Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Sholay at 50: Hema Malini on Climax Change and Impact
The iconic Indian film 'Sholay' will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Hema Malini, who played Basanti, reminisces about her role.
Initially, the movie wasn't a hit, and the director Ramesh Sippy was concerned.
The Censor Board also changed the ending without his approval, which both Malini and Sippy opposed.
The film 'Sholay' is approaching its 50th anniversary on August 15, 2025.
Hema Malini, who played Basanti, reflects on her role and the film's impact.
The movie initially received mixed reviews and a perceived lack of audience interest.
Director Ramesh Sippy was worried when the film did not perform well upon its initial release.
The Censor Board altered the original climax without the director's consent, a change Malini disagreed with.
- Who
- Ramesh Sippy, Hema Malini, the cast and crew of 'Sholay', and the Censor Board.
- What
- The making and legacy of the film 'Sholay', including challenges faced and its impact on cinema.
- When
- The film 'Sholay' was released on August 15, 1975, and is approaching its 50th anniversary.
- Where
- The film was shot in Bengaluru and Ramgarh, Karnataka.
- Why
- To discuss the journey of 'Sholay' and its impact on cinema, including challenges and changes faced by the filmmakers.
Director's Original Vision
Censor Board's Perspective
Climax Alterations
Director's Original Vision
The original climax had Thakur killing Gabbar.
Censor Board's Perspective
The Censor Board demanded a different ending where Gabbar is arrested.
- Movie Title
- Sholay
- Release Year
- 1975
- Director
- Ramesh Sippy
- Main Actors
- Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan
- Hema Malini's Role
- Basanti
- Climax Change
- Original ending altered by Censor Board
Sources
50 Years Of Sholay: The Beautiful Town Where The Timeless Classic Was Shot
Sholay At 50: Javed Akhtar Reveals How Basanti And Radha Came To Life In A Dacoit Story
No Basanti or Radha, we just had two armymen and a dacoit in mind: Javed Akhtar on ‘Sholay’
Exclusive: A Sholay Climax Change That Irked Hema Malini 50 Years Before Raanjhanaa AI Edit Row
During Sholay Screening At Minerva Theatre In Mumbai, The Screen Went Dark. What Director Ramesh Sippy Did
