Sholay: Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, had set a landmark in the industry. Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini were seen in lead roles in the film. This film is one of the highest grossing Indian films. Sholay had a poor opening but its collection which suddenly increased was world of mouth. Due to this the film dominated the box office. After Sholay, both Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan came into limelight. But do you know why Amitabh Bachchan was signed for the film? No no, then let us tell you.
Amitabh Bachchan hosts the quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati along with films. Once director Ramesh Sippy and Hema Malini came to Amitabh Bachchan’s show. Where Ramesh Sippy told the real reason for signing Big B.
Signed for this reason
Amitabh Bachchan had asked Ramesh Sippy a question about the casting of Jai-Veeru. On this Ramesh Sippy said- ‘We already had Veeru. She was also in the last film. One thing I thought about was that we had three superstars and if one more superstar were to be born, it would be difficult. Then I thought I need a good actor. Who can do good work and become a team. Because when Salim-Javed suggested Amit ji’s name for this role, and said that there is an ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ who is doing good work and is working with us in ‘Zanjeer’. I said okay, this is a good thing.
Ramesh Sippy further said, ‘And then I thought that he is not a star at this time, so I will not have the problem that there is another star on the set. But, there are two things that I remember about you. You did a very good job in the film ‘Anand’, a very serious role, and then in ‘Bombay to Goa’ you did a lighter role with Mehmood saab. On that bus, you were a tall man, and the way you danced was amazing. I thought he was an actor who could do anything. Therefore, he will be able to give us what we want. This is how the casting was done.
