Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 all-time hit Sholay had its world premiere in Italy, on Friday, in the restored, uncut version at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna. The screening, which celebrates the classic film’s 50th anniversary, took place on June 27, 2025, at the open-air Piazza Maggiore.
Speaking on the occasion, Sholay’s veteran director Ramesh Sippy said, “Did I ever think Sholay would come so far? Not at all! I remember when we were making it, we were confident we were making a good film. But a film that would shatter all records and go on to be regarded as one of the greatest films of all time? No, we never expected that.”
He remembers that Sholay was declared a flop on release. “The reviews were negative. There was no audience. But it picked up (at the box office) in the second week.”
Ramesh Sippy, who made other noteworthy films such as Andaz, Shakti, and Shaan, refuses to acknowledge Sholay as his favourite film. “I put in an equal amount of effort in making my other films. If they didn’t turn out to be Sholay, it doesn’t mean they were films made with less concentration. Blockbusters, like disasters, are not planned.”
Asked to name one favourite character in Sholay, Ramesh Sippy replies, “Gabbar Singh, of course. He is everyone’s favourite. Everyone, including Amitabh Bachchan, wanted to play him.”
