Exhibition: Sholay – 50 years Later

Step into the world of Sholay, India’s most iconic film, through a captivating exhibition marking its 50th anniversary. Curated by Dr. Monia Acciari—Associate Professor in Film and Television History and Director of the Indian Cinema Archive at De Montfort University—this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the film’s enduring legacy and cultural resonance. Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy and released in 1975, revolutionised Indian cinema with its blend of action, drama, and unforgettable characters.

Through a curated collection of rare memorabilia—including posters, lobby cards, song booklets, glass slides, and merchandise—the exhibition explores how the film was received in India and by the Indian diaspora. Highlights feature iconic scenes such as the legendary “Yeh Dosti” bicycle moment and lobby cards of Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai and Dharmendra’s Veeru.
artistry.

Dr. Acciari, an expert in curatorial practice and film heritage, has curated several national and international exhibitions, bridging academia, community, and cinematic memory. Visitors are also invited to share their own memories of Sholay, making this a truly participatory celebration of a film that shaped generations.