Last Updated:November 19, 2025, 15:27 IST

Ramesh Sippy revealed that when he cast Amitabh Bachchan in Sholay, the actor was facing a career slump with several films not working, before hits like Zanjeer revived him.

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra’s legendary classic Sholay returns to cinemas in a fully restored 4K version titled Sholay – The Final Cut.

Sholay remains one of the most iconic films of Bollywood, and even after 50 years, the film starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra in the lead roles remains iconic. Now, as the movie is completing its golden jubilee, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy recalled how Amitabh Bachchan was actually going through a rough career patch when he cast him in Sholay.

In an interview with Free Press Journal, Sippy recalled, “In the film industry, we have different ways of casting. I had made a previous film, Seeta Aur Geeta, and in that, I had Dharam Ji (Dharmendra), Hema Ji (Hema Malini), and Sanjeev Kumar. So I was determined to have all three of them in Sholay, and we did that. The other casting was of Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan). He was going through a dip at that time. Some of his films had not worked. But by the time I started Sholay, Zanjeer was released and it was a hit. Deewaar came before us, and that was also a hit. So he was on his way back. He had become a star again.”

Talking about whether there was any type of insecurity or ego clash on the sets between the megastars, Sippy revealed, “They worked very well together. There was no rivalry of that kind. Each did his best and was happy doing what they were doing. Internally, I don’t know what went on in their minds, but I’m sure they were satisfied because when they heard the script, Salim–Javed and I went along and narrated the story to them, they were all happy. As a matter of fact, the only tussle was about who should play which role.”

Sholay to re-release in theatres

The landmark Indian classic Sholay is set to hit theatres once again, this time in a fully restored 4K version titled Sholay – The Final Cut. The nationwide re-release, scheduled for December 12, 2025, marks the film’s 50th anniversary and will be showcased across 1,500 theatres.

What makes this release historic is the reinstatement of the film’s original uncut ending—screened publicly for the first time in five decades. Ahead of its 1975 release, the climax was altered due to strict censorship imposed during India’s Emergency era. Now, viewers will finally be able to watch Sholay exactly as director Ramesh Sippy intended.