Dharmendra’s Cult Classic ‘Sholay’ to Re-Release in 4K on His Birthday, Three Legendary Stars Now Gone

Bollywood’s timeless classic Sholay is set to hit the big screens once again, this time in a stunning 4K version across 1,500 theatres nationwide. The re-release, scheduled just after Dharmendra’s birthday, is a tribute to the film’s enduring legacy and the iconic characters that defined Hindi cinema.

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay is celebrated for the unforgettable camaraderie of Jai and Veeru, the romance between Veeru and Basanti, the comic brilliance of Leela Mishra, and the intense rivalry between Thakur and Gabbar Singh. The film originally released in 1975 and has since been restored and re-released multiple times—in 2004 in 70mm, in 2014 in 3D, and now in 2025 in 4K.

However, the re-release comes at a poignant moment. Three of the film’s legendary stars—Sanjeev Kumar (Thakur, passed away in 1985), Amjad Khan (Gabbar Singh, passed away in 1992), and Dharmendra (Veeru, passed away on 24 November 2025 at age 89)—have left this world. Amitabh Bachchan, who played Jai, is the sole surviving member of the iconic quartet.

In the film, Jai leaves Veeru behind during a climactic battle. Now, in real life, with Dharmendra’s passing, the Jai-Veeru pairing exists only in memory. Their on-screen friendship remains a benchmark for generations of fans who have always imagined themselves as Jai and Veeru.

The 4K re-release of Sholay on 12 December 2025 promises to be a cinematic celebration, preserving the immortal charm of its characters while honoring the legacy of the stars who brought them to life.