centuries).”
Released in August 1975, Sholay tells the thrilling story of two ex-convicts, Jai and Veeru, who are enlisted by Thakur Baldev Singh, a retired policeman, to capture the infamous dacoit Gabbar Singh.
