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Sholay Climax: Dharmendra's Near-Fatal Shot
15 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Dharmendra accidentally fired a loaded gun on Sholay set.
- The bullet narrowly missed co-star Amitabh Bachchan.
- The film Sholay celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
A dramatic behind-the-scenes incident during the filming of the iconic 1975 film Sholay has been recalled by director Ramesh Sippy. While shooting the climactic scene, actor Dharmendra, overcome by emotion, unexpectedly fired a loaded gun. The bullet narrowly missed his co-star Amitabh Bachchan, who was standing at the edge of a cliff, causing alarm among the film crew.
The dangerous moment led action cameraman Jim Allen to halt the shoot, stating he would not continue if such risks were taken on his set. Dharmendra was understandably upset but was calmed down, and he later apologized for the mishap. The incident underscores the intense atmosphere on set and the importance of safety protocols, even amidst passionate performances.
Sholay, produced by GP Sippy and written by Salim-Javed, remains a beloved classic. This year, the film marked its 50th anniversary with a special screening of a restored version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, reaffirming its timeless appeal.
