As the iconic film Sholay celebrates its 50th anniversary, Hema Malini, who portrayed the vivacious Basanti, has been sharing insights into the making of the Ramesh Sippy classic. In a recent interview, she revealed that the stunt scenes in Sholay were created "especially" for her, emphasizing the effort to "must make her fight".

Malini's role as Basanti, the talkative and spirited tanga driver, remains one of the most beloved characters in Indian cinema. Her performance, dialogues, and the overall character became iconic, etching themselves into the memories of generations of viewers. However, Malini was initially hesitant about taking on the role. She questioned if she was right for "ek tange waali ka role, itna chota role?", feeling it was too small and uninspiring. Director Ramesh Sippy, however, convinced her that the character would be significant, promising that she would not regret her decision.

The film's team recognized the need to create action sequences that would highlight Basanti's feisty nature. According to Hema Malini, the movements were created on the spot based on the director's vision. The actress trusted Sippy's vision, given their successful collaborations in the past. Reshma Pathan, Hema Malini's stunt double in Sholay, played a crucial role in bringing these scenes to life. Pathan, considered India's first stuntwoman, performed daring stunts for Malini, including the famous tonga chase sequence.

One harrowing incident during the filming of the tonga scene involved a mishap where the cart hit a rock, and Pathan was flung into the air, resulting in 17 stitches on her left leg. Despite the injury, Pathan insisted on continuing the shoot, fearing replacement and needing the money for her sister's wedding.

The on-screen chemistry between Hema Malini and Dharmendra, who played Veeru, was enhanced by their real-life romance. Reshma Pathan revealed that while everyone on set knew about their relationship, they remained professional and discreet. They maintained separate spaces on set and in the hotel, but their affection for each other was evident.

Hema Malini's portrayal of Basanti has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Even today, she is often referred to as "Sholay ki Basanti," a testament to the character's enduring appeal. Malini reflects on how Basanti, a self-made woman who lived life on her own terms, was ahead of her time and represented the concept of "aatma nirbhar" (self-reliance).