When it comes to Indian cinema, there are a few films that stand the test of time, and one of the most celebrated among them is Sholay. Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, blending elements of action, drama, and emotion in a way that revolutionized the Hindi film industry. However, what many fans don’t know is that the making of this iconic film was just as epic and multifaceted as the film itself.
In a recent revelation by actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, some untold secrets about the production of Sholay have come to light. Sachin, who played a small role in the film as Ahmed, shared surprising insights into how the film’s director, Ramesh Sippy, wasn’t the only one calling the shots. Instead, a dedicated “second unit” was responsible for much of the film’s intense action sequences. This behind-the-scenes crew, along with stunt directors and Hollywood experts, played a significant role in bringing the film’s thrilling moments to life.
The Visionary Ramesh Sippy
Ramesh Sippy is often credited with the visionary brilliance that made Sholay the blockbuster it is today. With a stellar cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan, Sippy had a powerful ensemble of actors to work with. His direction of the story, set in the rugged terrain of Ramgarh, about two petty criminals (Jai and Veeru) hired by a retired police officer (Thakur) to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh, became legendary.
However, while Sippy was certainly the creative genius behind the film, he wasn’t always on set, particularly when it came to shooting action sequences. According to Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sippy often made appearances on set only when the lead actors—Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Sanjeev Kumar—were involved. For the rest, especially the high-octane action scenes that didn’t feature the main stars, he relied on a second unit to manage the workload.
The Role of the Second Unit
In filmmaking, a “second unit” is often responsible for shooting supplementary footage, including establishing shots, stunts, inserts, and cutaways. These scenes might not require the director or the principal cast to be present, but they are crucial to the overall narrative and visual storytelling.
Sachin Pilgaonkar’s recollection sheds light on how this process worked during Sholay’s production. According to Sachin, Ramesh Sippy delegated the shooting of certain action sequences to a second unit led by Mohammed Ali, a renowned director of stunt films. Ali was a specialist in the genre, known for crafting intricate and intense action sequences, which were pivotal in making Sholay the gripping experience it turned out to be.
Along with Mohammed Ali, an action director named Azim was also brought on board. Azim, in turn, enlisted the help of two Hollywood stunt experts, Jim and Jerry, to elevate the film’s action sequences to international standards. These Hollywood professionals brought a level of technical expertise that was relatively new to Indian cinema at the time, helping to stage some of Sholay’s most memorable action scenes.
Sachin Pilgaonkar: The Unlikely Assistant Director
Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of Sachin Pilgaonkar’s revelation is how he, along with Amjad Khan (who portrayed the iconic villain Gabbar Singh), found themselves working as assistant directors on the film. Sachin humorously referred to himself and Amjad as the “two bekaar (useless) people” on set. At the time, both actors had relatively little to do during the extensive shooting schedules, so when Ramesh Sippy needed someone to represent him during the second unit’s shoots, he turned to them.
As Sachin described it, Sippy was faced with a situation where people from different countries—namely the Hollywood stunt experts—were on set and needed direction. To ensure smooth communication and continuity between the main and second units, Sippy appointed Sachin and Amjad as his on-set representatives. This marked Sachin’s unexpected foray into the world of assistant directing.
In Sachin’s own words, he and Amjad Khan became Ramesh Sippy’s eyes and ears during the second unit’s filming. The experience gave him an intimate understanding of the film’s production process, allowing him to stay on set even when the primary cast was not involved. This insider role gave Sachin a unique perspective on the making of Sholay—a perspective that he has now generously shared with fans and film enthusiasts.
The Train Robbery Scene: An Action Masterpiece
One of the standout moments in Sholay is the thrilling train robbery scene, which sets the tone for the rest of the film. Filmed along the Bombay-Poona railway line near Panvel, this sequence showcases the daring of Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) as they fend off a gang of bandits attempting to rob the train. The sequence is filled with fast-paced action, gunfights, and stunts, making it one of the most iconic scenes in Hindi cinema history.
Surprisingly, as Sachin revealed, this pivotal scene was shot in Ramesh Sippy’s absence. Instead, it was the second unit, led by Mohammed Ali and supported by Sachin and Amjad, that filmed the sequence. The train robbery scene required precise coordination, as it involved multiple moving parts—literally. Stuntmen had to jump between train cars, horses had to gallop alongside the speeding train, and actors had to maintain their timing to pull off the complex choreography.
Under the guidance of Mohammed Ali and the Hollywood stunt coordinators, the scene came together flawlessly, despite the absence of the film’s primary director. This is a testament to the skill and professionalism of the second unit, who ensured that the film maintained its high standards even in the most technically challenging scenes.
The Complexity of Sholay’s Action Sequences
In addition to the train robbery, Sholay is filled with action-packed sequences that push the boundaries of what Indian cinema had achieved at the time. From the dramatic showdown between Jai and Veeru and Gabbar Singh’s men to the climactic final battle, the film’s action scenes remain unparalleled in their intensity and scale.
What makes these sequences particularly noteworthy is how they blend Western cinematic techniques with the sensibilities of Indian storytelling. The inclusion of Hollywood stunt experts Jim and Jerry added a layer of professionalism and precision to the action, while Ramesh Sippy’s storytelling ensured that these scenes remained emotionally resonant for Indian audiences.
As Sachin Pilgaonkar explained, many of these action scenes were shot by the second unit, with meticulous attention to detail. This not only alleviated the workload on Ramesh Sippy but also allowed the film to be completed on schedule without compromising on quality. The result is a film that feels grand in every sense of the word, with each action sequence serving as a vital component of the narrative rather than just a spectacle.
Ramesh Sippy’s Focus on the Main Cast
While the second unit was responsible for the film’s more technical and stunt-heavy sequences, Ramesh Sippy focused his energy on working with the film’s lead actors. This division of labor allowed him to draw out some of the most memorable performances in Indian cinema. Amitabh Bachchan’s brooding yet heroic portrayal of Jai, Dharmendra’s charming and reckless Veeru, Sanjeev Kumar’s stoic and determined Thakur, and Amjad Khan’s menacing Gabbar Singh all benefited from Sippy’s focused direction.
By delegating the action scenes to trusted professionals, Sippy was able to concentrate on the emotional core of the film—the relationships between the characters, their personal struggles, and the moral dilemmas they faced. This balance between action and emotion is what made Sholay more than just an action film. It became a character-driven epic that resonated with audiences on multiple levels.
The Legacy of Sholay
Almost five decades after its release, Sholay continues to hold a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. The film’s dialogues, characters, and scenes have become part of the cultural lexicon in India. Lines like “Kitne aadmi the?” and “Yeh haath mujhe de de Thakur” are still quoted and referenced in popular culture.
However, Sachin Pilgaonkar’s recent revelations add a new layer to the film’s already rich legacy. By shedding light on the contributions of the second unit, Mohammed Ali, Azim, and the Hollywood stunt experts, Sachin has reminded us that Sholay was a collaborative effort. It wasn’t just the vision of one director but the combined efforts of multiple talented individuals who came together to create something extraordinary.
In conclusion, the making of Sholay is as legendary as the film itself. From Ramesh Sippy’s visionary direction to the behind-the-scenes work of the second unit and stunt teams, the film is a testament to the power of collaboration in filmmaking. Sachin Pilgaonkar’s behind-the-scenes stories offer fans a rare glimpse into the complex and fascinating process that brought this iconic film to life. While the stars may have taken center stage, it’s clear that Sholay was a team effort in every sense of the word.