Ramesh Sippy's iconic film Sholay turns 50 on 14 August. The film, that changed the fabric of Bollywood forever, has remained relevant and cult for five long decades. Each character of the film has remained iconic to date. While actor Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra were already stars when they were cast in Sholay, the success of the film catapulted them both to super stardom and gave their careers a fresh lease. Their onscreen camaraderie as Jai and Veeru remains a reference point for all buddy films in Indian cinema to this date. However, Bachchan and Dharmendra were not the first choice for the film.<h2>Big B and Dharmendra were not the first choice for Sholay</h2> Bachchan's intensity and brooding take on his character Jai left a lasting impression on the audience, but he was not the first choice for the role. Actor Shatrughan Sinha was reportedly offered the role of Jai before it went to Big B. In a 2023 interview, Sinha revealed he was approached for both Sholay and Deewar but could not do the films owing to creative differences and packed shooting schedules.&nbsp; Dharmendra, meanwhile, was initially considered for the role of Thakur and briefly even for Gabbar Singh. In an interview with ANI, Dharmendra stated that he was more keen to the role of Veeru- a decision that paid off in the long run. Dharmendra also revealed that it was he who recommended Bachchan's name for the role of Jai to director Ramesh Sippy. The writers of the film, the iconic duo Salim-Javed, who had worked with Bachchan in Zanjeer, were also on board with the idea of the actor playing Jai, and Bachchan lobbied hard to be a part of the film.&nbsp; The film eventually became a milestone in both Bachchan and Dharmendra's careers, and the characters Jai and Veeru remain one of the most loved pairs in Indian cinema. One can't possibly imagine any other actor playing these characters other than these two actors who made for the best on-screen partners in crime.&nbsp;<h2>About Sholay</h2>Five decades on, Sholay continues to fascinate and thrill audiences across the world with its story, characters and dialogues. Written by Salim-Javed, and directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay eventually became a masterclass in storytelling- blending multiple genres into one film. Apart from Bachchan and Dharmendra, the film also starred Sanjeev Kumar as Thakur, Amjad Khan as Gabbar, Jaya Bachchan as Radha and Hema Malini as Basanti. The film also had memorable cameos by AK Hangal, Sachin, Asrani and others.&nbsp;

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra made Jai and Veeru iconic in Sholay. But did you know that the actors were not the first choices for the characters and the roles were offered to other actors before the roles came to them?

Ramesh Sippy's iconic film Sholay turns 50 on 14 August. The film, that changed the fabric of Bollywood forever, has remained relevant and cult for five long decades. Each character of the film has remained iconic to date. While actor Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra were already stars when they were cast in Sholay, the success of the film catapulted them both to super stardom and gave their careers a fresh lease. Their onscreen camaraderie as Jai and Veeru remains a reference point for all buddy films in Indian cinema to this date. However, Bachchan and Dharmendra were not the first choice for the film. Big B and Dharmendra were not the first choice for Sholay Bachchan's intensity and brooding take on his character Jai left a lasting impression on the audience, but he was not the first choice for the role. Actor Shatrughan Sinha was reportedly offered the role of Jai before it went to Big B. In a 2023 interview, Sinha revealed he was approached for both Sholay and Deewar but could not do the films owing to creative differences and packed shooting schedules. Dharmendra, meanwhile, was initially considered for the role of Thakur and briefly even for Gabbar Singh. In an interview with ANI, Dharmendra stated that he was more keen to the role of Veeru- a decision that paid off in the long run. Dharmendra also revealed that it was he who recommended Bachchan's name for the role of Jai to director Ramesh Sippy. The writers of the film, the iconic duo Salim-Javed, who had worked with Bachchan in Zanjeer, were also on board with the idea of the actor playing Jai, and Bachchan lobbied hard to be a part of the film. The film eventually became a milestone in both Bachchan and Dharmendra's careers, and the characters Jai and Veeru remain one of the most loved pairs in Indian cinema. One can't possibly imagine any other actor playing these characters other than these two actors who made for the best on-screen partners in crime. About Sholay Five decades on, Sholay continues to fascinate and thrill audiences across the world with its story, characters and dialogues. Written by Salim-Javed, and directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay eventually became a masterclass in storytelling- blending multiple genres into one film. Apart from Bachchan and Dharmendra, the film also starred Sanjeev Kumar as Thakur, Amjad Khan as Gabbar, Jaya Bachchan as Radha and Hema Malini as Basanti. The film also had memorable cameos by AK Hangal, Sachin, Asrani and others.

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra made Jai and Veeru iconic in Sholay. But did you know that the actors were not the first choices for the characters and the roles were offered to other actors before the roles came to them?

Sholay turns 50: Did you know Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra were NOT the original choice for Jai-Veeru?

One of the iconic films ever made in Indian cinemas, Sholay, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Independence Day. The success of any movie earlier was measured by how long it ran in theatres. Did you know that Sholay, helmed by Ramesh Sippy, which was released in 1975, ran for straight five years in Mumbai.<h2>Which theatre in Mumbai did Sholay enjoy a run of five years?</h2>Sholay has been labelled as one of the best films ever made in Bollywood and has reached a certain stature in popular culture. It has been called the greatest Hindi film of all time. But, the film made its history in the Minerva theatre on Mumbai's Grant Road.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/machine-gun-kelly-reveals-main-reason-behind-his-split-from-megan-fox-it-s-complicated-1754723758313">Machine Gun Kelly reveals main reason behind his split from Megan Fox: 'It's complicated'</a>&nbsp;Reportedly, the film ran for five straight years from 1975 to 1980, which says the legendary friendship of Jai and Veeru, Basanti's banter with Dhanno, and villain Gabbar Singh's inimitable dialogues. The Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra starrer was played at the theatre from 1975 to 1980. Back then, tickets were very cheap and ranged from Rs 150 to Rs 3. These were also the rates of balcony seats.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/anna-kendrick-birthday-twilight-to-pitch-perfect-best-performances-of-actress-1754676433767">Anna Kendrick Birthday: Twilight to Pitch Perfect, best performances of actress</a>&nbsp;Sholay is remembered today for its action-packed sequences and iconic dialogues. The music was also a big hit among netizens. Whenever there has been a discussion of action heroes and gangsters, Sholay has always been number one on the list.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/weapons-x-review-netizens-declare-zach-cregger-s-directorial-creepy-and-chilling-1754674505160">Weapons X review: Netizens declare Zach Cregger's directorial creepy, chilling</a><h2>All about Sholay: plot. Iconic cast, facts, and more</h2>The epic-action adventure film is helmed by Ramesh Sippy and tells the story of Jai and Veeru, two ex-convicts, who are hired by Thakur Baldev Singh, a retired policeman, to help him nab Gabbar Singh, a notorious dacoit, who has spread havoc in the village of Ramgarh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/stranger-things-actor-mason-dye-gets-engaged-to-longtime-girlfriend-carmen-joiner-1754661214016">Stranger Things actor Mason Dye gets engaged to longtime girlfriend</a>&nbsp;The film features an ensemble cast of Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Amjad Khan, A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Viju Khote, Arvind Joshi, Raj Kishore, Asrani, Gita Siddharth, Helen, Leela Mishra, Mac Mohan, and Keshto Mukherjee, among others.&nbsp;After the Central Board of Film Certification mandated the removal of several violent scenes, Sholay was released as a 198-minute-long film. In 1990, the original director's cut of 204 minutes became available on home media.

Post release of Sholay, did you know this film featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan, Dharmendra, and Hema Malini enjoyed a run in cinemas for five straight years. 

One of the iconic films ever made in Indian cinemas, Sholay, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Independence Day. The success of any movie earlier was measured by how long it ran in theatres. Did you know that Sholay, helmed by Ramesh Sippy, which was released in 1975, ran for straight five years in Mumbai. Which theatre in Mumbai did Sholay enjoy a run of five years? Sholay has been labelled as one of the best films ever made in Bollywood and has reached a certain stature in popular culture. It has been called the greatest Hindi film of all time. But, the film made its history in the Minerva theatre on Mumbai's Grant Road. Also Read: Machine Gun Kelly reveals main reason behind his split from Megan Fox: 'It's complicated' Reportedly, the film ran for five straight years from 1975 to 1980, which says the legendary friendship of Jai and Veeru, Basanti's banter with Dhanno, and villain Gabbar Singh's inimitable dialogues. The Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra starrer was played at the theatre from 1975 to 1980. Back then, tickets were very cheap and ranged from Rs 150 to Rs 3. These were also the rates of balcony seats. Also Read: Anna Kendrick Birthday: Twilight to Pitch Perfect, best performances of actress Sholay is remembered today for its action-packed sequences and iconic dialogues. The music was also a big hit among netizens. Whenever there has been a discussion of action heroes and gangsters, Sholay has always been number one on the list. Also Read: Weapons X review: Netizens declare Zach Cregger's directorial creepy, chilling All about Sholay: plot. Iconic cast, facts, and more The epic-action adventure film is helmed by Ramesh Sippy and tells the story of Jai and Veeru, two ex-convicts, who are hired by Thakur Baldev Singh, a retired policeman, to help him nab Gabbar Singh, a notorious dacoit, who has spread havoc in the village of Ramgarh. Also Read: Stranger Things actor Mason Dye gets engaged to longtime girlfriend The film features an ensemble cast of Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Amjad Khan, A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Viju Khote, Arvind Joshi, Raj Kishore, Asrani, Gita Siddharth, Helen, Leela Mishra, Mac Mohan, and Keshto Mukherjee, among others. After the Central Board of Film Certification mandated the removal of several violent scenes, Sholay was released as a 198-minute-long film. In 1990, the original director's cut of 204 minutes became available on home media.

Post release of Sholay, did you know this film featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan, Dharmendra, and Hema Malini enjoyed a run in cinemas for five straight years.&nbsp;

Sholay at 50: Did you know Ramesh Sippy's directorial enjoyed a historic run at THIS theatre for five years?

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Sholay turns 50: Did you know Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra were NOT the original choice for Jai-Veeru?

Sholay at 50: DYK Ramesh Sippy's film enjoyed five year run at THIS theatre?