Gabbar Singh, the formidable antagonist from *Sholay*, remains a figure of enduring fascination. His impact on cinema is comparable to Ravana’s influence in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The character has become a symbol of cinematic villainy, its dialogues and mannerisms ingrained in popular culture. Gabbar Singh’s power is a testament to the character’s ruthlessness and his memorable presence in the film.
While Gabbar Singh was not a scholar, he was literate and could read. His presence in the film provides a sense of menace and an element of thrill that is essential to the storyline. Fifty years after the release of *Sholay*, Gabbar Singh remains an icon, and Amjad Khan, who played the role, attained widespread fame. The success of the film led to numerous opportunities for Khan, including a role in Satyajit Ray’s *Shatranj Ke Khilari*.
Initially, Danny was the first choice to play Gabbar Singh, but he chose to work in Feroz Khan’s *Dharmatma*, which required filming in Afghanistan. This opened the door for a new actor to take on the iconic role. Salim-Javed suggested Amjad Khan, remembering his performance in a cultural program. Amjad Khan’s screen test went well, and he was cast. Although he was not initially successful, his father, Jayant, gave him tips that helped him give a better performance, resulting in the success of the character. The character was a huge success after the film was released, and Amjad Khan’s career skyrocketed. Gabbar Singh changed the way villains were portrayed in Indian cinema and took the place of Ravana in the Ramlila.