35 years on, the 'Sholay' fire still burns

New Delhi It drew its inspiration from multiple Hollywood movies but went on to become the quintessential Indian film, perfectly balancing drama and tragedy, romance and violence, comedy and action. This Aug 15 it will be 35 years since "Sholay" was released - three decades and more of Gabbar, Jai, Veeru and Basanti still striking a chord.

Sometimes described as an Indian curry western, "Sholay" is still a reference point for Indian cinema and impossible to pin down to any one genre. It was about the undying friendship between Jai and Veeru, the unspoken love of a young widow, the exuberant romance between a garrulous 'tonga walli' and a flamboyant thief, the immensely tragic life of an idealistic police officer and, of course, Gabbar Singh, the dacoit who struck terror.

It worked at many levels, and still does for generations of film-goers who watch the 1975 multi-starrer for the ultimate movie-going experience. For some, it's nostalgia and, for the young cinema buff, "Sholay" is a matter of curiosity.

Director Ramesh Sippy was called a magician for the spell he cast. The film is the ultimate high point for many stars - from the lead stars Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Hema Malini to the unknown Amjad Khan who as Gabbar became one of Hindi cinema's best known villains. The cameos by character artists Asrani and Jagdeep were equally important to the success of the film and still remembered.

Even Macmohan, who had barely a dialogue in the film, was "Samba" till the day he died ...