Jai saved Veeru on screen, but Veeru got him the role: Dharmendra reveals how he helped Amitabh Bachchan bag Sholay
Before
Sholay
became an immortal legend of
Indian cinema
, it was just another script with characters yet to be etched in cultural memory. But behind the casting of one of its most iconic duos—Veeru and Jai—lies a story of friendship, intuition, and a quiet nudge that changed cinematic history.
Veteran actor
Dharmendra
, who played the ever-spirited Veeru in the 1975 classic, recently revealed how he helped his co-star and now megastar
Amitabh Bachchan
bag the role of Jai. In a conversation with ANI, the 88-year-old actor reflected on the early days of the film and his unspoken gesture that placed a "new ladka" alongside him in what would become one of India's most celebrated films.
'This Boy Has Something Special'
Speaking to ANI, Dharmendra said, 'Yes, I recommended him. Mai to kehta nahi maine unko (Amitabh Bachchan) role dilaya. Ye mujhe milne aate the Amitabh sahab (He used to come to meet me). He used to sit next to me.'
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The veteran actor shared how he subtly pitched Amitabh to director Ramesh Sippy. 'Maine
Ramesh Sippy
ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai… awaaz se lagta hai bahut acha kaam karega. Unki jo andar se chahna thi, jo khud se pyaar karne ki khoobsurti thi vo achi lagi… maine kaha inko le lo.'
In a moment that now reads like a stroke of destiny, Dharmendra's instinctual faith in Amitabh's quiet charm and dedication turned out to be prophetic. Bachchan's portrayal of Jai—intense, reserved, and haunting—became one of the cornerstones of
Sholay's
enduring legacy.
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Sholay: A Film Etched in Time
Describing the film with reverence, Dharmendra said, 'Yeh film mere khayal se sadiyon ke liye ban gayi hai.' Released in 1975,
Sholay
might have received lukewarm critical reception initially, but it quickly grew into a phenomenon, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of its time and embedding itself in the national psyche.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by the iconic duo Salim-Javed,
Sholay
was more than just a film—it was a cultural reset. With its mix of Dacoit Western flair, gripping action, unforgettable dialogues, and a soundtrack that echoed across generations, it shaped the language of Indian popular cinema. Even decades later, Jai and Veeru's camaraderie continues to symbolize unbreakable friendship on screen.
What's Next for Dharam Ji?
Even as he relives memories from half a century ago, Dharmendra remains rooted in the present. Sharing updates about his next film, he said, 'Now my film is coming,
Ikkis
. Sriram Raghavan is the director. Very good director. And very good subject. I won't talk about it now... it is releasing on October 2.'
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With
Ikkis
, Dharmendra is set to return to the screen, reminding audiences once again why he continues to be a beloved presence in Indian cinema.
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