Sholay’s Deleted Gabbar Scene Goes Viral After 49 Years: Know Why The Censor Board Axed It

A brutal scene featuring Gabbar Singh from Sholay was cut before the film’s release in 1975—49 years later, it resurfaces and takes social media by storm.

Pic Credit: Instagram

Even after nearly five decades, Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 masterpiece Sholay continues to enchant audiences. Recently re-released in theaters, the film once again drew massive crowds, proving its timeless appeal. While iconic scenes and dialogues from the movie are etched into Indian cinema history, not many know that several scenes were cut before its release. One of these deleted scenes, featuring the menacing Gabbar Singh, is now making waves on social media—49 years later.

The Scene That Never Made It to Theaters

A viral post from an Instagram account named “Old is Gold” unveiled a rare picture from Sholay showing Gabbar Singh (played by Amjad Khan) gripping Ahmed (Sachin Pilgaonkar) by the hair in a chilling act of brutality. The backdrop reveals a convoy of bandits surrounding them, intensifying the tension.

This scene was reportedly removed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) because of its extreme violence. Gabbar’s savage portrayal was deemed too intense for audiences at the time, prompting the board to demand cuts before approving the film’s release.

The post read: "Did you know that this scene from Ramesh Sippy's Sholay (1975), in which Gabbar Singh (played by Amjad Khan) kills Ahmed (played by Sachin Pilgaonkar), was cut by the Central Film Certification Board citing 'extreme brutality'?"

The resurfaced image has sparked intrigue and nostalgia among film enthusiasts, with many wondering how this intense moment would have shaped Gabbar’s character had it been kept in the final cut. Look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Old Is Gold Films (@oldisgoldfilms)

Why Sholay Remains Unforgettable

Sholay is hailed as one of the greatest films in Indian cinema, blending action, emotion, and unforgettable performances. Gabbar Singh’s character became synonymous with fear, and dialogues like, "Pachas kos door jab bachcha rota hai, toh maa kehti hai, so ja beta, nahi toh Gabbar aa jayega," are still quoted today.

The film’s storytelling, gripping screenplay, and iconic characters—from Veeru and Jai to Basanti and Thakur—cemented its legendary status.

Why Deleted Scenes Matter

Deleted scenes, especially those with cultural and cinematic significance, offer a unique glimpse into the filmmaker's original vision. The recently resurfaced Gabbar scene provides a deeper understanding of his ruthless persona and raises questions about how it would have influenced the film’s tone and audience reaction.

As Sholay will mark its 50th year this August 15, 2025; it continues to be celebrated across generations, moments like these remind us why it’s more than just a movie—it’s a phenomenon that shaped Indian pop culture. This rediscovered scene of Gabbar Singh brings fans closer to the film’s uncut brilliance, reigniting discussions about censorship, creativity, and cinematic history.