Mumbai, (IANS)| Renowned director Ramesh Sippy shares with ‘KBC 13’ host Amitabh Bachchan why he chose Hema Malini as ‘Basanti’ and how the idea of pairing ‘Jai-Veeru’ came about. Sippy will be seen as a special guest along with Hema Malini in the episode ‘Shaandaar Friday’ of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 13’. Both the eminent people will be talking about the blockbuster ‘Sholay’ as the film completes 46 years of its release.
Replying to Amitabh, Ramesh Sippy shared that look, Hema ji played the role of a young widow in my film, which was Hema ji’s first film, and in the second film ‘Sita Aur Geeta’ she gave us her work. was surprised. So, for the role of Basanti, I felt that no one can do it except her, plus, there was one more thing. When we completed ‘Sita Aur Gita’ and it became successful, then we decided that whatever has to be done after this, Dharam ji, Hema ji and Sanjeev ji will definitely be there. And as the script of ‘Sholay’ took shape, so did the cast.
When asked what he thought of ‘Jai-Veeru’, Sippy replied that we had Veeru, he was also in the previous film. So, there was one thing about which I thought we had three superstars, and if I could find another superstar, that was tough for me. I thought I need a good actor, who does a good job and makes a good team, because when Salim-Javed suggested Amit ji for this role, he said there is one ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ who is ‘Zanjeer’. I am doing good work with us. I said okay.
“Then I thought he is not a star at the moment so I won’t have a problem handling more stars. But, there are two things that I remember about you. You did a great job in the film ‘Anand’, and Then in ‘Bombay to Goa’ you did a light role with Mehmood Saab. You are so tall, and the way you danced brilliantly was appreciable. I thought this is an actor who can do anything. That’s why. , he will be able to give us what we want. That’s how Amit ji was cast.
Whatever Sippy said, Amitabh accepted and replied that thank you very much, sir. Replying to this, Sippy shared that you proved my point, and by the time the film released, you had become the biggest star.‘KBC 13’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television.