The world of Indian cinema is filled with iconic figures, and while some names instantly conjure images of leading roles and immense fame, many talented individuals have contributed significantly to the magic of Bollywood while remaining slightly less in the spotlight. One such actor is Sachin Pilgaonkar, who, despite not always being the main hero, has left an indelible mark on the industry. His connection to the legendary Meena Kumari and his surprising involvement in the blockbuster film Sholay make him a truly fascinating figure.
Sachin Pilgaonkar's career began at a young age, and he had the opportunity to work alongside the celebrated actress Meena Kumari in the film Majhli Didi (1967). He was trained in Urdu by Meena Kumari during the film. While Dharmendra acted as Meena Kumari's brother in Bandini, Sachin played the role of her brother in Majhli Didi and he outshone many of his contemporaries with his talent. This early experience proved invaluable, shaping his skills and providing him with a foundation for his future endeavors.
Notably, Sachin's journey took an unexpected turn when he became involved in Sholay (1975), one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema history. Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, is a blend of action, drama, and adventure that has had a lasting impact on Indian filmmaking. While he played the role of Ahmed, son of the imam, Sachin Pilgaonkar's contribution to Sholay went beyond acting. In a surprising revelation, Sachin disclosed that he was also an assistant director on the film, sharing responsibilities with Amjad Khan, who played Gabbar Singh.
According to Sachin, director Ramesh Sippy would primarily focus on scenes involving the lead actors like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjeev Kumar. For action sequences and other shots not involving the main stars, a second unit was employed. Sachin Pilgaonkar and Amjad Khan were entrusted to manage this second unit, giving them a unique opportunity to hone their directorial skills. Sachin mentioned that Mohammed Ali, a stunt filmmaker, and action director Azim, along with two Hollywood professionals, Jim and Jerry, were also part of this second unit. He also revealed that he and Amjad Khan directed some crucial portions of the film.
Moreover, Sachin revealed that he had a double role in Sholay. Besides playing Ahmed, he also assisted with the editing of the film. He used to sit behind director Ramesh Sippy and observe how he took every shot and edited them. Recognizing Sachin's interest and training in editing from Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Sippy offered him the chance to participate in the editing process. Amjad Khan, who had won awards for direction and editing during his academic life, also assisted him.
Sachin's insights into the making of Sholay provide a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative effort that went into creating this cinematic masterpiece. His involvement highlights the importance of every member of the crew, from the lead actors to the assistant directors, in bringing a film to life. Sholay was initially unsuccessful but later became a hit after some portions were re-printed and added to the film.
Sachin Pilgaonkar's career is a testament to his versatility and dedication to the craft. From his early days as a child actor working with Meena Kumari to his multifaceted role in Sholay and his subsequent success as a director, he has consistently demonstrated his passion for cinema. While he may not always be the first name that comes to mind when discussing Bollywood legends, his contributions have undoubtedly enriched the industry and left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
