Karnataka Government Capitalizes on Sholay's Legacy with Ticket Sales for Film Site Tours

A Journey to the Iconic Film's Roots

By Vijay Singh, Ramanagaram, Karnataka

When Ramesh Sippy selected the quaint village of Ramanagaram along the Bangalore-Mysore highway as the backdrop for his film Sholay, he likely never anticipated that it would become a pilgrimage site for fans. Now, the Karnataka government charges visitors Rs 25 to explore the locations where the film was shot, including the infamous den of Gabbar Singh (played by Amjad Khan) and the boulders that became iconic through the film's scenes.

Since its release on August 15, 1975, Sholay has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, and even fifty years later, fans flock to the site to pay homage to this cult classic.

However, the site today is devoid of any remnants from the film. Visitors are greeted only by dense vegetation, rocky terrain, and the occasional shepherd tending to their flock.

Despite the lack of physical evidence of the film's production, the allure of the location remains strong. According to a ticket seller at the site, around 50 to 60 people purchase tickets daily, with numbers soaring to over 250 on weekends, primarily consisting of devoted Sholay fans.

Additionally, visitors can purchase tickets to the nearby Vulture Sanctuary, which also charges the same entry fee.

Filming for Sholay commenced in 1973, and it took two years to construct the set, which was dismantled after the film's completion. Today, the only reminders of the film are the familiar boulders and the hilly landscape, which require a trek to reach Gabbar's den.

Located about 10 km from the Ramanagaram railway station, the filming site at Ramadevara Betta Hills continues to attract visitors. On a typical weekday, a few individuals and families come to pay their respects to Sholay, showcasing the film's enduring emotional impact.

The site continues to draw fans, including Daman Sahu, a 24-year-old from Odisha, who made a special trip to see the location after securing a job in Karnataka. He expressed satisfaction after visiting the iconic site.

Mohammad Abrar, a 25-year-old IT professional from Bengaluru, visited with friends and shared his admiration for the film's themes of friendship and camaraderie, particularly between the characters played by Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan.

Narayana Gowda, an autorickshaw driver, reminisced about sneaking onto the set during filming and assisting the crew. Kiran Kumar, a local priest, noted that visitors often come to reenact famous dialogues from the film, highlighting its cultural impact.

Gabbar Singh remains a beloved character among visitors, as Narayana frequently transports fans from the nearby bus stand. Local villager Satyanarayan fondly recalled Amjad Khan's portrayal of Gabbar, asserting that no other actor could match his performance.

Another local auto driver, Venkatesh, expressed gratitude for the influx of tourists that Sholay has brought to the area, boosting local businesses.

Satyanarayan Swami, now 85, reminisced about the villagers who participated in the film, many of whom earned extra income and some even found work in the film industry. He fondly recalled how accessible the stars were during filming.

Even today, villagers gather to watch Sholay, reliving cherished memories. The 85-year-old Swami firmly believes that no other film can replicate the magic of Sholay.