Sholay was a blockbuster, released in 1975 directed by Ramesh Sippy and produced by his father G. P. Sippy. The film follows two criminals, Veeru and Jai (played by Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan), hired by a retired police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri also star, as Veeru and Jai's love interests. Sholay is considered a classic and one of the best Indian films. It was ranked first in the British Film Institute's 2002 poll of "Top 10 Indian Films" of all time.
Here are few interesting facts about movie
1. Two producer/director teams rejected the idea before it found favor with Ramesh Sippy.
2. Though released on August 15 1975, Sholay was launched on 2nd October 1973. It was released again this year as 3D movie.
3. Some of the characters of Sholay were based on the writer duos’ friends and acquaintances.
4. There was actually a dacoit named Gabbar Singh in the 1950’s in the Gwalior area; he used to cut off the noses and ears of policemen.
5. The film was the first to enjoy a 25-week run in over 100 cinemas
6. In Minerva theater of Mumbai, Sholay ran for over 5 years uninterrupted.
7.Thakur’s character was originally supposed to be a retired army officer. This was changed to a police officer because the filmmakers thought it would be difficult to get requisite permissions.
8. Amitabh bachchan was interested to play Gabbar singh role but director had chosen Amjad khan. Amjad khan was unable to deliver as per director's expectations initially and was about to be removed from film. He has spoken his dialogues very similar to a Dhobi , residing to his backyard.
9. There was a real life Soorma (after which Jagdeep’s character Soorma Bhopali was named). He was a forest officer from Bhopal; an acquaintance of Jagdeep.
10. Danny Denzongpa was considered for the role of Gabbar first but he refused the film which was his big mistake. Amjad khan was rockstar after this movie even though he was seen in movie only after intermission.
11. Mac Mohan’s character, Sambha had only one line in the film, but he is still referred to as ‘Sambha’. he accepted in interview that this was his best role in Bollywood journey
12. Shatrughan Sinha was initially considered for the role of Jai.
13. Amitabh bachchan was included in the movie by recommendation of Dharmendra which made Amitabh superstar.
14.Dharmendra wanted to play the role of Thakur initially, but settled on playing Veeru when he found out that he was to be paired with Hema Malini. Sanjeev kumar was also interested in Hema malini so Dharmendra was scared about pairing him with Hema.
15. Deleted scenes of Sholay
a. Gabbar kills Sachin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9OKFoG6cgY
b. Thakur kills Gabbar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh_WeoKJkUY
16. Movie was perfect cocktail of comedy, revenge, romance, drama, great songs. Every character i.e. Asrani, Jagdeep, Amjad khan, Sachin, Mac mohan, Kallia etc played long inning in Bollywood.
17. Many bolloywood movies take references from Sholay even now (after 40 years).
Here are few interesting facts about movie
1. Two producer/director teams rejected the idea before it found favor with Ramesh Sippy.
2. Though released on August 15 1975, Sholay was launched on 2nd October 1973. It was released again this year as 3D movie.
3. Some of the characters of Sholay were based on the writer duos’ friends and acquaintances.
4. There was actually a dacoit named Gabbar Singh in the 1950’s in the Gwalior area; he used to cut off the noses and ears of policemen.
5. The film was the first to enjoy a 25-week run in over 100 cinemas
6. In Minerva theater of Mumbai, Sholay ran for over 5 years uninterrupted.
7.Thakur’s character was originally supposed to be a retired army officer. This was changed to a police officer because the filmmakers thought it would be difficult to get requisite permissions.
8. Amitabh bachchan was interested to play Gabbar singh role but director had chosen Amjad khan. Amjad khan was unable to deliver as per director's expectations initially and was about to be removed from film. He has spoken his dialogues very similar to a Dhobi , residing to his backyard.
9. There was a real life Soorma (after which Jagdeep’s character Soorma Bhopali was named). He was a forest officer from Bhopal; an acquaintance of Jagdeep.
10. Danny Denzongpa was considered for the role of Gabbar first but he refused the film which was his big mistake. Amjad khan was rockstar after this movie even though he was seen in movie only after intermission.
11. Mac Mohan’s character, Sambha had only one line in the film, but he is still referred to as ‘Sambha’. he accepted in interview that this was his best role in Bollywood journey
12. Shatrughan Sinha was initially considered for the role of Jai.
13. Amitabh bachchan was included in the movie by recommendation of Dharmendra which made Amitabh superstar.
14.Dharmendra wanted to play the role of Thakur initially, but settled on playing Veeru when he found out that he was to be paired with Hema Malini. Sanjeev kumar was also interested in Hema malini so Dharmendra was scared about pairing him with Hema.
15. Deleted scenes of Sholay
a. Gabbar kills Sachin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9OKFoG6cgY
b. Thakur kills Gabbar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh_WeoKJkUY
16. Movie was perfect cocktail of comedy, revenge, romance, drama, great songs. Every character i.e. Asrani, Jagdeep, Amjad khan, Sachin, Mac mohan, Kallia etc played long inning in Bollywood.
17. Many bolloywood movies take references from Sholay even now (after 40 years).
This is great post !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am fond of Sholay movie since childhood