Sholay's Unforgettable Supporting Cast: More than Iconic Dialogues and Scenes

New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) The mention of "Sholay" conjures up images of iconic duos like Jai-Veeru and unforgettable characters like the avenger Thakur, the villainous Gabbar, Basanti, and Radha. Yet, the enduring success of Ramesh Sippy's 1975 classic also resides in its memorable supporting characters, some who remain in the backdrop and others who shine briefly. Despite limited screen time, they've cemented their place in the hearts of cinephiles.

Written by legendary screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, "Sholay" presents a plethora of characters to choose from—such as Viju Khote's Kaalia, Mac Mohan's Sambha, and Jagdeep's Soorma Bhopali, as well as Asrani's Jailer, A K Hangal's Rahim Chacha, and Leela Mishra's Mausi. These roles were meant to drive the story, add humor, or evoke emotion. Over decades, they've become as memorable as the film's lead characters, representing defining career highlights for the actors.

Kaalia, portrayed by Viju Khote, is an excellent example. Though Khote only appeared in two scenes, where his fear before Gabbar provided the memorable line: "Tera kya hoga Kaalia?" Despite a vast career, Kaalia remains Viju Khote's most recognizable role. "For many years after the film's release, people would recognize me on the street and repeat Amjad's line to me. It's a testament to the movie's huge popularity," Khote once shared.

Similarly, Mac Mohan’s Sambha is memorable for a single line delivered from a hilltop, enhancing Gabbar's notoriety with "Poore pacchas hazaar." Despite having a filmography of over 200 roles, Mohan remained synonymous with Sambha. "Sholay created many records," he remarked, "and my fame from such a small role is one of them. I’ve never seen anything like it." Although disappointed by his final screen time, Sippy reassured him of the impact.

Asrani's jailer role and Jagdeep's Soorma Bhopali balanced "Sholay’s" intense moments with humor. Asrani, channeling Charlie Chaplin’s "The Great Dictator," famously said, "Hum angrezo ke zamaane ke jailor hai," adding comedic flair. Jagdeep’s Soorma Bhopali, a caricature of a small-town braggart influenced by Akhtar's experiences, became beloved through his exaggerated tales and accent.

Leela Mishra’s portrayal of Basanti’s aunt, Mausi, added charm in scenes where Jai cleverly negotiates Veeru's marriage proposal. A drunk Veeru climbing the water tank adds to the comedy. In contrast, A K Hangal’s Rahim Chacha brings quiet tragedy as the blind villager whose son Ahmed dies during a Gabbar-instigated village raid, delivering the poignant line, "Itna sannata kyun hai bhai?"—a staple in pop culture for its depth and range of expression.

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