Bollywood's legendary film 'Sholay' marked its monumental 50th anniversary this year, a celebration tinged with both nostalgia and sorrow. The iconic cult classic was re-released grandly across 1,500 theatres on December 12, including screens in Tamil Nadu. This milestone event arrived just weeks after the passing of the film's beloved hero, Dharmendra, at the age of 89, adding a layer of poignant remembrance to the festivities.
A Lifelong Passion: One Fan's Unparalleled Tribute
For Vikas Singh, a 52-year-old resident of Tirupati, the love affair with 'Sholay' began the moment the film first hit theatres in 1975. Over the decades, his passion has transformed into what is possibly one of the most detailed private collections dedicated to a single cinematic work. His treasure trove is a meticulous archive of film history, featuring original 1975 lithograph posters designed by artists C Mohan and V G Parchure, the first-run film booklet, a carefully preserved theatre ticket from 1975, and a complete set of all eight lobby cards.
The collection extends to rare Polydor platinum EPs, director's cut media formats, unique postal memorabilia, graphic novel adaptations, and several signed artefacts. "You have to be careful and keep an eye on auction houses," Vikas explains, detailing the patient hunt behind his assemblage. "A few items came from an antique shop near Haji Ali in Mumbai. A 50-year-old poster is not easy to find; the sides may be torn."
The Hunt for Rarities and a Producer's Mistake
Among his prized possessions is an exceptionally rare original poster that contains a historical error—it mistakenly credits producer G P Sippy as the film's director. The value of this piece was confirmed when Vikas got it signed by the film's legendary scriptwriter, Javed Akhtar. "He asked me how I had managed to find it," Vikas recalls, highlighting the item's scarcity.
When asked about his singular focus on 'Sholay,' Vikas points to the film's groundbreaking nature. He believes its sheer scale and visual ambition were unprecedented for Indian cinema at the time, cementing its status as a timeless epic. His journey as a collector began not with a poster or a ticket, but with a book. "The first item I brought home was film critic Anupama Chopra's book on 'Sholay' in 2001," he shares.
"It reminded me of the old 'Sholay' audio cassette I had bought, which I listened to on a tape recorder. I found it buried in an old trunk along with other forgotten cassettes, and from that moment, the journey of this collection began," he says, describing the spark that ignited a decades-long pursuit.
A Legacy That Grows Stronger With Time
Vikas Singh's dedication goes beyond mere acquisition; it is about preserving a cultural landmark. He expresses a heartfelt wish to one day showcase his entire collection to the film's director, Ramesh Sippy. For Vikas, the power of these artefacts is eternal. "The collection's charm is timeless," he asserts with conviction. "It will only grow stronger as the years pass."
As 'Sholay' completes half a century, it is fans like Vikas Singh who ensure that the film's legacy is not just remembered but is tangibly, lovingly conserved. His collection stands as a unique museum of memory, honouring a piece of Bollywood history that continues to captivate generations.
