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Indian cinema has witnessed some amazing screenwriters in its journey of more than 100 years. However, there has never been anyone who created a legacy quite like Salim–Javed. While this legendary duo has delivered some of the biggest cult classics, it was Sholay that truly revolutionized the storytelling landscape and went on to become a forever cult-classic phenomenon in the Indian entertainment industry, inspiring the coming generation of screenwriters. Released in 1975, on Independence Day, the epic action-drama directed by Ramesh Sippy has completed 50 years today, and it’s worth reminiscing that Salim–Javed not only created a legacy with the film but also gave Indian cinema what many call “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

In its journey of half a century, Sholay has attained a status far beyond just being a film. Written by the celebrated screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, Sholay remains the crown jewel of Hindi cinema. While the duo stands tall as the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi films, Sholay played a pivotal role in cementing their place.

They gave audiences the most loved and celebrated on-screen jodi of Jai and Veeru, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra respectively. By crafting these characters, they laid the foundation for the quintessential Bollywood hero—brave, loyal, and full of heart. Alongside the heroes, Salim–Javed also created the most iconic villain in Hindi cinema: Gabbar Singh, immortalized by Amjad Khan. Rarely has there been a film where the villain became as famous and as beloved as the protagonists.

Moreover, they did not forget to give the heroines their own memorable identities. Basanti and Radha, played by Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri respectively, were more than just love interests to Veeru and Jai—they became unforgettable characters in their own right.

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Now, the most remarkable and the crucial aspect of Sholey were the dialogues. From the main lead to the villain to its female leads, everyone was given the dialogues that become a cult. Be it “Kitne aadmi the?”, by Gabbar Singh, “Jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya.” by Gabbar Singh. “Arre o Sambha, kitna inaam rakhe hai sarkar hum par?” by Gabbar Singh, “Yeh haath humko de de, Thakur.” by Gabbar Singh, “Tera kya hoga, Kaaliya?” by Gabbar Singh, “Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?” by Jai, “Basanti, in kutton ke saamne mat nachna.” by Veeru, “Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge.” by Jai & Veeru, “Thakur, yeh haath jab tak chalenge, tab tak dushman ke saans chalenge.” by Veeru, and "Aur suno chammak challo, jab tak tere per chalenge tab tak uski seans chalegi, per ruke banduk chalegi" By Gabbar Singh. All these dialogues indeed have created a legacy and are still very fresh.

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Conclusively, Salim–Javed has given Indian cinema a cult classic that is now celebrating its Golden Jubilee. It’s fair to say that the film stands as a shining example of the legacy created by this iconic duo—one that every generation must watch.