Television star Shubhangi Atre reflects on 50 years of Sholay, calling it the soul of Indian cinema and a film that continues to inspire generations.
From Basanti to Gabbar’s iconic dialogue, she revisits her favorite moments from the timeless classic.
Bollywood’s most iconic film Sholay celebrates its golden jubilee
As Bollywood’s most iconic film Sholay celebrates its golden jubilee, television’s beloved actress Shubhangi Atre reflects on the timeless classic that continues to shape the legacy of Indian cinema. From its unforgettable characters to dialogues that have become part of pop culture, Sholay remains a cinematic milestone even after five decades.
Shubhangi Atre reminisced about her first time watching Sholay with her family, saying that although she was quite young, the film left a lasting impression on her and filled her with wonder. “Over the years, I must have watched it at least 10 times, and even today, every time I watch it, it feels just as fresh and powerful,” she shared.
On the film’s lasting impact, Shubhangi Atre added,
“Sholay wasn’t merely a film—it marked a turning point in the history of Indian cinema. The way it blended action, emotions, friendship, romance, comedy, and unforgettable dialogues was something never seen before. It defined what Bollywood could be—larger-than-life, yet deeply emotional.”
Basanti, played by Hema Malini is my favorite character
When asked about her favorite character, Shubhangi Atre didn’t hesitate to name Basanti, played by Hema Malini. She said, “Basanti is my favorite because she brought such innocence, humor, and courage to the film. Hema ji’s energy in that role was infectious and inspiring.”
Explaining why the film is considered a cult classic, Shubhangi Atre said, “Sholay is not just remembered for its story, but for how it set benchmarks in Indian cinema. The film introduced us to unforgettable characters, larger-than-life storytelling, and a cinematic experience that was ahead of its time. It has inspired countless filmmakers and actors, including me.”
On what the 50-year milestone means for the industry, Shubhangi Atre expressed,
“Indian cinema is known worldwide for its colors, emotions, and soul. Sholay is the perfect example of that. It showed the world what Bollywood stands for—passion, drama, and timeless storytelling. Even after 50 years, its essence hasn’t faded, and that’s why it’s called a cult classic.”
Shubhangi Atre concluded on a heartfelt note, “Sholay is like a treasure of our film industry. It’s an emotion that binds generations together. Films may come and go, but Sholay will always remain immortal in the heart of Indian cinema.”
