Actor Dharmendra portrayed Veeru alongside his close friend and superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who played Jai, in the 1975 cult classic Sholay. According to reports, Amitabh’s role in Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay was initially offered to Shatrughan Sinha, but eventually went to Amitabh. In a recent interview, Dharmendra opened up about helping Big B bag the iconic role.

During a conversation with ANI, the veteran actor said, “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 come to meet me. Mr. Amitabh). He used to sit next to me. To maine Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai usko 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 (So I told Ramesh Sippy that this is a new boy. Judging by his voice, he will do a great job. I liked the desire he had from within. The beauty of loving oneself. I said take him).”

Dharmendra added that he enjoyed working in Sholay. “Yeh film mere khyayal se sadiyun ke liye ban gayi hai (this film will be there for centuries).”

Sholay’s mausi insisted on finishing work despite getting paralytic attack that left half her body immobile, asked, ‘Who is Satyajit Ray’ after being offered Shatranj Ke Khilari

Speaking about his upcoming project in the same interview, Dharmendra said, “Now my film is coming, Ikkis. Sriram Raghavan director hai (Sriram Raghavan is the director). Very good director. And very good subject. I won’t talk about it now..vo 2 October ko release ho rahi hai (Film will releases on October 2).”

Festive offer

Besides his upcoming film Ikkis, the actor is also set to reunite with actor Arbaaz Khan after 27 years in the film Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se. The shoot of the movie will start soon and is expected to hit the big screen in November 2025.