Mumbai — Veteran Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan joined the nation in celebrating the 80th Independence Day on Saturday, sharing a patriotic message with his millions of followers on social media.
The actor posted a video on Instagram in which he was seen holding and waving the Indian tricolour. Extending his greetings to the nation, Bachchan said, “Diwas swatantra ka, shubh din badhaayi ka. Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram. Jai Hind.”
India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day this year, marking eight decades since the country became independent from British rule in 1947. The occasion not only honours the sacrifices of freedom fighters but also offers an opportunity to look back at India’s transformation over the past 80 years.
From establishing a strong democratic system and expanding access to education to emerging as one of the world’s major economies, India has made significant progress in science, technology, defence and infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion, highlighting the goal of building a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.
For Bachchan, the Independence Day celebration comes amid renewed international attention on one of the most iconic films of his career — Sholay.
During a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, where Dr Ganesh Baraiya appeared as a contestant, Bachchan spoke about the extraordinary response to the restored version of the 1975 classic in Italy. He recalled that around 2,000 people gathered in an open-air square in Bologna to watch the film, with the screening continuing from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m.
The restored print of Sholay had its world premiere in Bologna on June 27, 2025, as part of events marking the film’s 50th anniversary. The international reception served as another reminder of the lasting appeal of a movie that has remained deeply embedded in Indian popular culture for generations.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay follows retired police officer Thakur Baldev Singh, played by Sanjeev Kumar, who recruits small-time criminals Jai and Veeru, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, to capture the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan.
The film also featured Hema Malini as the spirited Basanti and Jaya Bhaduri as the quiet and dignified Radha. A strong supporting cast, including A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Mac Mohan, Sachin, Jagdeep, Asrani, Viju Khote, Keshto Mukherjee and Helen, added to its enduring appeal.
R.D. Burman’s music and Anand Bakshi’s lyrics further cemented Sholay’s place in Hindi cinema history. Songs such as Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge, Holi Ke Din, Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati Hai, Mehbooba Mehbooba and Jab Tak Hai Jaan continue to be remembered decades after the film’s release.
Shot extensively around the rocky landscapes of Ramanagara in Karnataka, Sholay brought together action, drama, romance, comedy and tragedy on an ambitious scale. Interestingly, the film did not receive an overwhelming response immediately after its release and was initially considered by some to be underperforming. Strong word-of-mouth publicity, however, soon changed its fortunes, turning it into a blockbuster and eventually a landmark of Indian cinema.
Bachchan’s Independence Day message and his recollections about Sholay reflect two enduring aspects of his public life — his deep association with India’s cultural landscape and his ability to remain connected with audiences across generations.
With inputs from IANS