Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 11: Bengaluru’s Ramanagara hills were the iconic backdrop for Sholay, one of Amitabh Bachchan’s earliest and most spectacular hits. Shot in the 1970s, the rugged terrain required the production team to build their own access road to reach the sets. Today, Ramanagara is known for its folklore museum and serves as a pit stop for motorists heading to Mysuru.

The film featured two real-life couples: Amitabh with Jaya Bachchan, already married, and Dharmendra with Hema Malini, whose romance was blossoming. On set, Dharmendra is said to have paid the crew to tell the director he messed up scenes, earning extra hugs from Hema Malini.

Inspired by Wild West classics such as The Magnificent Seven and My Name is Nobody, Sholay’s action-adventure plot revolved around Amitabh playing a mercenary seeking revenge against the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh, whose villainy remains iconic in Indian cinema, referenced even in political commentary like Rahul Gandhi calling GST the “Gabbar Singh tax.”

Amitabh’s friendship with Kannada superstar Rajkumar also has deep Bengaluru roots. Their bond began over a film release conflict, with Amitabh personally visiting Rajkumar to resolve fan anger. Over the years, their friendship endured major events: when Amitabh suffered a near-fatal accident during Coolie, Rajkumar prayed at Nanjangud temple for his recovery. Similarly, Amitabh was concerned when Rajkumar was kidnapped by Veerappan.

Amitabh has revisited Bengaluru for film shoots, guest appearances such as in Amritadhare (2005), and other events, with his films enjoying tremendous runs in the city. Fans and admirers in Bengaluru have expressed joy over the actor receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke award, connecting it to decades of cinematic memories and enduring friendships.