Dharmendra REACTS to FIR writer’s claim that Salim Khan-Javed Akhtar copied Sholay from Mera Gaon Mera Desh: “I have worked in both films. I see no similarity”

Veteran actor Dharmendra recently addressed FIR show writer Amit Aryan’s allegations that the iconic writer duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar plagiarised elements in their film Sholay from Raj Khosla’s Mera Gaon Mera Desh. Aryan had previously described Salim and Javed as “non-writers,” accusing them of copying stories throughout their careers, with Sholay being a key example.

Dharmendra Dismisses Similarity Claims

In a candid interview with Zoom, Dharmendra, who starred in both Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Sholay, brushed off the claims, stating: "Maine dono filmon mein kaam kiya hai, mujhe toh koi same si baat nazar nahin aye. Haan, ek ka villain Jabbar Singh doosra ka Gabbar Singh. That doesn’t make them similar."

The actor humorously added that the two villains might be cousins, but that doesn’t imply the films are alike: "Yes, the villain in one film was Jabbar Singh and in the other, the villain was Gabbar Singh, but that doesn’t make them similar. They might be cousins. Who knows!"

Amit Aryan’s Allegations

In an earlier interview with Digital Commentary, Aryan, known for writing shows like FIR and Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai, argued that Salim-Javed’s work lacked originality. He pointed out specific similarities between Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Sholay, focusing on the plotlines of both films. According to Aryan, both films feature a protagonist seeking revenge against a dacoit for family-related tragedies.

Aryan explained: "Sholay features one man, whose hands were cut off and his family eliminated by a dacoit, trying to take revenge against his rival through other persons. In Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Vinod Khanna played a dacoit named Jabbar Singh, which became Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) in Sholay."

He further added that the structure of revenge in Mera Gaon Mera Desh was reused in Sholay: "Jayant played a retired soldier in Mera Gaon Mera Desh whose one hand was cut off. In Sholay, there is a retired police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) with both hands cut off. In both films, the lead characters, played by Dharmendra, were recruited to seek vengeance on behalf of the maimed victims."

Aryan Calls Salim-Javed “Salesmen”

In his interview, Aryan also claimed that the key to Salim and Javed’s success wasn’t originality but rather their ability to sell stories well. "Salim and Javed are better businessmen and salesmen. They knew how to sell something and narrate it well,” Aryan commented.

Also Read: “Salim-Javed are copy-writers, not writers”: FIR writer Amit Aaryan calls iconic writer duo “good salesman”, here’s why!