Released in August 1975, Sholay remains one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film redefined action dramas and created some of the most iconic characters of Bollywood. As Sholay marks its 50th anniversary this year, a resurfaced report has sparked curiosity about how much each star in this monumental film was actually paid. Surprisingly, the biggest paycheck didn’t go to Amitabh Bachchan.
According to a report, Dharmendra who played the affable Veeru was the highest paid actor on the set, earning Rs 1.5 lakh for his role. In contrast, Amitabh Bachchan who portrayed the quiet and intense Jai was paid Rs 1 lakh. Sanjeev Kumar who essayed the role of Thakur Baldev Singh received Rs 1.25 lakh, slightly less than Dharmendra. Meanwhile, Amjad Khan who etched himself into cinematic history with his performance as Gabbar Singh was reportedly paid Rs 50,000.
Among the female leads, Hema Malini received Rs 75,000 whereas Jaya Bachchan was paid the least, taking home just Rs 35,000.
Beyond the numbers, fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes have also emerged. In a recent interview, Dharmendra reflected on his time working on Sholay, describing it as an experience he truly enjoyed. He spoke about the film’s legacy, stating it was a creation that would live on for centuries. The veteran actor also shared a revelation that might surprise many fans — Amitabh Bachchan was not the first choice for the role of Jai and it was Shatrughan Sinha who was originally considered.
Dharmendra humbly admitted that he was the one who recommended Amitabh to director Ramesh Sippy. Recalling his early meetings with Amitabh, Dharmendra explained how the young actor would often sit beside him. Impressed by his deep voice and the sincerity in his demeanor, Dharmendra suggested to Ramesh Sippy that Amitabh had great potential. He described the then-newcomer as someone whose inner drive and self-love were striking, qualities that convinced him Amitabh Bachchan would do justice to the role.
These reflections not only give fans a richer understanding of how the film came together but also highlight Dharmendra’s generous spirit and eye for talent, one that helped shape one of the most celebrated acting duos in the Indian film history.
As Sholay completes half a century, it’s not just the action, drama, or dialogues that continue to resonate, but also the stories behind its making the camaraderie, the casting decisions, and the dedication of a team that created cinematic magic.
