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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kaalia, Sambha, Jailor: Small roles with big recall
Sholay is a masterclass in how to write a great supporting character. Jai, Veeru, Gabbar, and Thakur may have carried the story, but the heart of Sholay beats just as loudly in its unforgettable supporting cast – Mausi, the bumbling Jailor, Sambha, Kaalia, Dhanno (the mare), and Rahim Chacha. Fans quote 'Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor hain' with as much affection as they roar 'Arre o Sambha, kitne aadmi thay?' Sholay, by all means, is a masterclass in how to write a great supporting character. Sambha Sambha was played by late actor Mac Mohan. Gabbar: 'Arre o Sambha, kitna inaam rakhe hain sarkaar hum par?' Sambha: 'Poore pachaas hazaar.' The role that made Mac Mohan immortal wasn't even in the earliest drafts. Salim–Javed simply wanted to convey that Gabbar Singh had a ₹50,000 reward on his head until they realised an egotistical daaku like Gabbar wouldn't brag about himself – he'd have a henchman do it. And so, the lines were born: Gabbar: 'Arre o Sambha, kitna inaam rakhe hain sarkaar hum par?' Sambha: 'Poore pachaas hazaar.' This single exchange cemented Sambha in Hindi cinema history – despite having just three scenes. Mac Mohan was disappointed when Ramesh Sippy trimmed his role in the edit, but the director promised him that if the film worked, he would be remembered as Sambha forever. Fifty years on, Sippy's words ring truer than ever. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Jailor Actor Asrani portrayed the role of Jailor in Sholay. 'Aadhe idhar jao, aadhe udhar jao, baaki humaare saath aao.' In his khaki uniform, with a Hitler moustache, 'gora' mannerisms, and a knack for the absurd, Asrani 's Jailor sahab remains one of Sholay's most beloved comic turns. And who can forget that eternal dialogue: 'Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor hain,' delivered with such pomp that it's etched forever in Bollywood lore. Asrani once revealed the secret behind the act: when he signed on for the role, Salim–Javed and Ramesh Sippy handed him a World War II book with 15–20 photos of Adolf Hitler. 'Hitler's voice had the power to drive the German army to sacrifice their lives,' Asrani recalled. 'I tried to keep that essence alive in Sholay – only, in my own comical way.' Mausi Veteran actor Leela Mishra was seen in the role of Mausi in Sholay. 'Yeh Basanti hai na, is se mera lagan hone waala tha chaachaa. Lekin iski buddhi Mausi ne beech mein bhaanji maar di.' In Sholay's violent and dusty landscape, Leela Mishra's Mausi offered a rare touch of warmth and maternal concern. Whether fretting over 'Basanti ka byaah' in her conversations with Jai, or unwittingly creating comic gold in Veeru's 'soocide' tanki scene – Mausi brought levity and heart to a serious story. When she scolds Basanti, she reminds many of their aunts and mothers. Soorma Bhopali Actor Jagdeep as Soorma Bhopali along with Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan. 'Mera naam Soorma Bhopali aise hi nahi hai' Late actor Jagdeep remains Bollywood's most beloved sidekick, immortalised in Sholay as the quirky timber merchant whose one-liners still tickle audiences. His iconic catchphrase, 'Mera naam Soorma Bhopali aise hi nahi hai,' still rings in the ears of moviegoers. He was so popular that he got his own movie, Soorma Bhopali (1988). Jagdeep's mischievous eyes, impeccable comic timing, and unmatched body language made him memorable. Rahim Chacha Veteran actor AK Hangal essayed the role of Rahim Chacha in Sholay. 'Itna sannata kyun hai, bhai?' AK Hangal's visually impaired Rahim Chacha delivers one of Sholay's most haunting moments. In a scene where silent villagers watch a horse carry the body of his son, killed by Gabbar, he asks, 'Itna sannata kyun hai, bhai?' His breakdown captures the depth of Gabbar's cruelty, making Jai and Veeru's fight feel even more important. Kaalia Actor Viju Khote as Kaalia in Sholay. 'Sardar, maine aapka namak khaya hai.' Actor Viju Khote immortalised the role of Kaalia, one of Gabbar's chief henchmen. In a scene etched into Bollywood memory, Gabbar's question, 'Tera kya hoga, Kaalia?', is met with Kaalia's fumbling response, 'Sardar, maine aapka namak khaya hai,' and Gabbar's chilling, 'Ab goli kha!' Kaalia's short screen time underscores Gabbar's brutality, with his dialogues gaining cult status and being endlessly repeated for their theatrical punch. Dhanno Basanti's mare Dhanno became as popular as Basanti. 'Chal Dhanno, aaj teri Basanti ki izzat ka sawaal hai.' One line, and the tanga race of the century was on. When Hema Malini's spirited Basanti urged her loyal mare to run, Dhanno didn't just gallop; she flew, wheels rattling, leaving Gabbar's men biting the dust. That moment wasn't just about speed; it was about friendship, loyalty, and a horse who became as much a Sholay legend as the humans on screen. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Neither Jai-Veeru, nor Gabbar, nor Basanti, this is the most famous character of Sholay, appeared only 3 times in film, he was...
In the history of Indian cinema, there are a few characters who, despite having very little screen time or dialogue, managed to leave a lasting impact. One such unforgettable figure is a side character from the 1975 blockbuster Sholay. Though he had only few lines and appeared in handful of scenes, his role became iconic and is still remembered even after decades. Who was this actor? Yes, we are talking about the legendary character Sambha played by Late Mac Mohan, who was always seen beside the fearsome villain Gabbar Singh, and was known for uttering just three words that have become immortal in pop culture: 'Poore pachaas hazaar.'While Gabbar was face of terror in Sholay, Sambha stood quietly in the background, but with enough style and presence to earn a spot in Bollywood legend. His name is mentioned only three times in the film, yet audiences remember him more than some of the main characters like Jai-Veeru, Basanti and Thakur. Who was Mac Mohan? Born as Mohan Makhijani in Karachi (then part of British India), Mac Mohan came to India after Partition and started his journey in acting with the theater. He gradually moved into films and went on to appear in nearly 200 movies. Despite such an extensive career, it was his small but memorable role in Sholay that brought him iconic status. More about Mac Mohan Outside of Sholay, Mac Mohan worked in numerous hit films like Don, Zanjeer, Shaan, Satte Pe Satta, and Karz. He was often cast in negative or side roles, but he always brought a unique charm to every character he played. He shared the screen with all the top stars of his time, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shatrughan Sinha. Sadly, Mac Mohan passed away in 2010 due to lung cancer, but his contribution to Indian cinema lives on. His family has spoken about his humble nature and passion for acting. His daughter, who now works in the film industry, often shares memories of her father and how proud he was of the love audiences gave him for a role that lasted only a few minutes.
India Today
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Sholay@50: How Soorma, Jailor, Dhanno became legends
In part 4 of our series celebrating Sholay's 50th anniversary, we spotlight the unforgettable minor characters who, despite brief screen time, became cultural icons. In the rich history of Indian cinema, certain characters become so iconic that their very names evoke a singular image. Dhanno is forever the faithful mare, Sambha the unforgettable sidekick, and Kaalia the ill-fated dacoit loyal to Gabbar Singh—even though Amitabh Bachchan later portrayed another character with the same name. Such is the enduring magic of Sholay (1975), directed by Ramesh Sippy, a film widely regarded as one of India's greatest. While the main characters like Jai, Veeru, Gabbar Singh, and Thakur dominate the limelight, it is the film's memorable minor characters that have also carved out a timeless place in the hearts of audiences across generations. Soorma Bhopali, played by Jagdeep, is a loud, boastful timber merchant who loves telling tall tales about his bravery. His funny Bhopali accent and line, ' Hamara naam Soorma Bhopali aise waise hi nahin hai, ' make him unforgettable, even though he's not on screen for long. Soorma brings humour to the serious story, balancing the danger of Gabbar and Thakur's revenge. His character is like the funny storyteller in Indian villages who exaggerates everything. He was so popular that he got his own movie, Soorma Bhopali (1988), which is rare for a small character. Mausi, played by Leela Mishra, is Basanti's strict but loving aunt. She's the typical Indian auntie—gossipy, caring, and always ready to scold. Her famous lines are funny and warm. Mausi feels like family to audiences because she reminds them of their own aunts. She keeps the story grounded by showing village life and traditional values, making her a character everyone relates to. Imam Saheb, played by AK Hangal, is the village's blind imam. His sad scene mourning his son's death, with the line ' Itna sannata kyun hai bhai? ' touches everyone's heart. Even with little screen time, his quiet dignity and grief make him unforgettable. He shows how Gabbar's cruelty hurts the village, making Jai and Veeru's fight feel more important. His line is now used everywhere to describe a heavy, sad silence. Sambha, played by Mac Mohan, is Gabbar's quiet henchman. He says only one line, ' Poore pachaas hazaar, ' from atop a rock, but it's enough to make him a legend. His serious face and loyalty to Gabbar make the villain seem even scarier. Sambha's simple but powerful presence sticks with audiences, and his line is often quoted in jokes and pop culture. Ahmed, played by Sachin Pilgaonkar, is Imam Saheb's son. His death by Gabbar's gang is a sad moment that pushes the story forward. Though he's in the film briefly, his innocence and sacrifice make audiences care deeply. His death makes Thakur and the heroes more determined, showing how even a small character can change the story. The Jailor, played by Asrani, is a funny character who acts like Hitler and says, ' Hum Angrezo ke zamane ke jailor hai. ' His silly behaviour in the opening scenes sets up Sholay's mix of action and comedy. He makes audiences laugh with his over-the-top style, poking fun at old colonial times, which people loved. Dhanno, Basanti's mare, is more than just an animal. She's Basanti's loyal partner, pulling the tonga in exciting chase scenes. Her name and Basanti's calls of ' Chal Dhanno! ' became famous, standing for trust and strength. Dhanno feels almost human, making her a beloved part of the story. Kaalia, played by Viju Khote, is one of Gabbar's henchmen who appears in two key scenes. He leads a raid on Ramgarh village, taunting Thakur with lines like ' Aao Thakur aao, abhi tak zinda ho, ' but gets beaten by Jai and Veeru. Later, he faces Gabbar's wrath in the iconic scene where Gabbar asks, ' Tera kya hoga Kaalia? ' Kaalia's reply, ' Sardaar, maine aapka namak khaya ,' and Gabbar's chilling ' Ab goli kha! ' made the exchange legendary. Kaalia's brief role shows Gabbar's ruthless nature, and his lines became a pop culture staple, often quoted for their dramatic flair. Hariram Nai, played by Keshto Mukherjee, is the prison barber and the Jailor's sneaky spy. He eavesdrops on Jai and Veeru's conversations, reporting back to the Jailor to gain favour. His funny, nosy behavior adds humour to the jail scenes, making him a memorable part of Sholay's comedic opening. Hariram's antics, like his sly attempts to please the Jailor, make him a classic sidekick, loved for his quirky charm. The writers, Salim-Javed, gave each character a special job in the story. Soorma and Hariram add humour, Mausi brings family warmth, Imam Saheb and Ahmed add sadness, Sambha and Kaalia make Gabbar scarier, the Jailor sets the fun tone, and Dhanno adds action and loyalty. Every character, no matter how small, helps make Sholay feel like a big, complete story, like characters in Indian epics. The actors made these characters come alive. Jagdeep's loud, funny Soorma feels like a real person you'd meet in a village. Leela Mishra's Mausi is every Indian aunt, with her caring but scolding voice. AK Hangal's quiet grief as Imam Saheb breaks hearts. Mac Mohan's serious Sambha needs only one line to shine. Sachin's innocent Ahmed makes his death feel real. Asrani's goofy Jailor is hilarious. Viju Khote's Kaalia is both tough and pitiful, making his scenes with Gabbar unforgettable. Keshto Mukherjee's sneaky Hariram is perfectly funny. Each character feels like someone the audience knows. These characters, with their unforgettable lines and heartfelt moments, have galloped, schemed, and laughed their way into India's soul, much like the dusty trails of Ramgarh. They remind us that in a story as grand as Sholay, every role, no matter how small, can spark a legend that burns bright for generations. You can read Part 3 here : Sholay@50: RD Burman's Beer Bottles and Whistles Crafted an Iconic Score You can read Part 2 here : Sholay@50: The Making of Gabbar, Bollywood's Greatest Villain You can read Part 1 here : Sholay@50: The film that died at birth to live forever
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From cricket dreams to Bollywood's most feared villain: The story of Mac Mohan, Raveena Tandon's uncle
Not every Bollywood journey begins with a dream to be on the silver screen — and Mac Mohan 's tale is proof of just that. Born as Mohan Makijany in Karachi (then British India), he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional cricketer. But destiny had a far more dramatic script written for him — one that would eventually make him a cult villain in Indian cinema . Yes, you read that right! Mac Mohan, the man who gave Bollywood some of its most iconic negative characters, once wanted to play for the Indian cricket team. However, fate had other plans. His love for theatre and acting led him to Mumbai, where he enrolled in the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). From there, his transformation from a cricket aspirant to one of Hindi cinema's most recognizable villains began. With a career spanning over four decades, Mac Mohan featured in more than 200 films — and almost always on the darker side of the screen. Whether it was his menacing stare, husky voice, or memorable screen presence, he became a go-to face for villainy in the '70s and '80s. But what truly made him a household name was a role with just one line in Ramesh Sippy 's Sholay (1975). That's right — "Sambha" might have said little, but his presence was unforgettable. That single dialogue turned Mac Mohan into a pop culture legend. Here's a lesser-known fun fact that connects him to present-day Bollywood glam: Mac Mohan was the maternal uncle of none other than actress Raveena Tandon . Talk about talent running in the family! Despite his tough-guy image on screen, those who knew Mac Mohan off-screen described him as a warm, gentle, and kind-hearted soul — a stark contrast to the ruthless characters he played. He passed away in 2010 after battling cancer, but Mac Mohan's legacy still lives on — not just in dialogues and memes, but in the sheer impact he had on shaping the quintessential Bollywood villain. Best Hindi Movies | Best Tamil Movies | Best Telugu Movies | Best english Movies | Best Malayalam Movies |
India.com
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This man wanted to become a cricketer, became actor, worked in over 200 films, played only villain roles, is related to this famous Bollywood actress…, his name is…
Mac Mohan Birth Anniversary: Mac Mohan, whom we all know as 'Sambha' of 'Sholay', was a famous Bollywood actor. His real name is Mohan Makhijani. He worked in more than 200 films in his film career. Mac Mohan was born in Karachi, but after his father's transfer to Lucknow, he studied there. He also became friends with actor Sunil Dutt in Lucknow. His characters and dialogues are still alive in the hearts of people. Let's know some special things related to him. Mac Mohan was known for playing the role of a villain in films. Mac Mohan gained fame with the role of Sambha in Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra's film 'Sholay'. Even today, people jokingly say 'Hey O Sambha Kitne Aadmi The Re…'. His film was 'Haqiqat', in which he acted as the lead actor. Mac Mohan acted in Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Haryanvi, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, and Sindhi films apart from Hindi films in his entire career. He has spoken dialogues in almost all Indian languages except Odia as well as in English, Russian, and Spanish films. Mac wanted to become a cricketer from the very beginning, but then he made his career in theater. By the way, very few people know that Mac was the maternal uncle of Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon. Mac Mohan played many powerful characters in his film career. He played the character of Brij Mohan in the film 'Don'. He played the role of Rana in the film 'Kaala Patthar'. But he got the most fame from the character of Sambha in the film 'Sholay'. He wreaked havoc as Ranjit's man in the film 'Satte Pe Satta'. He wanted to become a cricketer and learnt the nuances of acting from Mumbai's Filmalaya School of Acting. Before this, he had worked as an assistant with director Chetan Anand. Mac Mohan loved playing cricket since childhood. He came to Mumbai from Karachi with a dream of becoming a cricketer and also played for the Uttar Pradesh cricket team. But fate made him an actor instead of a cricketer. His character 'Samba' in the 1975 film 'Sholay' became so famous that people started calling him Sambha in real life too. People still remember his dialogue 'Poore Pachaas Hazar'. When Mac Mohan saw the final trial of 'Sholay', his role was very small. Because of this, he cried. But director Ramesh Sippy said, 'If the film becomes a hit, everyone will know you as Sambha,' and that is what happened.
