Javed Akhtar Reflects on Sholay's Origins and Legacy

Mumbai, Aug 7 (PTI) - Reflecting on the iconic film “Sholay,” screenwriter Javed Akhtar recalls its origins without the unforgettable characters Basanti and Radha and initially featuring Jai and Veeru as former army men dismissed for indiscipline.

“Sholay,” a cult classic released on August 15, 1975, was the brainchild of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Initially, the story revolved around a dacoit and two recruits expelled from the army, but as the script developed, the narrative transformed significantly. Akhtar shared that constraints from portraying army personnel led to a change in character dynamics, turning them into a cop and two hoodlums.

Unbeknownst to Salim-Javed, their creation would become a "timeless" classic in Hindi cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini, "Sholay" initially faced a slow start but eventually climbed to iconic status. The narrative brought together myriad human emotions like vendetta, love, friendship, and the contrast between rural simplicity and urban cunning.

In 1975, apart from “Sholay,” other films like “Deewar,” also penned by Salim-Javed, redefined the storytelling landscape of Hindi cinema, marking a significant shift in the industry. Akhtar highlighted how this period was transformative both professionally and personally for himself and Salim Khan, earning them fame and recognition.

The film is memorable not just for its primary characters but also for its strong supporting cast, including Sachin Pilgaonkar, Asrani, AK Hangal, Mac Mohan, Jagdeep, and Viju Khote. On whether he would rewrite “Sholay” today, Akhtar asserted he wouldn’t change a thing, expressing satisfaction that the film continues to be cherished by audiences.

This year, a restored version of “Sholay” was showcased at an international film festival in Italy. This version included six additional minutes, featuring the original ending in which Sanjeev Kumar’s Thakur kills Gabbar. This ending was initially altered by the censor board during the Emergency, depicting Thakur leaving Gabbar alive as the police arrest him.

Looking ahead, Akhtar humorously envisioned Jai and Veeru in 2025. "They would be in the corporate world. They are so mischievous, where else would they go?" he mused.