Even after nearly 50 years, Sholay continues to be an iconic film in Bollywood history, but a recent revelation has left fans stunned. In a candid interview, actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, who played a small role in the film, dropped a bombshell: Ramesh Sippy, the film’s credited director, did not direct all of Sholay!
According to Pilgaonkar, Sippy was present primarily for scenes featuring the film’s main stars—Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Sanjeev Kumar. However, for several other sequences, including action scenes and minor moments, a second unit, led by renowned stunt filmmaker Mohammad Ali, took charge. Pilgaonkar shared that international stunt coordinators Jim and Jerry were brought in for these scenes, especially those without the lead trio.
In a surprising twist, Pilgaonkar revealed that Sippy wasn’t even on set for some of the most iconic moments in the film, such as the famous train robbery scene. The actor further added that Sippy knew about Amjad Khan’s budding passion for directing, which influenced Khan’s casting as the unforgettable Gabbar Singh.
This behind-the-scenes secret adds an intriguing layer to Sholay’s legacy, revealing how it was truly a collaborative masterpiece. While Sippy’s direction made it the iconic film it is, the contributions of the second unit and cast are what helped turn Sholay into the cinematic marvel it remains today.
Stay tuned for more untold Bollywood stories and updates on your favorite classics!