Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra died on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89 at his Mumbai home after weeks of age-related illness. He would have turned a year older on December 8, 2025.
As tributes pour in from across the world, one of the most enduring memories fans associate with him is his portrayal of Veeru in Sholay (1975), opposite Amitabh Bachchan's Jai.
The Making Of An Iconic Duo
Ramesh Sippy's Sholay was not just a film; it was an emotion that shaped Indian cinema forever. Written by Salim-Javed, the film gave birth to the legendary duo Jai and Veeru - two outlaws with a heart of gold who shared a friendship that transcended the screen.
At the time of Sholay's release in 1975, both Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan had been a few films old in the industry, with Dharmendra already a star and Amitabh Bachchan a rising one. This year, Sholay turned 50 on August 15, 2025.
Yet, it was this film that propelled them into a league of their own. Their effortless camaraderie as Jai and Veeru became a cultural touchstone, influencing countless buddy films and popular expressions of friendship ever since.
Dharmendra's Instinct That Changed Hindi Cinema Forever
The creation of the Jai-Veeru pairing was as much a story of intuition as it was of talent. Interestingly, Dharmendra himself played a decisive role in Amitabh Bachchan's casting.
Before the veteran star came on board, several actors were considered for the role of Jai - among them Shatrughan Sinha, who was reportedly the preferred choice.
In an interview with ANI, Dharmendra revealed how his recommendation helped shape the film's destiny.
"It has already been mentioned. Yes, I recommended him. Mein toh kehta nahi maine unko (Amitabh Bachchan) role dilaya. Ye mujhe milne aate the Amitabh sahab (He used to come to meet me, Mr Amitabh). He used to sit next to me.
"Toh mein ne Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai uske awaaz se to lagta hai bahut acha kaam karega. Unki jo andar se chahna thi. Jo khud se pyaar karne ki khoobsurati thi woh acchi lagi.. Maine kaha inko lelo (So I told Ramesh Sippy that this is a new boy. Judging by his voice, he will do a great job. I liked the desire he had from within. The beauty of loving oneself. I said take him)."
Reflecting on the timeless appeal of Sholay, Dharmendra added, "Yeh film mere khayal se sadiyon ke liye ban gayi hai (this film will be there for centuries)."
The Legacy Of Sholay
Set in the fictional village of Ramgarh, Sholay follows retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who enlists two small-time criminals, Jai and Veeru, to capture the dreaded bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).
As Dharmendra takes his final bow, the image of him riding a bike alongside Amitabh Bachchan, singing "Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge," stands as a reminder of the bond they shared.
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