As Sholay completed 50 years in 2025, the milestone became deeply emotional for the film industry and audiences alike. The golden jubilee of the iconic film arrived in the same year the country lost Dharmendra, whose portrayal of Veeru remains one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved performances. Also starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan and Sanjeev Kumar, Sholay continues to hold a special place in popular culture even five decades later.
During a recent magazine launch event held to commemorate the film’s anniversary, director Ramesh Sippy and Hema Malini came together to revisit memories from the landmark project. Speaking to IANS, Sippy shared anecdotes that highlighted Dharmendra’s unique personality both on and off the sets.
Recalling one incident from the shoot, Sippy revealed how Dharmendra once chose to walk nearly 50 kilometres from the hotel to the shooting location. Starting his journey in the early hours of the morning, the actor reached the set by 7 am, rested briefly, and was ready to face the camera. Sippy described the moment as unbelievable, pointing to Dharmendra’s quiet determination and dedication to his craft.
Alongside that discipline, the director remembered the late star’s playful and spirited side. According to Sippy, Dharmendra carried a childlike innocence that often surfaced between shots, only to disappear instantly when it was time to perform. Though he could show anger, it never lasted long, making him an easy and winning presence on set.
Earlier this month, Dharmendra made his final appearance on the big screen with Ikkis, marking a fitting farewell to a career that spanned more than 65 years.
