Home / Uncategorized / 50 Years of Sholay: Javed Akhtar reflects on the film’s inexplicable success; says, “Charisma can never be defined” 50 : Bollywood News

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50 Years of Sholay: Javed Akhtar reflects on the film’s inexplicable success; says, “Charisma can never be defined” 50 : Bollywood News

August 9, 2025

As Sholay marks its 50th anniversary, co-writer Javed Akhtar revisitsed the film’s extraordinary legacy and defied attempts to pin down its enduring charm. Released on August 15, 1975—India’s Independence Day—Sholay initially struggled at the box office, but soon exploded into cultural phenomenon, today regarded as arguably the greatest Hindi film ever made.

50 Years of Sholay: Javed Akhtar reflects on the film’s inexplicable success; says, “Charisma can never be defined”

Before Ramesh Sippy came on board as director, Sholay was conceived by the celebrated screenwriting duo Salim-Javed. Riding high on the success of Zanjeer, they pitched the idea to Sippy. Now, as the iconic film marks 50 years since its release, Javed Akhtar — one-half of the legendary writing team — reflects on its inception, enduring legacy, and the mystery behind its phenomenal success.

Asked to explain the film’s monumental success, Akhtar responded wryly, “Agar mujhe maloom hota toh main doosri Sholay nahin likh leta”. He elaborated, “Charisma can never be defined, whether in a person or in a piece of art, whether it’s a film or a song. If you are able to solve and decode what it is, then it is no longer charisma. We try to rationalise and analyse everything, and find logic in things. But sometimes, there is none. You can analyse it and find reasons and rules for something working, but the same rules can apply to other things that did not work. Charisma is an unknown factor that is very difficult to understand.”

Javed also reflected on the personal impact of Sholay and said, “Two films of ours released that year – Deewar and Sholay. Naturally, our lives changed. We were able to earn money, make a name for ourselves, and build a standing in the industry. 1975 was a very important year in our lives.” The triumph of these projects elevated Salim-Javed to the most sought-after screenwriting duo in Bollywood.

While others may dissect Sholay’s success endlessly, Javed Akhtar chooses not to. “Reminiscing about old things too much is a waste,” he said matter-of-factly. Drawing an analogy, he added, “Your work is like your children — their achievements aren’t always solely because of you. A film becomes immortal not just because of its creators, but because thousands, even millions, embrace it. They liked it, they connected with it, and that’s what made it so big. On paper or on camera, it wasn’t this grand. It’s when millions identify with it that a work of art truly becomes monumental.”

Sholay featured an ensemble cast including Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan in pivotal roles. Blending themes of revenge and romance, it has endured as one of the most quoted, celebrated, and rewatched films in Indian cinema history.

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