Ranjeet Was Offered The Gabbar Role Before Amjad Khan

MUMBAI, (ANI) – Late actor Amjad Khan’s dialogue ‘Kitne aadmi the?’ from ‘Sholay’ still echoes in everyone’s mind. His portrayal of Gabbar Singh in Ramesh Sippy’s directorial gave Hindi cinema one of the most iconic villains. However, he was not the original choice for the role.

Actors Danny Denzongpa and Ranjeet were also approached by the makers to essay the role of Gabbar in ‘Sholay’, which starred veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra as protagonists.

Ranjeet took a stroll down memory lane and revealed that he rejected ‘Sholay’ to honor his friendship with Danny.

“When they (makers) came to me, they told me that Danny would not come now. In fact, I had no idea about the role either. I clearly told them, ‘Danny is a good friend of mine…Either you get me a no-objection letter from him or at least let him talk to me. if he agrees, then I will do the film.’ But I knew why he was not coming, and I refused to be a part of the film,” Ranjeet recalled.

“This role was destined for Amjad Khan…Ho sakta hai main Gabbar karta toh shayd audience ko nahin acha lagta,” Ranjeet quipped.

Ranjeet and Danny share a great friendship to date. He often shares pictures and videos with him on social media.