Wanted to play Gabbar : Big B reveals many behind the scenes stories as Sholay turns 40!

Amitabh Bachchan has revealed, according to PTI, that he wated to play the role of Gabbar when he had first read the script of the iconic film 'Sholay' which turned 40 this year!

The megastar said, "When I first heard the script of "Sholay" I told Salim-Javed (the scripwriters) 'I want to do the role of Gabbar'. But Ramesh Sippy (the director) decided to cast me as Jai."

Though the role eventually went to Amjad Khan who immortalized the character and his own acting talent, there were many who were not sure whether Khan could pull off the role. However Big B was never one of them. The legendary actor stated that he never had any doubts about Amjad Khan's ability to pull of the character. He said,

 "I never thought he (Amjad Khan) would not be able to do it. It was his voice... as Gabbar...the dialogues became famous."

Amitabh Bachchan also revealed that he had a great off screen relationship with Amjad Khan whom he worked with in several films. He reminisced how Amjad Khan would sarcastically refer to him as 'Shorty',

 "I had a great equation with him. He used to sarcastically call me 'Shorty'. Whenever we used to walk on the sets people used to call us 'Broad' (Khan) and 'Shorty' (Big B)."

Amitabh also reflected on the popularity of the film and stated that according to him the audience connected with the film as it had a well structured story, great dialogues and powerful performances. He was quick to credit the film's writers, Salim-Javed, and said, "90 per cent of the work was done by Salim-Javed... they wrote a wonderful script. Then it was for us to perform."

Big B also shared how the entire crew was like a family and how they all had a great time. He said,

"The film took two-and-a-half years to make. But we had great time. It was like a family. We used to stay at a hotel which was a bit far away from the location so we used to come in car...there were times when we used to come with Dharamji (Dharamendra) in his car and play cards." 

The megastar also revealed that while working on the film, they hadnt thought that it would become a milestonein Indian cinema,

"While we were working we did not think it would become a milestone (in Indian cinema)."

credits: PTI