Did you know that not Amjad Khan but THIS actor was the first choice to play Gabbar Singh’s role in ‘Sholay’?

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra starrer ‘Sholay’ is one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. Apart from the two legendary actors, the film also featured Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. Every character including Jai, Veeru, Basanti, Thakur, Gabbar Singh, Kaalia, Sambha and others made a mark and they are still so fresh in everyone’s memory.
Even the villain, Gabbar Singh went on to become a timeless antagonist. But did you know that Amjad Khan was not the first choice to play the villain’s role? It was Danny Denzongpa who was being considered to play Gabbar Singh’s character. But due to his previous commitments, he couldn’t do the film. He was shooting for Feroz Khan’s film ‘Dharmatma’.
Reports also suggested that writer Javed Akhtar felt that Amjad Khan’s voice was weak and not suited for the role. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar asked Ramesh Sippy to replace him and cast someone else. But later, everything fell into place and the role went to Amjad Khan. The film went on to become a blockbuster and the audience still loves watching it for its content, performances and songs.