When Dharmendra nearly shot Amitabh Bachchan on Sholay set and wanted to play Gabbar Singh

Mumbai: Few know that Dharmendra, who eventually immortalised the role of Veeru in the film Sholay, was originally keen to play either Gabbar Singh or Thakur Baldev Singh – and that he once accidentally fired a real bullet at Amitabh Bachchan during the shoot. Dharmendra, 89, passed away on Monday, November 24, according to sources close to IANS. 

In earlier interviews, Dharmendra revealed that before he was cast as Veeru, he was offered both the roles of Gabbar Singh and Thakur, and had expressed interest in either. In a conversation with Screen, Sholay director Ramesh Sippy recalled,

“There’s no question that when a fine actor takes over any role, he’d have done it wonderfully. It can’t be denied. But if you look back at it now, can you see anyone else as Gabbar? Amjad Khan fitted in such a way that he’s so good! Amitabh was so good as Jai! Even Sanjeev Kumar felt he should play Gabbar. Dharam ji felt the entire story is Thakur’s, and the arch villain of Gabbar is very colourful, so should he play either? In the end, I said, ‘Dharam ji, you can play any role, but phir Hema Malini nahi milegi (laughs).’ But I can’t see anyone else in that water tank scene. Finally, each actor accepted their role and did it with full conviction. And the result is for everyone to see.”

Dharmendra eventually chose Veeru – a role that went on to define his on-screen charisma. Yet the shoot itself was not without drama. During an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2020, Amitabh Bachchan revealed that Dharmendra had accidentally fired a live round during filming, narrowly missing him. Though the moment shocked the crew, it later became one of the many behind-the-scenes stories that added to Sholay’s rich legacy.

Interestingly, Dharmendra also played a decisive role in bringing Amitabh Bachchan into the film. In an interaction with ANI, he disclosed that he had personally recommended Bachchan’s name to director Ramesh Sippy after observing his quiet intensity on set. “Bachchan would often visit during shoots. I noticed something unique about him – his voice, his presence, and his inner drive,” Dharmendra had said, urging Sippy to cast the then-rising actor as Jai.

The role of Jai, however, had first been offered to Shatrughan Sinha. In a 2023 interview with Aaj Tak, Sinha shared that he had to decline both Sholay and Deewaar due to scheduling conflicts and creative differences. “I was handed the script for Deewaar and kept it for nearly six months,” Sinha said, explaining that his packed schedule and reluctance to play negative characters led him to turn down the films. Looking back, he admitted that his decisions “unknowingly contributed to Bachchan’s ascent to superstardom.”

Sholay

Sholay, produced by GP Sippy, was released in 1975 and went on to become a landmark in Indian cinema. Written by the celebrated screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, the film told the gripping story of two small-time criminals, Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), who are hired by a retired police officer, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), to capture the dreaded dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Featuring stellar performances by Hema Malini as the spirited Basanti and Jaya Bhaduri as the silent yet strong Radha, and set to R.D. Burman’s unforgettable music, Sholay was a perfect blend of action, drama, romance, and emotion. Over time, it came to be regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made in India — topping the British Film Institute’s 2002 list of “Top 10 Indian Films” and being honoured as the “Best Film of 50 Years” at the 50th Filmfare Awards in 2005.