In a stunning revelation about one of Bollywood's most iconic films, it has emerged that veteran actor Dharmendra was the highest-paid star on the set of the 1975 classic Sholay, despite initially being reluctant to play his legendary character Veeru.
The Paycheck That Made History
While Sholay featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, and Amjad Khan, it was Dharmendra who topped the payment charts. The actor, often called 'He-Man' by his fans, received Rs 1.5 lakh for his role as the cheerful Veeru. In comparison, Amitabh Bachchan was paid Rs 1 lakh for his portrayal of the serious-minded Jai.
This significant pay difference highlights Dharmendra's massive star power during that era. His fee for the timeless classic remains one of the most discussed examples of his stature in the Indian film industry, establishing him as one of the first stars whose talent commanded substantial remuneration.
The Reluctant Hero: Dharmendra's Initial Resistance
Surprisingly, the actor who would eventually become synonymous with the character of Veeru initially didn't want the role. Director Ramesh Sippy recently disclosed this fascinating detail during a conversation with Lallantop.
Sippy recalled how Dharmendra expressed dissatisfaction when he first heard the script. "This is the story of Thakur and he is fighting against Gabbar. What will we do?" Dharmendra had questioned. The director responded with a masterstroke, quipping: "Fine. Either do Thakur or Gabbar's role but then you won't get Hema Malini."
This clever negotiation tactic worked instantly, and Dharmendra agreed to play Veeru. The romantic angle with Hema Malini, who eventually became his real-life wife, proved to be the convincing factor.
Alternate Casting and Other Revelations
Another fascinating aspect of Sholay's production history involves the casting of Amitabh Bachchan's character. Contrary to popular belief, Amitabh wasn't the first choice for the role of Jai. The part was initially offered to Shatrughan Sinha, whose packed schedule prevented him from accepting it.
Shatrughan Sinha confirmed this in an interview with Aaj Tak, stating: "I was offered Amitabh Bachchan's role in Sholay. Ramesh Sippy has written this in his book. I tried to take out dates for the film but I was doing so many films. I was very busy and Ramesh ji wasn't able to tell me fixed dates."
The actor expressed both regret and happiness about the missed opportunity, adding: "I feel that I should have done that film. I didn't do it. But I also feel happy for Amitabh Bachchan, who got such a big break with Sholay and he went on to become the national icon."
Beyond Sholay: Dharmendra's Personal Favorites
As the timeless classic completed 50 years recently, Dharmendra revealed in an exclusive conversation with SCREEN that Sholay isn't actually his all-time favorite film. Instead, he holds Pratiggya, which released the same year in 1975, closer to his heart.
The veteran actor explained: "Though Satyakam and Sholay are among my favorites, my all-time favorite is Pratiggya. It came during the same year 1975 as Sholay, so it went unnoticed. But let me tell you, Pratiggya was a super hit in spite of competition from Sholay."
He drew a parallel with another instance from his career, noting: "Just like in 1971, when Naya Zamana clicked despite a blockbuster like Mera Gaon Mera Desh."
In recent health updates, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Dharmendra is now recovering at his Juhu residence after being discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. The veteran actor was admitted on October 31 and was discharged on the morning of November 12, 2025.
