Close X
Friday, November 15, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

'Good Over Evil' Theme Makes 'Sholay' Resonate Even Today: Amitabh Bachchan

IANS, 14 Aug, 2015 11:22 AM
  • 'Good Over Evil' Theme Makes 'Sholay' Resonate Even Today: Amitabh Bachchan
It set a trend of 'bromance', redefined the quintessential villain and introduced some epic live action in Bollywood. Top that with iconic dialogues and a memorable cast.
 
Forty years since it hit the screens on August 15, 1975, "Sholay" continues to entertain due to its evergreen 'victory of good over evil' theme, says megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who essayed one half of Jai-Veeru.
 
In an email interview with IANS from Mumbai, the 72-year-old went down memory lane and shared his thoughts about the Ramesh Sippy directorial.
 
Penned by the indomitable Salim Khan-Javed Akhtar duo, the movie is about two petty thieves -- Jai (Amitabh) and Veeru (Dharmendra) hired by a police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) to exact revenge on a ruthless bandit (Amjad Khan). Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri essayed the love interests of Veeru and Jai.
 
 
Excerpts from the interview:
 
Q. "Sholay" is one film which has transcended generations of Hindi film buffs altogether. What is it, according to you, that helps the movie to resonate even today when a lot about Hindi cinema has changed?
 
The victory of good over evil and...most importantly, poetic justice in three hours! You and I shall not get it in a lifetime.
 
Q. Many have said "Sholay' had flopped at the box office. Was it a disappointment back then for you and the team?
 
In this profession, we are programmed for failure and success. Yes, when an effort fails, we feel disappointed but get back on the horse to ride again. Our disappointment on this one lasted a day, because after that it converted itself into success.
 
 
Q. Given the fact that "Sholay" has become a cult movie over the years, do you consider it as a career-defining film even though the 1970s saw you featuring in some of your best works like "Zanjeer" and "Deewar"?
 
I look upon every film of mine to be career defining, both those that failed at the box office and those that did not.
 
Q. "Sholay", in many ways, was trendsetting -- whether it was the 'bromance' between Jai and Veeru; a villain like Gabbar Singh; the outdoor shoot in Ramanagara; the action sequences, et al. Your comment, please?
 
A. It was a very well-scripted film and credit must go to the writers Salim-Javed first for its content. Ramesh Sippy ji as a director did many unconventional changes in its reproduction and its making - the location, the action coordination, camera work, 70 mm and the scale - I guess it all worked out fine.
 
 
Q. Often, you share anecdotes from the shooting of your films. Any special memory that you have from "Sholay"?
 
It would fill a book... But this is not the adequate platform I would imagine... Suffice to say it was an experience that was unforgettable.
 
Q. How did you end up landing in "Sholay"?
 
Salim-Javed had just finished 'Zanjeer' with me and recommended me to Ramesh ji. Guess that worked in my favour. I did, though, seek the blessings of Dharam-ji in putting in a word for me.
 
 
Q. Who, in your eyes, could play Jai-Veeru and Basanti, in a new "Sholay" remake?
 
I haven't the foggiest...!
 
Q. Ram Gopal Varma attempted a remake titled "Aag", and you featured in it too. But it didn't quite work. Do you believe a film like "Sholay" was never meant for a remake?
 
It's not 'it didn't quite work'...It's 'it didn't work'. I believe several 'Sholay' remakes have been ventured into in some form or the other, but I doubt if they were able to create the iconic stature that the original did.
 
 
Q. Do you and Dharmendra and Hema still meet sometimes and recollect memories of the film? You have continued to do films with Hema, but have you come across offers to star with Dharam?
 
We do not seek appointment to deliberately talk about "Sholay", but we do meet on and off... And, yes, if there is any reference to "Sholay", we do talk on it. Yes Hema-ji and I continue to work together and, yes, Dharam ji and I have been considered for films but they have not materialsed.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

HC notice to censor board on 'Mohalla Assi' promos

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the promos of Bollywood film 'Mohalla Assi' which have been released over the last week.

HC notice to censor board on 'Mohalla Assi' promos

Salman Accident Case: Plea Seeks Probe Into Death Of Witness

Salman Accident Case: Plea Seeks Probe Into Death Of Witness
A Pune-based rights activist has sought a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Salman Khan's bodyguard Ravindra Patil, who was also a witness in the 2002 accident in which the actor was convicted in May.

Salman Accident Case: Plea Seeks Probe Into Death Of Witness

Shilpa Shetty 'Excited' About Shamita's Comeback

Shilpa Shetty 'Excited' About Shamita's Comeback
Actress-entrepreneur Shilpa, whose career got a new lease of life after she was announced the winner of British reality TV series "Celebrity Big Brother 5" in 2007, hopes the small screen proves lucky for her sister as well. 

Shilpa Shetty 'Excited' About Shamita's Comeback

Deepika To Sport Royal Style In 'Bajirao Mastani'

Deepika To Sport Royal Style In 'Bajirao Mastani'
Designer Anju Modi, who is working on the costumes for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's “Bajirao Mastani”, says actress Deepika Padukone will sport a “royal style” in the film.

Deepika To Sport Royal Style In 'Bajirao Mastani'

Language No Barrier In Cinema: Huma Qureshi

Actress Huma Qureshi, who made her acting debut with critically acclaimed crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur”, is now gearing up for her Marathi debut "Highway", and believes that language is no barrier in cinema.

Language No Barrier In Cinema: Huma Qureshi

'Paheli' Clocks 10, Big B, SRK Nostalgic

'Paheli' Clocks 10, Big B, SRK Nostalgic
It's been a decade since the release of "Paheli" -- and its lead actor Shah Rukh Khan has thanked megastar Amitabh Bachchan for agreeing to do a cameo in it.

'Paheli' Clocks 10, Big B, SRK Nostalgic