KBC 13: Ramesh Sippy reveals how the dream cast of ‘Sholay’ was assembled
Renowned director Ramesh Sippy on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 13’ reveals why he chose Hema Malini as ‘Basanti’ and how he thought about the ‘Jai-Veeru’ friendship sequence in ‘Sholay’. Sippy will appear as a special guest along with Hema Malini Amitabh Bachchan Hosted the ‘Fantastic Friday’ episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 13’ on 15 October (Friday). The two will talk about the iconic blockbuster ‘Sholay’ as the film completes 46 years of its release.
Replying to Amitabh Bachchan, Ramesh Sippy shared: “Look, Hema ji played the role of a young widow with me in her first film and in the second film ‘Sita Aur Geeta’ she surprised us. For the role ‘Basanti’ I thought no one could do it. Also, there was one more thing. When we completed ‘Sita Aur Geeta’ and it was successful, then we decided that whatever I will do after that , Dharam ji, Hema ji and Sanjeev ji would definitely be there. And as the script of ‘Sholay’ was taking shape, it was perfect.”
When asked what he thought of ‘Jai-Veeru’, Sippy replied: “We had ‘Veeru’, he was in the last film as well. So, there was one thing I thought about our I have three superstars. And if I get another superstar, it will be difficult for me. So, I thought I need a good actor, who does good work and makes a team. Because when Salim-Javed played Amit Ji was suggested for this role, he said there is one ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ who is doing good work and working with us in ‘Zanjeer’. I said okay, it’s good.”
“And, then I thought he is not a star at the moment so I wouldn’t have a problem that there is another star on the set. But, there are two things that I remember about you. You did a great job in the film ‘Anand’. , a very serious role and then in ‘Bombay Se Goa’ you played a light role with Mehmood Saab. In that bus, you were such a tall man and the way you danced wonderfully. I thought it was an actor Whoever can. So, he will be able to give us what we want. That’s how the casting was done.”
Amitabh accepted what Sippy said and replied: “Thank you very much, sir”. Responding to this, Sippy shared: “You proved it. And by the time the film released, you became the biggest star.”
Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan will also be seen romancing Hema Malini on screen again after the 2006 film Babul. According to a new promo shared by Sony, Amitabh sang the popular song ‘Dilbar Mere Kab Tak’ from the film ‘Satte Pe Satta’ for Dream Girl.
‘KBC 13’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television.
(with IANS inputs)
.