Dharmendra Reveals He Recommended Amitabh Bachchan For 'Sholay', 'Mujhse Milne Aate The Amitabh'

Nearly five decades have passed since legendary actors, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra gave the world the iconic duo, ‘Jai’ and ‘Veeru’, in the cult classic, Sholay. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors remains one of the most loved friendships in Indian cinema. However, not many know that Amitabh Bachchan was not the first choice for ‘Jai’ in the film. In a recent interview, Dharmendra has made a surprising revelation that he was the one who recommended Bachchan for the iconic role, which became one of the biggest turning points in the megastar’s career.

Dharmendra opens up on the casting of ‘Jai’ in Sholay

During his chat with ANI, Dharmendra candidly shared details of how the casting change happened in Sholay. He recalled that Big B was not the first choice for the role of ‘Jai’; it was originally offered to Shatrughan Sinha.

However, things took a different turn when Dharmendra stepped in and suggested Amitabh Bachchan’s name to the film’s director, Ramesh Sippy. Amitabh, who was new to the industry back then, often visited Dharmendra on set, and the latter was impressed by his deep voice and sensed great potential. Dharmendra shared:

“It 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 sit next to me. To maine Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai uski 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.”

Released in August 1975, Sholay follows the story of two ex-convicts, ‘Jai’ and ‘Veeru’, hired by a retired police officer, 'Thakur Baldev Singh', to capture the notorious dacoit, 'Gabbar Singh'. The film’s action-packed plot, memorable dialogues, and iconic characters made it one of the biggest blockbusters of its time. Speaking about Sholay, Dharmendra expressed how proud he feels to have been part of a film that continues to inspire audiences across generations. In his words:

“Yeh film mere khayal se sadiyon ke liye ban gayi hai.”

Dharmendra's upcoming projects

Dharmendra is one of the most accomplished actors in Bollywood, whose illustrious career spans decades. He has delivered several megahits between the 1960s and 1980s, such as Ankhen, Dharam Veer, Anpadh, Anupama, and Chupke Chupke. Even at 88 years of age, the veteran star is going strong.

After appearing in Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon’s Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), Dharmendra is now looking forward to his next big release, Ikkis, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan. The movie, which stars Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, in the lead, is slated to hit theatres on October 2, 2025. Dharmendra shared:

“Now my film is coming, Ikkis. Sriram Raghavan director hai. Very good director. And a very good subject. I won’t talk about it now… vo 2 October ko release ho rahi hai.”

Besides Ikkis, Dharmendra is also set to reunite with Arbaaz Khan after 27 years for the film, Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se. The movie’s shooting schedule will begin soon, and it is expected to be released in November 2025.

Did you know about Amitabh Bachchan’s casting story in Sholay? 

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