Dharmendra was the highest-paid star of Sholay! Here’s the surprising salary breakdown

The nation continues to mourn the loss of Bollywood’s beloved icon Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24. Known for his unmatched screen presence and the unforgettable He-Man persona, the veteran star leaves behind a legacy of characters that shaped generations. From Pyaare Mohan in Chupke Chupke to the charming and courageous Veeru in Sholay, Dharmendra breathed life into every role he touched.

As one of Indian cinema’s most iconic masterpieces returns to the big screen in pristine 4K - complete with its original, long-awaited climax - nostalgia has swept across generations of movie lovers. The re-release carries an added emotional weight, coming in the wake of the heartbreaking loss of two beloved veterans, Dharmendra and Asrani. In this moment of remembrance and celebration, let’s revisit what the cast of Sholay earned for bringing this timeless classic to life.

Must Read: Sholay 2! When Dharmendra imagined a sequel with Abhishek Bachchan & Bobby Deol returning to Ramgarh to avenge Jai’s death

Dharmendra’s First Choice Wasn’t Veeru

Not many fans know that Dharmendra initially did not want to play Veeru. After listening to the story, he felt drawn toward the more intense characters.

Director Ramesh Sippy recalled in a conversation with The Lallantop that Dharmendra told him, "This is the story of Thakur and he is fighting against Gabbar. What will we do?” To this, Sippy shot back, “Fine. Either do Thakur or Gabbar’s role but then you won’t get Hema Malini.”

That playful push sealed the deal, and Dharmendra agreed to play Veeru. Eventually, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan were finalized as Thakur Baldev Singh and Gabbar Singh.

Who Earned What in Sholay?

Dharmendra didn’t just win hearts- he also topped the film’s salary chart. Reports highlight the following payouts:

Dharmendra - ₹1.5 lakh (highest paid)

Sanjeev Kumar - ₹1.25 lakh

Amitabh Bachchan - ₹1 lakh

Amjad Khan (Gabbar Singh) - ₹50,000

Hema Malini - ₹75,000

Jaya Bachchan - ₹35,000 (lowest in the cast)

This breakdown reveals just how valued Dharmendra was during the making of one of India’s greatest cinematic masterpieces.

Also Read: Sholay flashback! Amitabh Bachchan was ready to film Jai’s ‘resurrection’, but Ramesh Sippy stepped in and...

A Filmography Etched in Time

From Sholay’s Veeru, Dharam in Dharam Veer, Dr. Parimal in Chupke Chupke, Captain Bahadur Singh in Haqeeqat, Satyapriya Acharya in Satyakam, to Shaka of Phool Aur Patthar and the fun-loving Dharam of Yamla Pagla Deewana, Dharmendra entertained audiences across eras with unmatched versatility. His absence has left a void that Indian cinema and fans will struggle to fill.