50 years of Sholay: Check out how old were the actors when they did the classic

The iconic Hindi-language film Sholay will complete 50 years of release on August 15, 2025. Written by the celebrated writer duo Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan, the 1975 film features legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra in the lead, alongside Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, and Sanjeev Kumar. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy.

Team Sholay and their age in 1975

With the film reaching this milestone, we take a look at the ages of some of the prominent names attached to the project when it first released.

Amitabh Bachchan

The actor, who played the serious Jai of the Jai–Veeru duo, was 33 at the time of the film’s release.

Dharmendra

At the time of the release, Dharmendra was 39 years old but brought the energy of a 20-something to his role of Veeru.

Hema Malini

The actress who immortalised the role of Basanti was just 26 when the film released and was already a successful star. She stood out with her flamboyant portrayal, her bond with her beloved horse Dhanno, and her on-screen chemistry with Veeru. Eventually, Hema and Dharmendra tied the knot in 1980.

Jaya Bachchan

The actress, who played Radha, was 27 at the time of release. She was paired opposite Amitabh Bachchan, her real-life husband.

Amjad Khan

The actor who made Gabbar Singh an immortal villain was 34 when the film came out. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 51.

Salim Khan

The successful writer was 39 years old at the time of release.

Javed Akhtar

The writer and lyricist, who formed an unbeatable duo with Salim, was 30 at the time.

Sanjeev Kumar

The actor who played the determined Thakur was 37 years old. Sadly, he passed away 10 years later after suffering a heart attack.

R.D. Burman

The famed music composer, whose soundtrack for Sholay remains iconic even after five decades, was 36 at the time.

MacMohan

The actor who played Sambha was 37 years old.

Sachin Pilgaonkar

The actor who played Ahmed was just 18 at the time.

Asarani

The film’s comical jailor was 34.

Helen

She made a memorable special appearance in the song Mehbooba Mehbooba and was 36 at the time.

Viju Khote

The actor who played Kaalia was 33-years-old.

Sholay to be re-released

Sholay is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hindi films ever made. To commemorate its golden anniversary, the Film Heritage Foundation has restored it in 4K resolution for a limited screening — but only in Toronto, leaving Indian fans disappointed.

The Foundation announced that the restored version will premiere at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, at the 1,800-seat Roy Thomson Hall. Restored in collaboration with Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., the film remains one of the most-watched Indian movies of all time, with over 25 crore viewers worldwide.