45 years ago, Sholay hit the theatres on Independence Day and the entire nation shook with the powerful thunder of the movie. Till today, dialogues from the movie are said by Indians (and people all around the world, actually) of all ages, demographics and languages. No matter where you are, how old you are, your likes or dislikes, you have, at some point in your life, asked questions like “kitne aadmi the?” or “itna sannaata kyun hai bhai?”
Here are 10 dialogues from Sholay that have become unofficial parts of our vocabulary:
1. Yunki, yeh kaun bola?
The gorgeous, sprightly Basanti sure is a chatterbox, and that’s probably why Veeru fell in love with her. The one dialogue she loves repeating, without even knowing that she’s repeating it, is “yunki, yeh kaun bola?” We love dream girl and her role in Sholay!
2. Ek ek ko chun chun ke maarunga!
When his best friend was shot by Gabbar Singh’s men, Veeru made a vow over his dead body: that he will kill each and every one of the daakus. In a scene that’s equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking, Dharmendra’s dialogue delivery makes us all stand up and cheer for him in the hopes that he will finally avenge Jai’s death.
3. Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?
In typical suave and cool Amitabh fashion, Jai asks Hema Malini’s character sarcastically what her name is, Basanti? A comedy-inducing scene, this clip shows the many layers to Jai, Veeru’s and Basanti’s characters.
4. Yeh haath humko dede, Thakur!
Gabbar Singh isn’t any other villain; he’s a spine-chilling scary dude who scares the crap out of all of us. One of the worst things he’s done is cut off Thakur’s hands. But one of the best things he’s done is given us an eternal dialogue to say and feel filmy AF.
5. Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor hain.
A midget Hitler is the perfect addition to the Sholay cast. One of the funniest scenes from the movie, this one shows the jailor trying to control an irreverent prison population. Jai, Veeru and other jailers (and jail guards) end up mocking him. What a brilliant way to mock both the British and the police!
6. Itna sannaata kyun hai bhai?
Another heartbreaking moment. Imam Saheb, the blind old beloved man of the village, asks why there’s a sudden silence around, only to find out that his own son has been killed by Gabbar Singh’s men. When beloved characters are killed, we become all the more invested in the story. And in killing Gabbar.
7. Basanti, in kutto ke saamne mat naachna!
Gabbar Singh’s lecherous gaze demands that Basanti dance until she dies, and if she stops, Veeru will be shot dead. So Basanti dances and dances, but Veer, out of love, screams at her to not. Well, his woman saved his life. And she danced on broken glass the whole time! What drama. What romance.
8. Jo dar gaya, samjho mar gaya
One of the most famous taglines of all time, Gabbar Singh’s mantra is basically another rendition of Do or Die. How many times have you told yourself, or have heard, jo dar gaya samjho mar gaya? I’m pretty sure that’s where Thums Up got their “dar ke aage jeet hai” slogan inspired from.
9. Chal Dhanno, aaj teri Basanti ki izzat ka sawal hai!
Dhanno has to prove that Basanti is an excellent rider and driver, as her izzat has come into question! Right before she is kidnapped by the awful Gabbar Singh, Basanti charges into the village to rescue her man and saves her own izzat. Girl don’t need no man.
10. Saala nautanki, ghadi ghadi drama karta hai
Veeru is either drunk on a tank/hiding behind a temple/emotionally blackmailing Basanti into marrying him, and Jai just sighs his head at his best friend: saala nautanki, ghadi ghadi drama karta hai. Be honest, you’ve said these exact same words to your best friend as well. If you haven’t, she’s said it to you.
What’s your favourite Sholay dialogue? Tell us on contactus@mirchiplay.com
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