There are many classics in Indian cinema that entertain us teach us something but there are only a few that stay with us and engrave a memory in millions. One such blockbuster that tops the charts of cult classics is Sholay. Released on August 15 1975 this Ramesh Sippy movie introduced to us cult characters such as Jai Veeru Gabbar Singh Thakur and Basanti characters so endearing that even after decades their dialogues scenes and sentiments are quoted and lived. But what if we reveal a secret to you? This endearing story wasnt entirely original to begin with. Yes as unbelievable as it may be the story of Sholay is greatly influenced by a 1960 Hollywood Western film called The Magnificent Seven. The Magnificent Seven had been adapted from Akira Kurosawas 1954 Japanese film Seven Samurai and John Sturges directed the American version. Inspired by a novel by William Roberts the movie is set against the backdrop of a Mexican village that is terrorised by bandit Calvera and his group. The robbers keep raiding the village for food which creates an ambience of fear. After Calveras killing of one of the villagers the villagers head decides to retaliate and give a comeback by recruiting seven other villagers to protect themselves. They all come together to fight against tyranny and to maintain peace Sholays plot is the same Indian-style. Gabbar Singh stands in for Calvera and Jai and Veeru are the heroes. Though similar Sholays Indian mix of culture music and classic performances by Hema Malini and Amjad Khan made it a phenomenon. The ability of Sholay to combine culture music and stunning performances of Hema Malini and Amjad Khan as Basanti and Gabbar Singh stamped the film beyond imitation converting it into a phenomenon. Its intriguing to trace Sholays creative origins back to a Hollywood classic even though many admirers may still consider it a masterpiece in and of itself. Sholay gave it a distinctively Indian soul even if both films in their respective languages and styles talked about bravery sacrifice and justice