Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra鈥檚 1975 movie Sholay is one of the classics and a loved film to date. However, do you know how much each of the film鈥檚 star cast was paid for this Ramesh Sippy film? If a recent report by India.com is to be believed, not Amitabh Bachchan but Dharmendra was the highest-paid actor for Sholay.
Reportedly, Dharmendra was paid Rs 1,50,000 for his role in the movie. On the other hand, Amitabh Bachchan had received only Rs 1 lakh. Sanjeev Kumar, who played the role of Thakur Baldev Singh in the film, was also paid Rs 1,25,000. Amjad Khan was reportedly given Rs 50,000 for his iconic role of Gabbar. While Hema Malini was paid Rs 75,000, Jaya Bachchan was paid the least among all. Reportedly, she took home only Rs 35,000.
Released in August 1975, Sholay revolved around two ex-convicts, Jai and Veeru, who are hired by Thakur Baldev Singh, a retired policeman, to help nab a notorious dacoit named Gabbar Singh. Interestingly, this year marks the film鈥檚 50th anniversary.
In a recent interview, Dharmendra talked about the movie when he revealed that not Amitabh Bachchan, but Shatrughan Sinha was the first choice for the role of Jai in Ramesh Sippy鈥檚 movie. The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor revealed that it was him who helped Amitabh bag this role.
鈥淚t has already been mentioned. 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, Mr Amitabh). He used to sit next to me. To maine Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai usko awaaz se to lagta hai bahut acha kaam karega. Unki jo andar se chahna thi. Jo khud se pyar karne ki khoobsurati thi vo achi lagi..maine kaha inko lelo (So I told Ramesh Sippy that this is a new boy. Judging by his voice, he will do a great job. I liked the desire he had from within. The beauty of loving oneself. I said take him),鈥 Dhramendra told news gency ANI.
The veteran actor further recalled working in Sholay and shared that he really enjoyed it. 鈥淵eh film mere khyayal se sadiyun ke liye ban gayi hai (this film will be there for centuries),鈥 he added.