By Hindustan Times
After months of waiting, the title of the ‘top movie of the century’ have been decided, and goes to the long-lasting action drama Sholay (1975), which starred Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan and Sanjeev Kumar.
The polling to make your mind up essentially the most iconic Indian film of the past 100 years was done under The Hindustan Times’ initiative, Cinema@100, to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema. Within the first round of the contest, in accordance with public voting, 10 movies were shortlisted out of the 100 memorable films of the century.
The celebration moved into the second one phase with thousands of votes pouring in from around the country to then choose probably the most iconic film out of the 10. Ecstatic about Sholay’s win, the film’s director Ramesh Sippy says: “I’m humbled and overwhelmed that Sholay was titled the highest movie of the century within the HT contest.
I’d love to thank everyone who voted for my film.” Not many, especially the young movie-goers know that Sholay was not an instant box-office hit. Its popularity rose, through word of mouth several weeks after its release.
Readers who voted for Sholay are happy that their favourite film has won the respect. “I’m glad I'LL make it win. I LIKE the best way they presented Jai and Veeru’s friendship,” says Prem Chand, 31. Vishal Bhatia, 28, says, “My favourite dialogue from Sholay is ‘Kitney aadmi the’.” Some lucky readers who voted within the contest will win designer T-shirts by Manish Malhotra and Shemaroo DVDs of iconic films.
Top 10 indian movies of past 100 yrs
1. Sholay
2. 3 Idiots
3. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
4. Mother India
5. Mughal-e-Azam
6. Taare Zameen Par
7. Lagaan
8. Guide
9. Chak De! India
10. Anand
