Ramesh Sippy recalls a fond memory from Sholay: ‘Dharmendra had a few drinks before shooting the tank scene’

Dharmendra in ‘Sholay’

As Sholay (1975) turned 50, I ached to meet Dharmendra. But he was unwell, he had chest pain and water in the lungs, so I really couldn't spend any time talking to him. Now that he is no more, it's quite overwhelming. I'm overcome with feelings.

The first thing that comes to my mind is that he was as soft as he was strong. He was a man of strength, passion, and something about him was so charming. Few know that he wrote wonderful poetry. He was a combination of qualities that is impossible to find.

As an actor, he was par excellence. When he was working, he performed with all his heart, something that actors of this generation can learn. I remember him quite vividly on the sets of Sholay. While he was remarkable throughout as Veeru, in the tank scene, he wanted to give it his all. So, he had a couple of drinks to get into that space. Just before the shot, he drank a little, and gave us a fantastic sequence.

Dharmendra always did things his way. He would follow what was written [in the script], yet he would make it his own. Today, he will be remembered for all the wonderful work he has done. Actors of this generation will learn from his work.