As Sholay commemorates its 50th anniversary, behind-the-scenes details have emerged, revealing the modest salaries of the cast. Dharmendra, the highest-paid, received ₹1.5 lakh, while Amjad Khan earned ₹50,000. Dharmendra also disclosed his role in Amitabh Bachchan’s casting as Jai, advocating for him to director Ramesh Sippy. He believed Bachchan possessed a unique ‘fire,’ ultimately securing him the iconic role.