When Dharmendra’s Shot Nearly Hit Amitabh: A Sholay Story That’s Stranger Than Fiction

It's a tale that sounds like a scene straight out of a thriller, but it unfolded behind the scenes of one of India's most iconic films. During the filming of Sholay, a moment of on-set frustration nearly turned fatal when Dharmendra accidentally fired a real bullet at co-star Amitabh Bachchan.

The revelation came from Big B himself during a 2020 episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, leaving audiences stunned and amused in equal measure. While chatting with CRPF DIG Preet Mohan Singh, a contestant and ardent Sholay fan, Bachchan recalled the hair-raising incident that occurred during the film's climactic sequence.

A Misfire That Could Have Changed History

The scene in question had Dharmendra's character, Veeru, scrambling for ammunition while Jai, played by Bachchan, stood atop a hill. After multiple failed takes trying to retrieve bullets from a chest, Dharmendra's irritation got the better of him.

"He was frustrated," Bachchan recounted. "I don't know what happened, but he loaded the gun with real cartridges and fired. I was standing on the hill when I heard a 'whooosh'-the bullet zipped past my ear. Main bach gaya (I survived)."

The gravity of the moment was only matched by its absurdity. A real bullet, on a film set, fired in the heat of the moment-thankfully, without tragic consequences.

Sholay: A Film of Legends and Legendary Tales

Released in 1975 and written by the legendary Salim-Javed duo, Sholay wasn't just a film-it was a phenomenon. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and featuring a powerhouse cast including Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan, the film redefined Indian cinema with its unforgettable characters, dialogues, and action sequences.

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Sholay continues to be a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories. But few are as jaw-dropping as the day a real bullet nearly rewrote Bollywood history.