Some things are permanently etched in your mind, and one of the films that has been on the list is 1975’s Sholay. It is a cult classic movie that will complete 50 years this year in August.
The movie turned into a phenomenon, running for over five years in some theatres. Ramesh Sippy’s epic action-adventure has a stellar cast. The movie is about two criminals, Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), hired by a retired police officer, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), to capture the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Sholay also features Basanti (Hema Malini) and Radha (Jaya Bhaduri).
Cinemagoers across generations have watched the movie because it offers a larger-than-life cinematic experience.
Sholay Star Cast Fees
Do you know legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan was not the highest-paid actor among the star cast? As per reports, Dharmendra was paid Rs 1,50,000 for his role while Sanjeev Kumar got Rs 1,25,000. Then came Bachchan, who was paid Rs 1,00,000. Actress Hema Malini was paid Rs 75,000. Amjad Khan, who played Gabbar, reportedly was given Rs 50,000 for his iconic role. Sadly, Jaya Bachchan was paid the least among the stars. Her fee was Rs 35,000.
Sholay’s restored version set for world premiere in Italy
As per the reports, Sholay will be premiered in its uncut, restored version at the annual Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Italy on June 27. To commemorate the film’s 50th anniversary, the uncut version will show the original ending, where Gabbar Singh is killed by Thakur instead of getting arrested by the police.
In 1975, during the release of Sholay, the original ending was reportedly removed following the Central Board of Film Certification’s orders. Now, a collaborative effort by Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. will bring back the film as it was originally intended.