Amitabh Bachchan’s Emotional Revelation: Dharmendra Chose Him for Sholay
Amitabh Bachchan reveals Dharmendra was the reason he got Sholay.
An old 2017 video of Amitabh Bachchan is once again making rounds on social media following the death of legendary actor Dharmendra. The clip, recorded during the IIFA Awards ceremony in Yorkshire, England, captures an emotional moment when Bachchan presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dharmendra and disclosed a long-kept “deep secret” about their connection to the iconic film Sholay.
In his speech, Bachchan referred to Dharmendra as a wonderful friend and a wonderful human being. Sharing the stage with affection and respect, he said, “I want to share a very deep secret about Dharamji and myself. If it were not for Dharamji, I would never have worked in the film called Sholay. It was he who recommended my name for the film, and it was because of his insistence that Ramesh Sippy took me. I am eternally grateful to you, Dharamji.”
The revelation sheds new light on one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films and on Dharmendra’s generosity toward fellow actors. Years later, in an episode of Aap Ki Adalat, Dharmendra confirmed the story, remarking with a smile, “I never said it. Amitabh was the one who revealed it. Yes, he used to come to me seeking work.” The exchange highlighted their mutual admiration and the enduring bond they shared beyond the screen.
Also Read: SRK's Heartbreaking Farewell to Dharmendra: "You Are Immortal"
Following Dharmendra’s passing at the age of 89, fans and stars alike paid heartfelt tributes, reflecting on his remarkable career and charisma. Security was heightened outside the late actor’s residence as several Bollywood icons, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh, attended his last rites at Pawan Hans Crematorium.
Known as one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved matinee idols, Dharmendra leaves behind a legacy spanning decades of memorable performances. His final on-screen appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan’s film Ikkis, where he portrays the father of Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson—symbolically bridging three generations of Bollywood royalty.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Shares Personal Memories of Dharmendra After his Passing
