From Dharmendra to Amjad Khan: Remembering the ‘Sholay’ stars who are no longer with us

Dharmendra brought unmatched charm and warmth to the role of Veeru, one half of the iconic Jai–Veeru duo. His effortless comic timing and emotional depth made Veeru an unforgettable character in Indian cinema. The legendary line, “Basanti, in kutton ke saamne mat naachna,” remains one of Bollywood’s most quoted dialogues. His presence lit up every frame of Sholay. The veteran actor passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.

Amjad Khan immortalised Gabbar Singh, creating a villain so powerful that he became a cultural phenomenon. His menacing voice, unforgettable dialogues, and magnetic screen presence changed how Bollywood viewed antagonists. Even decades later, no other villain has matched the aura of Gabbar. His performance remains a benchmark for generations of actors. Amjad Khan passed away in 1992.

Sanjeev Kumar delivered a moving and layered performance as Thakur Baldev Singh, a man broken by tragedy yet driven by justice. His restrained acting brought dignity and gravitas to the film. The emotional depth he brought to scenes with Jai and Veeru remains unforgettable. His portrayal of loss and resilience struck a chord with audiences across generations. He passed away in 1985 at just 47.

Asrani played the quirky Jailor, bringing much-needed humour to the intense narrative of Sholay. His Chaplin-inspired act and iconic “Angrezo ke zamaane ke jailor” scene remain cult favourites. His comedic timing made the character one of the most beloved parts of the film. Audiences still recall his expressions and voice modulation with fondness. The veteran actor passed away on October 20, 2025.

Iftekhar, widely recognised for his ‘man in uniform’ roles, brought calm authority to Sholay as Inspector Narmalaji. As Radha’s father, he added a sense of dignity and emotional depth to the story. His measured performance balanced strength and softness in equal measure. Fans remember him as a dependable presence across countless films. He passed away in 1995.

Satyen Kappu played Ramlal, the loyal and soft-spoken servant of Thakur Baldev Singh. His understated performance added emotional weight to the narrative. His character’s loyalty highlighted the human cost of Gabbar’s brutality. Kappu’s presence offered a strong supporting backbone to the film. The actor passed away in 2007.

Mac Mohan, in a silent yet striking role, portrayed Sambha, one of Gabbar Singh’s trusted henchmen. Despite minimal dialogues, his imposing look and iconic stance made him instantly memorable. The line “Arre o Sambha!” immortalised his character. His screen presence proved that even small roles can create a lasting impact. He passed away in 2010.

A.K. Hangal delivered a heartbreaking portrayal of Imam Saheb, the blind elder grieving his son’s death. His emotional monologue remains one of the most touching moments in the film. Hangal’s gentle voice and expressive face captured the soul of the character. His performance added depth and humanity to the story of Ramgarh. He passed away in 2012.

Jagdeep brought life and laughter to the role of Soorma Bhopali, one of the most entertaining characters in Sholay. His exaggerated storytelling and humour remain fan favourites to this day. He created a character so popular that it later inspired a film of its own. Jagdeep’s energy and comic brilliance added charm to the film’s universe. He passed away in 2020.

Leela Mishra, as the stern yet endearing Mausi, added a memorable touch to the film’s lighter moments. Her scenes with Dharmendra remain iconic for their comedy and subtle warmth. She played Mausi with a perfect balance of discipline and humour. Her presence added emotional grounding to Basanti’s storyline. She passed away in 1988.

Viju Khote played Kaalia, the timid yet loyal dacoit with one of the film’s most memorable lines: “Sardar, maine aapka namak khaya hai.” His brief scenes left a lasting impression on viewers. Khote’s expressions and delivery added a hint of humour even amidst fear. He became a pop-culture favourite thanks to this small but iconic role. The actor passed away in 2019.

Keshto Mukherjee portrayed Hariram Nai, the prison barber whose sly humour offered lighter moments in the narrative. His signature drunk-acting style made him instantly recognisable. In Sholay, his character contributed small yet impactful moments of comedy. His presence showcased how even minor characters can enrich a film’s world. He passed away in 1982.