Sholay Turns 50, From Dharmendra's Hefty Fee To Jaya Bachchan's Humble Paycheck For The Cult Classic

Sholay, which hit screens in 1975, started slow at the box office but went on to become one of Bollywood’s most iconic films. Now, 50 years later, its powerful characters and famous dialogues are still remembered and quoted. As the film celebrates this major milestone, here’s a look at what the main cast members were paid back in the day.

Dharmendra’s iconic role as ‘Veeru’ in Sholay bagged him the biggest paycheck

As the lovable and fearless ‘Veeru’, Dharmendra topped the pay chart with Rs. 1.5 lakh which made him the highest-paid star on Sholay. Dharmendra was one of the biggest stars of the time and his paycheck reflected the same. His cheeky and charming portrayal of ‘Veeru’ and his iconic drunk scene on the tank are still remembered as fan favorites.

Sanjeev Kumar as ‘Thakur Baldev Singh’ in Sholay was also paid handsomely 

Playing the stoic and determined ‘Thakur’, Sanjeev Kumar brought emotional depth and served as the main catalyst to the plot of Sholay for which he earned Rs. 1.25 lakh. His performance added moral weight and a dramatic backbone to the narrative. The scene of his encounter with Gabbar can still make the audience shiver.

Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Jai’ in Sholay made him around a lakh

Before becoming Bollywood’s 'Angry Young Man,' Amitabh was the calm and composed ‘Jai’ from Sholay. He was paid Rs. 1 lakh for his portrayal of the silent and loyal ‘Jai’. His quieter charm packed as much punch as his co-star, Dharmendra’s and how can one ever forget his final sacrifice.

Hema Malini aka ‘Basanti’s’ salary for Sholay

The bubbly and talkative 'Basanti', played by Hema Malini, came to life for Rs. 75,000. Her vivacious energy and comic timing remain some of the film’s most cherished memories. Her chemistry and love story with ‘Veeru’ was like a breath of fresh air amidst the tense storyline of the film.

How much did Amjad Khan’s iconic ‘Gabbar Singh’ earn him for Sholay?

The legendary villain, 'Gabbar', earned a relatively modest amount of Rs. 50,000 for the film. It was Amjad's first major movie; before this, he had only worked as a child actor, which explains the paycheck. However, his jaw-dropping performance and unforgettable lines turned 'Gabbar' into a cultural icon that outshined even the biggest paychecks for the film.

Jaya Bachchan as ‘Radha’ was the least paid actor in Sholay

With a restrained yet emotionally powerful performance, Jaya Bachchan earned a humble amount of Rs. 35,000 for her performance in Sholay. Her limited screentime resulted in this amount. However, even with just a couple of lines and a few scenes her quiet strength and aura added a tragic depth to the film.

Plot and legacy of Sholay, why is it still relevant?

Sholay is more than just a film, it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined Bollywood storytelling. Crafted by Salim-Javed and directed by Ramesh Sippy, it's a perfect mix of drama, humor, friendships, and unforgettable villains that struck a chord so well that its impact persisted through generations. And although the cast salaries seem modest by today’s standards, their performances turned Sholay into a masterpiece that continues to speak to hearts, sell out theatres, and inspire filmmakers even 50 years later.

What are your thoughts about Sholay's cast salaries?

Also Read: Rajinikanth Breaks Records, 'Coolie' Becomes Biggest Opening Film Of His Career, Earns Rs. 170 Crore

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