When Dharmendra Revealed How He Helped Amitabh Bachchan Get ‘Sholay’ — and Why He Refused ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’

Bollywood’s history is filled with stories of rivalry, ego, and competition. Yet, among those tales, there are rare moments that shine with generosity, friendship, and humility. One such moment belongs to Dharmendra—the legendary “He-Man” of Hindi cinema—whose influence shaped iconic careers, including that of Amitabh Bachchan.
In several interviews over the years, Dharmendra openly shared how he played a crucial role in helping Amitabh land Sholay, a film that went on to become one of the most defining movies in Indian cinema. He also revealed why he decided to turn down Amar Akbar Anthony, another blockbuster that might have added a new dimension to his career.

These stories not only highlight Dharmendra’s contributions to Bollywood but also reflect the grace, loyalty, and selflessness that defined him as both an actor and a human being.


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How Dharmendra Pushed for Amitabh Bachchan to Be Cast in ‘Sholay’

When Ramesh Sippy and Salim–Javed were casting for Sholay, the industry was buzzing with suggestions for the second male lead—Jai. Big names were being considered, but Amitabh Bachchan at that time was still struggling. He had talent, height, and an intense screen presence, but he lacked the commercial success that producers were looking for.

Dharmendra, who had already built a massive fan base with his heroic charm and impeccable screen timing, saw something in the young Amitabh. According to Dharmendra, he strongly recommended Amitabh for the role, insisting that no one could bring the same depth and quiet strength to the character of Jai.

It is said that Dharmendra used his own star power to convince the team—telling them that Amitabh was the perfect fit. In a time when established stars rarely promoted their struggling colleagues, Dharmendra’s decision was both generous and visionary.

And he was right.

Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in Sholay became one of the turning points in his career. His understated style, emotional restraint, and powerful presence created a balance with Dharmendra’s lively, charismatic portrayal of Veeru. The duo’s electrifying chemistry became one of the reasons Sholay is still regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

To this day, Amitabh has acknowledged that Dharmendra’s kindness helped shape his journey.


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Why Dharmendra Refused ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’

Another surprising revelation from Dharmendra is why he turned down Amar Akbar Anthony, the 1977 blockbuster directed by Manmohan Desai. The film became one of the most loved masala entertainers in Bollywood history, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna.

Dharmendra was initially offered a role in the film, but he politely declined.

Why?

His reason was simple, practical, and deeply personal.

Dharmendra shared that the shooting locations for the film required long travel, which he preferred to avoid at that stage. He was already managing a busy schedule, with multiple projects lined up across studios. The extra travel hours didn’t fit well with him—especially when he was juggling both professional commitments and family time.

Additionally, Dharmendra was extremely selective about the characters he portrayed. He preferred roles that aligned with his image and allowed him to shine naturally on screen. While Amar Akbar Anthony was a powerful ensemble film, Dharmendra felt the role offered to him didn’t match what he envisioned for himself at the time.

His decision wasn’t based on conflict or ego. It was a professional choice made with clarity—and one that he always spoke about without regret.


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A Legacy Built on Grace and Generosity

Stories like these reveal a side of Dharmendra that fans often sensed, but rarely heard directly from him—a man who valued relationships over competition, and kindness over ambition.

Helping Amitabh Bachchan, one of the biggest superstars India has ever seen, was not an act of charity. It was Dharmendra’s ability to recognize brilliance when he saw it. He believed good talent deserved to shine, even if it meant supporting someone less established than him.

Refusing Amar Akbar Anthony also reflected his honesty with himself. He knew what he wanted to do and what he didn’t. He didn’t chase success; success followed him.

Dharmendra’s journey reminds us that greatness is not just about iconic roles or award-winning performances. It is also about humanity, humility, and generosity—the qualities that make a star truly unforgettable.