Kaun Banega Crorepati 18: Amitabh Bachchan recalls Sholay’s global appeal, reveals 2000 Italians watched Sholay from 11 PM to 3 AM in Italy

Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchanwho recently returned with season 18 of his popular quiz game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, recalled the global mass appeal of his iconic movie, Sholay. He revealed the surprising turn of events in Italy. The megastar shared that around 2,000 people in Bologna, Italy, gathered in an open-air square to watch the restored version of the Hindi classic Sholay. The screening began at 11 PM and continued until 3 AM.During a recent episode of KBC 18, the contestant on the hot seat Dr. Ganesh Baraiya spoke about his love for the film Sholay. Big B then narrated an incident about the restoration of his iconic 1975 film and the overwhelming response it received in Italy.Big B recalled the recent restoration of Sholay and shared how the newly restored version was screened at a historic central square in Bologna, Italy.The restored classic premiered in Bologna on June 27, 2025, as part of the film’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.The 83-year-old cine icon said, “In fact, when Sholay was first released, it was released in print, that film heritage is Shivendra Singh Ji and he is working on it. Here he took it to Italy, my dear Bologna is a place, the name of the city is there, there is a very big courtyard there. Just like in big cities there is a courtyard in the main beach. Well, 2000 Italians were there, watching Sholay from 11 pm to 3 am.”For the uninitiated, the film was written by the famous writer duo Salim-Javed. The blockbuster released on August 15, 1975. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy and went on to become one of the most influential and celebrated films in the history of Indian cinema. It was produced by G.P. Sippy.The film revolved around retired police officer Thakur Baldev Singh, played by Sanjeev Kumar, who hires two small-time criminals, Jai and Veeru, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra respectively, to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh, portrayed by Amjad Khan. Hema Malini played the free spirited Basanti, while Jaya Bhaduri played the soft yet graceful widow Radha.The ensemble also featured several memorable supporting actors, including A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Mac Mohan, Sachin, Jagdeep, Asrani, Viju Khote, Keshto Mukherjee, Helen, Sachin Pilgaonkar.RD Burman composed the film’s music, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Its soundtrack produced some of Hindi cinema’s most enduring songs, including Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge, Holi Ke Din, Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati Hai, Mehbooba Mehbooba and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.The movie shot extensively against the rocky landscapes of Ramanagara in Karnataka, was an ambitious production that blended action, drama, romance, comedy and tragedy.