Javed Akhtar Reflects on Sholay’s Legacy as Iconic Film Turns 50

On August 15, Sholay will mark 50 years since its release — a milestone for what remains, by footfalls and inflation-adjusted gross, the biggest box office hit in Indian cinema history. Written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan during their celebrated Salim–Javed era, the Ramesh Sippy classic continues to hold the record for most tickets sold for an Indian film.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Akhtar said he doesn’t take full credit for the film’s success. “You should be happy with the work you have done if it is appreciated. But that umbilical cord needs to be cut… you are always as relevant as your latest work. Those who are lost in their history have no hope from their future,” he said.

Recalling his own viewings, Akhtar revealed he saw Sholay five to six times upon release because early reports suggested it might flop. “Once it was re-released in 70mm, I watched it again. Since then, I haven’t watched it. I don’t like to watch my old films,” he added.

Starring Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini, the film not only broke Mughal-e-Azam’s box office record in 1975 but also became a pop culture phenomenon — its characters, dialogues, and scenes etched into Indian cultural memory.

To celebrate its golden jubilee, a 4K restored version of Sholay — restored by the Film Heritage Foundation in association with Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. — will screen at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in September.