50 Years Of Sholay: Dharmendra Calls Iconic Film 'Eighth Wonder Of The World'

Fifty years ago, on August 15, 1975, the iconic film Sholay was released, and its magic continues to captivate audiences today. To mark this special occasion, legendary actor Dharmendra, who brought the lovable rogue Veeru to life, sits down to share some anecdotes from the historic shoot and his storied career.

A look back

Dharmendra calls Sholay the "eighth wonder of the world," and is thrilled by its enduring appeal. "Who can forget the dialogues by Salim-Javed and the direction of Ramesh Sippy?" he asks. "So many scenes have become part of cinematic history, and every single character became a star in their own right. But for me, the real hero was the coin."

The actor reveals a lesser-known tidbit: he was offered the roles of both the menacing Gabbar and the stoic Thakur. However, his heart was set on Veeru. "I knew I had to play Veeru because his character is so much like me," he explains. He recalls the shoot as a "picnic," filled with fun. His favorite scenes include the famous water tank sequence and the temple scene, but the most powerful moment for him remains the emotional climax of Jai's death, which he says is still "etched in my mind."

Bond beyond the screen

A crucial part of Sholay's legacy is the on-screen chemistry between Veeru and Jai, played by Amitabh Bachchan. Dharmendra confirms the long-standing rumor that he recommended Bachchan for the role. "It's true," he says, "but so what? Amit was new at the time, but he was a volcano of talent waiting to erupt. When I came into the industry, many seniors did the same for me. The most valuable lesson I've learned in life is the importance of kindness and generosity."

He recalls meeting a young Bachchan, who was full of passion for his craft. "He would come to meet me and would sit next to me. I told Ramesh Sippy, 'This new boy, you can tell from his voice that he's going to do great things.' I was impressed by his inner drive and his dedication to his work."

Career filled with co-stars and kindness

Dharmendra's recent on-screen kiss in the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani also made headlines. He shares a playful remark he made to his co-star, Ranveer Singh: "I told Ranveer, 'You may have kissed on screen many times, but my one kiss got everyone talking.'"

When asked about his favorite co-star, Dharmendra says he enjoyed working with many leading ladies. "Of course, I enjoyed working with Hema Malini. We grew very close while working together," he says, but is quick to add, "I also enjoyed working with Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh, Mumtaz, Nutanji, Meena Kumariji, Mala Sinhaji, and Sairaji... they were all wonderful co-stars. I learned so much from them."

Reflecting on his life, the veteran actor says his greatest joy is the love he has received from people. "I've always been an emotional person. I never wanted to be known as a good person; I've just strived to be one. I think that's why people love me so much. It's important to be humble and kind to everyone around you."

He also speaks about the enduring connection he feels to his work. "When someone mentions films or the camera, I suddenly get a surge of energy and turn into a lion. The camera loves me, and I love the camera. I truly can't live without it."

Friends and mentors

Dharmendra fondly remembers his friends and collaborators from the industry, including directors and actors he's lost over the years. He shares a bittersweet memory of director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. "We were on a train, and he narrated the story of Anand. A little while later, I found out Rajesh Khanna was doing the film. I was a bit miffed and called him up after a couple of drinks. I said, 'You told me we would do a film, and then you took Rajesh Khanna!' He tried to calm me down to sleep and told me we'd do another film, but I kept telling him, 'I would have slept with so much 'Anand' (joy) if I were playing Anand!'

His voice softens as he talks about those who are no longer with him. "I miss Hrishida. Sometimes I'm happy remembering the good times, and then I get teary-eyed missing him. I miss Rajsaab (Kapoor), Devsaab (Anand), and Dilip Saab (Kumar)... but you can't get them back now."

Published on: Sunday, August 17, 2025, 08:30 AM IST