Ranjeet discloses why he turned down Gabbar's role in Sholay!

Viewers still remember the famous line from the movie Sholay, "Kitne aadmi the?" said by the late actor Amjad Khan. In the film directed by Ramesh Sippy, he played Gabbar Singh, giving Hindi cinema its most recognisable antagonist. He wasn't, however, the first person selected for the part.

 

For the part of Gabbar in the movie, which starred seasoned actors Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra as the protagonists, Danny Denzongpa and Ranjeet were also entertained. Ranjeet reminisced in a media interaction, saying that he declined Sholay because he respected Danny's friendship.

 

In the chat, Ranjeet disclosed, “When they came to me, they told me that Danny would not come now. In fact, I had no idea about the role as well. I clearly told them, ‘Danny is a good friend of mine…Either you get me no objection letter from him or at least let him talk to me. if he agrees, then I will do the film.’ But I knew why he was not coming and I refused to be a part of the film".

 

The Amar Akbar Anthony actor further revealed, “This role was destined for Amjad Khan…Ho sakta hai main Gabbar karta toh shayd audience ko nahin acha lagta (If I had taken on the role of Gabbar, perhaps the audience wouldn't have appreciated it)".

 

Danny and Ranjeet have remained close friends for a long time. On social media, Ranjeet regularly shares images and videos of themselves with him. In the past, both actors' terrifying performances dominated the silver screen.