Sholay – A Classic of Indian Cinema, Surprising Star Salaries Revealed
NEWS CAHRIOT : Ramesh Sippy’s direction in Sholay created a legendary chapter in Indian cinema. Known for its unforgettable characters and impactful performances, Sholay remains a classic, etching its place in the hearts of generations of viewers. With stellar performances from Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and the legendary Amjad Khan, the film garnered critical and commercial success.
While the film became a massive hit and earned impressive box office returns, the actors’ salaries during the making of the movie may come as a surprise. Despite the film’s iconic status, the star cast earned much less than what one might expect from a film of this caliber.
The movie, produced with a budget of approximately ₹3 crores, saw the following salary breakdown:
- Dharmendra, one of the leading stars, earned ₹1,50,000.
- Sanjeev Kumar was paid ₹1,25,000.
- Though Amitabh Bachchan played the second lead, he earned only ₹1,00,000, which was less than Sanjeev Kumar’s salary.
- Hema Malini, who played the beloved Basanti, received ₹75,000.
- Amjad Khan, who made a memorable debut as the notorious Gabbar Singh, earned ₹50,000 for his first film.
- Jaya Bhaduri, playing Radha, earned just ₹35,000.
- Lesser-known characters also had their pay. For instance, Mack Mohan (Samba) was paid ₹12,000, Viju Khote (Kalya) received ₹10,000, and AK Hangal (Imam Saab) earned just ₹8,000.
Even though the stars worked for relatively modest pay, the film’s impact was immeasurable, becoming one of the highest-grossing movies in Indian cinema history. The superb direction, gripping storyline, memorable music, and stellar performances all contributed to its monumental success.
Sholay remains an iconic film, admired for its incredible legacy, blending thrilling action, memorable dialogues, and exceptional performances.
