When Asrani Was Asked To Act Like Hitler By Ramesh Sippy In Sholay
Ramesh Sippy's 1975 blockbuster Sholay turned 50 on August 15, solidifying its place as one of India's all-time classics. It has transcended the decades to become a larger-than-life cultural phenomenon. Every line, song, and shot remains alive in public memory, recalling generation after generation.
Among its most unforgettable parts is Asrani's eccentric jailer, a character who became iconic despite having limited screen time. Speaking to BBC News Hindi, Asrani revisited how he landed the role and the unusual direction he received from filmmaker Ramesh Sippy.
How Asrani Got The Role
The seasoned thespian remembered the first encounter. 'I was called by Ramesh Sippy. I didn't know what role he was calling me for. In fact, I didn't even know that they were making a film called Sholay," Asrani remembered. At the office, he met Salim-Javed with a script.
Sippy defined the role: 'This fellow is a jailer. He's a foolish guy, he imagines himself to be very clever, but he isn't. So he attempts to boast and play the part of a very authoritarian jailer. How would you do it?"
At first, Asrani proposed wearing the uniform to discover the character. But Sippy had other plans.
Hitler As An Unexpected Reference
Asrani remembered how Sippy had given him a book with World War II pictures. 'He opened a book on the Second World War that contained nine poses of Hitler. I said, 'Oh my god, is this a role of Hitler?' They said, 'No, it's not Hitler, but this man acts like him, speaks like him,'" he told.
Sippy continued: 'Forget about the wardrobe, just hold this in mind: Hitler, when he was around, was inspiring one whole generation of youngsters through his speeches and words. People were willing to kill themselves for him. That's the sort of influence this character has to leave.
The director then turned his attention to the voice. 'Hitler's voice recordings are used in acting schools everywhere. The most important thing is the rise and fall in his voice. Ramesh Sippy said to me, 'We have to introduce that rise and fall in these dialogues,'" Asrani said.
Legacy Of The Performance
Once he had put on the wig, moustache, and uniform, Asrani delivered a monologue in character, and Sippy approved of it then and there. To this day, he attributes his performance to the director's imagination and Salim-Javed's script.
Today, August 15th, as Sholay is celebrating 50 years, I must tell you—there has not been a single function or event where I have not been requested to deliver those dialogues. It's all because of Sippy Saab's direction and Salim-Javed's writing," he said.
In another line with the same intent, Asrani added that no party he ever goes to fails to have people asking him to repeat those lines. He called the job a masterclass in preparation and acting's lifetime lesson.
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This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
