At the 56th International Film Festival of India, legendary filmmaker Ramesh Sippy paid an emotional tribute to the late actor Dharmendra while reflecting on the enduring legacy of their iconic film Sholay during a special session titled “50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates?” Sippy shared heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories highlighting Dharmendra’s dedication and humility, including a memorable incident during a horse-riding stunt. He also announced the re-release of Sholay with its original ending restored, correcting the censorship changes made during its 1975 release. Sippy recounted the film’s groundbreaking production choices, such as shooting in the unique terrain near Mysuru and Bengaluru, pioneering action choreography with a UK fight team, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind its cinematography and storytelling.

Sippy further detailed the casting decisions, including Amjad Khan’s unforgettable portrayal of Gabbar Singh, and praised the collaborative efforts of the entire team, from writers Salim-Javed to cinematographer Dwarka Divecha and production manager Ajiz Bhai. The session celebrated Sholay’s innovative visual style, iconic music, and timeless themes of friendship and heroism that continue to captivate audiences. To mark the film’s 50th anniversary, IFFI displayed the famous Sholay motorbike, allowing fans to relive the cinematic world that Dharmendra and Sippy helped immortalize.