30/01/2025
Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan—two absolute legends who gave Bollywood some of its most unforgettable moments—were as different as chalk and cheese, but both were pure magic on screen. Sanjeev Kumar was the OG of versatility, slipping into every role like it was tailor-made for him. From the stoic and heartbroken Thakur in Sholay to cracking us up in Angoor with his double role, or making us tear up in Koshish as a deaf-mute man—this guy had no limits. He wasn’t afraid to play older characters or tackle emotionally heavy roles, which just proved how gutsy and talented he was.
And then there was Amjad Khan, who walked into Bollywood as Gabbar Singh in Sholay and rewrote the rulebook on how villains should be done. With that iconic “Kitne aadmi the?” and his sinister swagger, he scared the life out of audiences while making Gabbar an all-time favorite. Amjad wasn’t just about playing the baddie, though—he nailed roles in movies like Qurbani and Utsav and even dabbled in directing. But let’s be real, Gabbar will always be his crowning glory.
What made these two so different was also what made them so special. Sanjeev Kumar could go from comedy to tragedy in a snap, making every role feel painfully real. Meanwhile, Amjad Khan had this larger-than-life charisma that made him steal every scene he was in, even in supporting roles. But when they came together in Sholay, it was straight-up cinematic history. Sanjeev’s quiet intensity as Thakur and Amjad’s fiery menace as Gabbar created a clash so epic, people still talk about it decades later.
Sadly, both these legends left us way too soon—Sanjeev Kumar at 47 and Amjad Khan at 51. But their legacies? Timeless. Sanjeev will always be remembered for his soulful, risk-taking performances, while Amjad is forever the king of unforgettable villains. Together, they gave Bollywood some of its finest moments, proving why their names are etched in gold in Indian cinema’s hall of fame.
