Released in 1975 and directed by Ramesh Sippy Sholay remains an evergreen classic. Its epic storyline timeless songs and unforgettable dialogues continue to bring joy to audiences even today. While Bollywood has been many revenge dramas over the years none have left a lasting impact quite like Sholay.

Even after 50 years Sholay remains much loved among audiences. Its re-release in theatres continues to draw enthusiastic crowds. Made on a budget of Rs 2-3 crore the action drama became the highest-grossing Bollywood film for almost two decades raking Rs 35 crore at the box office. Sholays collection record was finally broken by Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit starrer Hum Aapke Hain Koun in 1994.



According to a report by IMDb the name of Amitabh Bachchans character Jai and Dharmendras Veeru was inspired by the film’s scriptwriter Salim Khan’s friends from college — Veerandar Singh Bias and Jai Singh Rao Kalevar. Apart from this the character of Gabbar Singh which was played by Amjad Khan unfolds a fascinating story. Reportedly the reel name of Gabbar Singh was based on the real life name of Gabbar Singh Gujjar a notorious bandit who was feared in the villages around Gwalior during the 1950s.

Apart from Amitabh Bachchan Dharmendra and Amjad Khan the film also starred Hema Malini as Basanti Jaya Bachchan as Radha Sanjeev Kumar as Thakur Baldev Singh and Asrani as Jailor. The  immense contribution of Sholays ensemble cast made this film a timeless classic in Hindi cinema.

Bankrolled by Ramesh Sippys father G.P. Sippy and written by Salim-Javed Sholay is till date regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Indian films of all time.