Kolkata Fans Celebrate 50 Years of Bollywood Classic Sholay

It has been half a century since the release of the Bollywood blockbuster Sholay, and the film's impact is still strongly felt in Kolkata. The 2025-08-17 marks the 50th anniversary of the movie's release, and its legacy continues to captivate audiences in the city.

For many Kolkata residents, the love for Sholay goes beyond mere nostalgia. It has become an integral part of their lives, a keepsake, and in some cases, a lifelong obsession. Fans have forged deep personal connections to the film and its iconic star, Amitabh Bachchan.

One such fan, Ramesh Kumar Damani, an insurance professional, seized the opportunity to meet his idol when Bachchan visited Kolkata for a special screening of the film. "I found out that Amitabh ji was staying at Oberoi Grand in Kolkata. I went there and somehow reached the fourth floor Presidential suite-402. I met him & got a picture with him," he recounted.

For entrepreneur Anurag Chirimar, his admiration for Sholay is intertwined with his love for Bachchan. He even personalized his car as a unique tribute to the legendary actor, with the words "City of Jai" painted on it, a nod to the film's beloved character.

Communications professional Sreeraj Mitra considers Sholay the gold standard of Hindi cinema, praising its perfect blend of drama, action, and romance. "I have watched Sholay for more than 20 times. Its perfect blend of drama, action and romance has made it stand out as a cult favourite," he said.

Similarly, IT professional Rajpal Sidhu turns to Sholay for comfort and joy, regardless of his mood. "I've watched it 50 times at least. It is my go-to movie on a bad day or a good day," he shared, highlighting the film's enduring appeal.

As Kolkata celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sholay, the city's deep-rooted connection to this iconic Bollywood classic remains as strong as ever.