Sachin Pilgaonkar Reflects on Sholay's Production

The 1975 film 'Sholay', directed by Ramesh Sippy, remains a monumental influence in Indian cinema, blending elements from various genres and featuring an iconic cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Amjad Khan. Actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, who served as an assistant director, revealed in a recent interview that Sippy primarily directed scenes involving the main stars, while a second unit handled other action sequences. This second team, led by stunt filmmaker Mohammed Ali and action director Azim, included Hollywood professionals Jim and Jerry for specific scenes. Pilgaonkar humorously noted that he and Amjad Khan were considered the 'useless' members of the crew, yet Sippy recognized their directorial interests and involved them in the production. The famous train robbery scene was filmed without Sippy's presence, showcasing the collaborative nature of the film's production. Even after 49 years, 'Sholay' continues to provide insights into its making and cultural significance.