Legendary Bollywood movie Sholay is all set for the world premiere of its fully restored and uncut version in Italy on its 50th anniversary on June 27.
Elated by the news, the stars of Sholay, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, called the screening a “watershed moment” and the movie an “8th wonder of the world”.
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‘Sholay is the 8th wonder of the world’: Dharmendra
Dharmendra was ‘thrilled’ by the news of Sholay’s restoration, and said he was sure that this screening too would have the same success as it had 50 years ago.
“Sholay is the 8th wonder of the world,” the veteran actor said, asking, “Who can forget the dialogues of and the direction of Ramesh Sippy?”
Dharmendra quipped that even though several of Sholay’s scenes have gone down in the history of Indian cinema and every character became a star, “but the real hero was the coin.”
Sharing an interesting anecdote about his role in the iconic movie, Dharmendra said he was initially offered the roles of Gabbar and Thakur. “…but I was clear that I wanted to play the role of Veeru as he is so much like me.” “I had so much fun on the shoot.”
The actor shared his favourite scenes from the movie, and said, “the tanki scene, the scene in the temple, and so many others, but the most powerful scene I feel was the death of Jai, which is still etched in my mind.”
‘I hope that even 50 years later…’: Amitabh Bachchan
hoped that Sholay would play its magic again, 50 years later, for new audiences across the globe. Saying that the movie is the kind that remains “permanently etched in your mind,” the veteran actor recalled that “unforgettable experience” of shooting for the film.