‘Sholay’ Turns 50: Sachin, Hema Malini, Ramesh Sippy Unveil On-Set Secrets

MUMBAI- As the iconic film ‘Sholay’ commemorates its 50th anniversary, new insights into its creation have emerged from key figures involved in the project. These stories highlight the unique and often spontaneous nature of filmmaking during that era.

Sachin Pilgaonkar’s Unexpected Role

Sachin Pilgaonkar, who played Rahim chacha’s son, revealed how he became an assistant director on the film. He explained that director Ramesh Sippy needed someone to represent him on the second unit, which was handling the action sequences. Pilgaonkar and actor Amjad Khan (Gabbar) were chosen for this task because of their deep personal involvement with the project. “He told us to go there and represent him,” Pilgaonkar said, adding that they would observe the filming and then report back to Sippy. This dual role gave him an early opportunity to work on the directorial side of filmmaking.

Hema Malini’s Unrehearsed Performance

Hema Malini shared that her famous dance number ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ was filmed without any rehearsal. “No rehearsal at all,” she said. “It is more of an act, it’s a scene. Scene and dance.” Malini explained that the movements were created on the spot based on the director’s vision. She also recalled her initial disappointment with her role’s size, but Sippy convinced her to accept it, promising that her character would have a significant impact. “I had faith in him. So, I said, ‘Okay, I will do it,'” she recounted. Her witty dialogue and vibrant character ultimately provided comedic relief in the film.

Ramesh Sippy on ‘Bromance’ and Audience Reaction

Director Ramesh Sippy addressed the modern-day term “bromance” used to describe the relationship between Jai and Veeru. Unfamiliar with the term, he clarified that the bond was simply one of “a good friendship.” He said, “It’s up to people. We have not suggested anything like this… But if someone hugs you with love, or sits with you on a motorcycle, it does not mean that there is something else in it.” Sippy also shared a memorable anecdote from the film’s premiere, recalling a cinema owner telling him that audiences were so engrossed that “no one is coming here to have a cold drink” during the interval.

‘Sholay’, written by Salim-Javed, is celebrated as one of Hindi cinema’s greatest films, known for its grandeur, technical brilliance, and iconic performances. (IANS)