What Did Dharmendra Say About the DOP of His Iconic Film ‘Sholay’?
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Synopsis
In a heartfelt tribute, Dharmendra remembers the late Dwarka Divecha, the cinematographer behind the iconic film 'Sholay'. Sharing a nostalgic moment on Instagram, he emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of cinematographers and encourages fans to explore Divecha's biography.
Key Takeaways
- Dharmendra honors Dwarka Divecha on Instagram.
- ‘Sholay’ is a landmark film in Hindi cinema.
- Importance of recognizing cinematographers.
- Ramesh Sippy shares audience reactions from the film's release.
- ‘Sholay’ celebrated for its technical excellence.
Mumbai, Aug 17 (NationPress) Renowned actor Dharmendra is reflecting on and honoring the cinematographer of his legendary film ‘Sholay’. On Sunday, he took to Instagram to share a nostalgic photo with the late Dwarka Divecha, who was the film's cinematographer.
In his post, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the late artist and encouraged his followers to explore the chapters of Divecha's biography.
He shared, “Late Shri Dwarka Divecha, director of cinematography (‘Sholay’). He was always very kind and amicable with us. The contributions of those behind the camera often go unrecognized, yet they are pivotal in bringing stories to life on the Silver screen. Please take the time to read his biography.”
Dwarka Divecha was not only a cinematographer but also an actor, appearing with stars like Shammi Kapoor and Padmini in the film ‘Singapore’. He played a crucial role in creating the sets for ‘Sholay’, which is hailed as Hindi cinema’s first Western Spaghetti film. The film featured a stellar cast including Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, A. K. Hangal, Sachin, and Hema Malini.
This cinematic masterpiece is celebrated as one of the greatest films in Hindi cinema, acclaimed for its grandeur, performances, technical excellence, action sequences, music, and direction. It topped the British Film Institute's 2002 poll of the “Top 10 Indian Films” of all time. The iconic film was penned by the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed and became one of the longest-running films in Indian film history.
Previously, Ramesh Sippy, the director of ‘Sholay’, shared a captivating incident regarding the audience's reaction upon the film's release.
Speaking with IANS ahead of the film’s 50th anniversary, he recounted being invited by a cinema owner to witness firsthand how the audience responded when the film was screened.
He stated, “A cinema owner invited me. He said, ‘Come to my cinema’. It was City Light cinema. He mentioned, ‘Look, no one is going for a cold drink’. It was during the interval, and no one moved.”
“He continued, ‘Do you know why? Because everyone inside was completely engrossed. They were acting as if they had never experienced anything like this before.’ I asked, ‘Are you sure?’. He confirmed, ‘Absolutely. I see it every day. They don’t leave during the intervals’,” the director added.
Point of View
It is vital to celebrate the unsung heroes of cinema, like Dwarka Divecha. Their contributions shape the industry and deserve recognition. Dharmendra's tribute sheds light on the importance of honoring those behind the lens, ensuring their stories are not lost in time.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dwarka Divecha?
Dwarka Divecha was a renowned cinematographer and actor, best known for his work in the iconic film 'Sholay'. His contributions to Indian cinema are significant and often underappreciated.
What is 'Sholay' known for?
'Sholay' is celebrated as one of the greatest films in Hindi cinema, recognized for its exceptional storytelling, performances, and technical brilliance.
What did Dharmendra share on Instagram?
Dharmendra shared a nostalgic throwback picture with Dwarka Divecha, paying homage to his work and encouraging followers to read Divecha's biography.
Why are cinematographers important?
Cinematographers are essential in filmmaking as they bring visual storytelling to life, often working behind the scenes to create the movie's aesthetic.
What anniversary is 'Sholay' approaching?
'Sholay' is approaching its 50th anniversary, highlighting its enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
