A nostalgic AI-generated video has taken social media by storm, offering a “time-traveling” tribute to the 1975 cult classic Sholay. The clip features the film’s legendary cast and creators meeting their younger, on-set personas, sparking a wave of emotion and humor among fans.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay remains a pillar of Indian cinema, and this creative use of artificial intelligence has allowed audiences to see the stars bridge a 50-year gap in a series of “cross-generational selfies.”
Iconic Face-to-Face Encounters
The video reimagines several unforgettable characters in modern-day settings alongside their 1970s counterparts:
- The Villains and Heroes: Amjad Khan’s menacing Gabbar Singh is seen clicking a casual selfie with an older version of himself. Similarly, Sanjeev Kumar (Thakur) and Asrani (The Jailer) share poignant moments with their younger personas.
- The Lead Pairs: Amitabh Bachchan (Jai) and Dharmendra (Veeru) are depicted alongside their iconic younger selves, while Hema Malini shares a warm smile with the lively Basanti.
- The Creators: In a nod to the film’s brilliant writing, legendary duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are shown greeting their younger selves on the recreated set.
The “Rare” Jaya Bachchan Smile
One specific detail in the video has become a major talking point. Jaya Bachchan, who played the stoic and somber Radha, is shown smiling brightly alongside her younger self.
This creative liberty prompted playful reactions from social media users, with many jokingly commenting on the “impossibility” of catching the actress in such a jovial mood, while others praised the AI for giving the character of Radha a moment of visible joy.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The video gained massive traction after being shared by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who expressed his amazement at the technology, calling it “two hundred much.”
“It’s a touching tribute that captures the universal wish to revisit the past and meet one’s younger self.” — Social Media Commenter
While some viewers found the “de-aging” uncanny, the majority of fans have hailed it as a heartfelt trip down memory lane, celebrating the enduring legacy of the greatest story ever told in Bollywood.