When Jaya Bachchan wanted to play lead opposite Dharmendra in ‘Sholay’

Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Sholay’ is a masterpiece made in Bollywood. The film had released in 1975, but after so many years, it is still loved by the audiences whenever it is being showcased on the small screen. It’s a movie that even today’s generation loves and enjoys watching. The movie starred one of the biggest superstars of that time, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan. Also it is a very rare film where two real-life couples starred together.

While each and every character of the film is remembered thoroughly, everyone’s favourite is Basanti played by none other than Hema Malini. However, do you guys know that Jaya Bachchan, who played the role of Radha, wanted to portray the character of Basanti. Well, the reason is not that Basanti’s character was the highlight of the film, but the reason is Dharmendra.

So, recently we were going through some old episodes of ‘Koffee With Karan’ when the chat show was an enjoyable watch and didn’t create much of controversies. We came across a very interesting episode where two of the most beautiful actresses of B-Town graced the couch. Well we are talking about Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini. So, when Hema and Jaya are on the couch, there has to be some talk about ‘Sholay’.

While talking about ‘Sholay’, Karan asked Jaya Bachchan if Hema Malini was reserved on the sets, to which the actress said, “We hardly met. We didn’t have any scenes together.” When asked if they were friends at that time, the actress stated, “We used to drop in and say hello.” While talking that the film had real life couples in the film, Jaya Bachchan excitedly quipped, “I should have played Basanti because I loved Dharmendra.”

The actress went on to reveal her experience of meeting Dharmendra for the first time. “When I saw him the first time, I was introduced to him, there was a sofa and I went and hid behind it.” When Karan asked why, Jaya Bachchan said, “I got so nervous, I didn’t know what to do. There was this fantastic looking man. I still remember what he was wearing. He was wearing a white dress, and he looked like a Greek god.”

Well, this surely comes as a surprise because during the time of ‘Sholay’ Jaya Bachchan was married to Big B, and not just that she was pregnant with their first child Shweta while shooting the film.

We can only say one thing that a fan is always a fan, and it’s quite gutsy of Jaya Bachchan to be on national television and say that she loved Dharmendra and that’s why she wanted to play Basanti’s role. (Also Read: When Amitabh Bachchan continued shooting, even after getting injured)

Murtuza Iqbal

‘Eat Sleep Bollywood Repeat’ is his life Mantra. Dance is his first love and Rani Mukerji is his eternal crush. He is someone who loves being himself, and as for the ones who don’t agree, his reply? “Talk to my hand!”