I've watched Sholay about 6 times myself and I fail to see Amitabh shining in it (since this is the Big B's thread I'm on here).  It was perhaps the first movie that the villian stole all the honors...Gabbar Singh.  Damn, that name itself sums up a generation in India where the Chambal dacoits were still creating their legacy in real life!! 

I still can't belive that during the casting of the movie the Sippys were looking to have Danny play the role of Gabbar...That would've been a nightmare!   hahahahahah