Sholay, the film directed by Ramesh Sippy, which was released on August 15, 1975 is turning 50 this year. Decades may have passed but this iconic film still finds a way to stay in conversations. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Amjad Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Jaya Bachchan, the film remains a timeless classic in Indian cinema.
But here’s something many fans may not know – despite being a big star even back then, Amitabh Bachchan wasn’t the highest-paid actor in Sholay. In fact, Dharmendra topped the list when it came to remuneration.
Surprising Salary Breakdown: From Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan To Jaya Bachchan
According to a report by India.com, Dharmendra was paid Rs 1,50,000 making him the highest-paid actor in the film. Sanjeev Kumar, who played Thakur Baldev Singh also earned Rs 1,25,000. Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra may have shared the screen equally but Bachchan received a pay of Rs 1,00,000.
On the other hand, shockingly Jaya Bachchan was paid only Rs 35,000 the lowest among all the main cast members. Even Amjad Khan, whose unforgettable portrayal of Gabbar Singh became legendary, earned him only of Rs 50,000 which is way low than Hema Malini also, who was paid Rs 75,000 for her role as Basanti.
Sholay Returns With Original Ending
As part of its golden jubilee celebrations, Sholay is set to have a grand world premiere at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Italy on June 27. The exciting part? This version of the film includes the uncut climax, where Gabbar Singh is shot dead – a sequence that was removed earlier due to censor board objections.
Thanks to a joint effort by Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., this new version gives fans a rare chance to witness the filmmaker’s original vision.
Sholay was more than just a movie. It redefined Indian cinema with its unforgettable dialogues, gripping plot and iconic characters which remains timeless across generations. And even as we learn lesser-known facts like how Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra were paid differently – it only adds more layers to the film’s legendary status.
As the cult classic marks 50 years, this re-release is not just a trip down memory lane but a moment to celebrate a film that shaped an era.
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