Bollywood legend Hema Malini recently revisited a striking memory from the sets of the timeless classic Sholay, revealing how a powerful scene with Amjad Khan left her hand bruised blue. The actress described the moment as shocking yet unforgettable, especially because it happened during one of her earliest shoots with the actor who portrayed the iconic villain Gabbar Singh.
A Powerful First Encounter With Gabbar Singh
While appearing as a special guest on Indian Idol Season 13, Hema Malini spoke about the fearsome impression Amjad Khan made during the shoot. His fierce gaze, towering screen presence, and deep commitment to the role left her startled.
Sharing the experience, she recalled,
“The biggest one is Amjad Khan saab. First day jaisa shooting shuru hua, my god… how real he looked.”
The intensity of his performance would soon translate into an accidental injury on set.
The ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ Scene That Turned Painful
Hema Malini narrated the incident from the emotional “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” sequence, where Basanti tries to escape only to be forcefully pulled back by Gabbar.
She explained how the moment went wrong:
“When I tried to run, he grabbed my hand. He held it so tightly that my entire hand turned blue.”
Despite the pain, she continued performing until the scene was completed, maintaining full professionalism in front of the camera.
Amjad Khan’s Immediate Apology and Concern
The actress added that while the injury was painful, Amjad Khan was deeply apologetic the moment shooting stopped.
Hema Malini shared:
“It became completely blue and so painful. But until he finished his dialogue, I had to remain silent. After the shot, he apologized so much and even brought ice for my hand. That’s how committed everyone was to the work.”
Decades later, the memory stands as a testament to the intensity, dedication, and mutual respect shared by two cinema greats during the making of one of India’s most celebrated films.
