'Gabbar is Back', the way of paying tribute to Sholay: Akshay Kumar

Bollywood super star Akshay kumar played a character of the iconic villain of Indian cinema in his blockbuster film ‘Gabbar Is Back’. The role of dreaded dacoit Gabbar Singh was played by late actor Amjad Khan in Sholay which was released on August 15, 1975 and turns 40 years this month. According to Akshay, ‘Gabbar Is Back’ was his way of paying tribute to the hit film ‘Sholay’ starring Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan. The movie, directed by Ramesh Simppy, released on August 15, 1975. Asked whether he would like to play any particular role if the film was remade, Akshay said,"It will be injustice to remake 'Sholay'. "No actor can do justice to the roles played by Bachchanji and Dharmendra ji. The film is very close to my heart and 'Gabbar is Back' was the result of my attachment to 'Sholay'." For Akshay's "Brothers" co-star Jacqueline Fernandez, "Sholay" was her first Bollywood watch. 'Sholay' was the first Bollywood film I watched," said the Sri Lankan beauty who worked with Bachchan in her debut "Aladin".