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Celebrating 40 years of Sholay

Mumbai - Forty years since it hit the screens on August 15, 1975, "Sholay" continues to entertain generations.

Director Ramesh Sippy denied reports that his blockbuster film "Sholay" had a lackluster collection at the box-office for the first two weeks. He says that it got a blockbuster opening.
"There was tremendous eagerness among people for the film. When the film hit the theatres, it had an outstanding opening and was 'House Full' everywhere and innumerable tickets were sold in black. It is a completely wrong to say that the film had poor opening," said Sippy.
He was present at the National Centre for the Performing Arts to celebrate the completion of 40 years of "Sholay".
Sippy, however, accepted that the film received disastrous reviews from critics.
"Yes, critics slammed the film. The trade pundits were firm that this film can't work and that it was a disaster.
"But the viewer loved it from day one. And the popularity increased over time when the dialogues came out," he said.
"Sholay", which saw Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan play friends Jai-Veeru, was about a retired police chief, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who plots to bring down notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with the help of Jai and Veeru.
Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri essayed the love interests of Veeru and Jai in the film that was released on Independence Day in 1975.
The film held the record for the maximum number of weeks at the box-office before "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" broke its record.
 

'Good over evil' theme makes 'Sholay' resonate even today: Amitabh Bachchan
In an email interview with IANS from Mumbai, the 72-year-old went down memory lane and shared his thoughts about the Ramesh Sippy directorial.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. "Sholay" is one film which has transcended generations of Hindi film buffs altogether. What is it, according to you, that helps the movie to resonate even today when a lot about Hindi cinema has changed?
The victory of good over evil and...most importantly, poetic justice in three hours! You and I shall not get it in a lifetime.
Q. Many have said "Sholay' had flopped at the box office. Was it a disappointment back then for you and the team?
In this profession, we are programmed for failure and success. Yes, when an effort fails, we feel disappointed but get back on the horse to ride again. Our disappointment on this one lasted a day, because after that it converted itself into success.
Q. Given the fact that "Sholay" has become a cult movie over the years, do you consider it as a career-defining film even though the 1970s saw you featuring in some of your best works like "Zanjeer" and "Deewar"?
I look upon every film of mine to be career defining, both those that failed at the box office and those that did not.
Q. "Sholay", in many ways, was trendsetting -- whether it was the 'bromance' between Jai and Veeru; a villain like Gabbar Singh; the outdoor shoot in Ramanagara; the action sequences, et al. Your comment, please?
A. It was a very well-scripted film and credit must go to the writers Salim-Javed first for its content. Ramesh Sippy ji as a director did many unconventional changes in its reproduction and its making - the location, the action coordination, camera work, 70 mm and the scale - I guess it all worked out fine.
Q. Often, you share anecdotes from the shooting of your films. Any special memory that you have from "Sholay"?
It would fill a book... But this is not the adequate platform I would imagine... Suffice to say it was an experience that was unforgettable.
Q. How did you end up landing in "Sholay"?
Salim-Javed had just finished 'Zanjeer' with me and recommended me to Ramesh ji. Guess that worked in my favour. I did, though, seek the blessings of Dharam-ji in putting in a word for me.
Q. Who, in your eyes, could play Jai-Veeru and Basanti, in a new "Sholay" remake?
I haven't the foggiest...!
Q. Ram Gopal Varma attempted a remake titled "Aag", and you featured in it too. But it didn't quite work. Do you believe a film like "Sholay" was never meant for a remake?
It's not 'it didn't quite work'...It's 'it didn't work'. I believe several 'Sholay' remakes have been ventured into in some form or the other, but I doubt if they were able to create the iconic stature that the original did.
Q. Do you and Dharmendra and Hema still meet sometimes and recollect memories of the film? You have continued to do films with Hema, but have you come across offers to star with Dharam?
We do not seek appointment to deliberately talk about "Sholay", but we do meet on and off... And, yes, if there is any reference to "Sholay", we do talk on it. Yes Hema-ji and I continue to work together and, yes, Dharam ji and I have been considered for films but they have not materialsed.

People still call me Basanti: Hema Malini
Actress-politician Hema Malini, who essayed the memorable role of Basanti in "Sholay", says even 40 years after the movie released, there are people who still call her by the character's name.
"40 years of Sholay and still going strong. So proud I was part of such an iconic movie! People still call me Basanti and transport me to that era again," Hema posted on Twitter.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, "Sholay" had released on Independence Day, 1975.
Hema essayed a fearless village belle, who became the love interest of veteran actor Dharmendra's character Veeru in the film.
"Arre o dhanno" is one of her best remembered dialogues, while the song "Jab tak hai jaan" remains etched in the minds of many due to her dancing skills.
"Sholay", which saw Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan play friends Jai-Veeru, is about a retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who plots to bring down the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with the Jai and Veeru.