EXCLUSIVE: Did you know Ramesh Sippy first approached Danny Denzongpa for Gabbar Singh and not Amjad Khan? Sholay director reveals

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay movie is an iconic movie to date. From the film’s dialogue to the characters, everything has become iconic and they are still being remembered and cherished. However, the one character that was loved to the fullest despite being an anti-hero was Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan. However, not many know but Danny Denzongpa was originally signed to play Gabbar Singh in Sholay. That’s right! Ramesh Sippy initially approached him but he had to step down because of an earlier commitment to Feroz Khan’s Dharmatma.

Danny Denzongpa is the first choice for Gabbar Singh role in Sholay

During the latest episode of The Invincibles with Arbaaz Khan in Bollywood Bubble, Ramesh spoke about the role. He said, “Danny was not available. He was in Afghanistan shooting with Firoze Khan for Dharmatma.” From taking a new star as compared to an established one, Ramesh Sippy said, “But we could not wait. If you go to any actor who is working and busy, you are going to have the same problem.”

Regardless, both Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were interested in playing the role of Gabbar. Sanjeev Kumar ended up playing Thakur, while Amitabh Bachchan played the role of Jai. The character was so well-written and had such a compelling aura that the leading actors of that time were willing to give up their “hero” image to play the villain. Sippy told us, “Even Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan among other actors later were keen to do that role.”

Watch the full interview here

Sholay also starred Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and Dharmendra.

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ramesh Sippy reveals Mumtaz was the first choice for Seeta Aur Geeta, opens up on why Hema Malini replaced her