Overview

• Sippy said industry insiders dismissed Jaya Bachchan’s casting as “waste” yet he insisted her silent performance effectively conveyed deep emotion
• He explained he chose to “take a chance” on Amitabh Bachchan despite industry advice against it because he saw potential in his understated presence
• Sippy described dedicating hours to capture the film’s “magic hour” shots so that counter-angle compositions between Amitabh and Jaya aligned perfectly
• He recalled the light-hearted revolver-training scene with Dharmendra and Hema Malini, noting her ticklish reactions and the chemistry that advanced their characters
• He credited Sholay’s enduring appeal to Salim–Javed’s writing, memorable music, technical craftsmanship and compelling actor chemistry