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Amjad Khan's Iconic Gabbar Role Proved Doubters Wrong
15 Aug
Summary
- Ramesh Sippy faced doubts over casting Amjad Khan as Gabbar
- Amjad Khan's performance as Gabbar became iconic
- Sholay initially received negative reviews but later became a classic
As of August 2025, the story of how director Ramesh Sippy cast Amjad Khan as the iconic villain Gabbar in the classic film Sholay continues to be celebrated. At the time, many doubted Sippy's choice, feeling that Khan would not be a good fit alongside established stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.
However, Amjad Khan's powerful performance as the ruthless bandit Gabbar Singh proved the naysayers wrong. His chilling portrayal of the character became etched in the minds of audiences, cementing Sholay's status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Though the film initially received negative reviews upon its release, Sholay went on to become a major box office success. Over the years, it has only grown in stature, with many now considering it a true classic of Indian cinema. Sippy's bold casting decision and Khan's unforgettable performance as Gabbar have played a key role in the film's enduring legacy.
