The opening lines of the song, “Gaon mein peepal, peepal ki chaiyan… chaiyan mein panaghat,” beautifully evoke the traditional Indian village. Yet, Sholay masterfully reimagined this setting. Instead of familiar elements like peepal or banyan trees, or the typical fields, the filmmakers crafted a unique landscape. The village was set amidst towering cliffs, with rugged, stone-strewn roads, giving a distinctly different visual feel. Despite its barrenness, Ramgarh in Sholay became an aspirational model. It was in essence, a ‘smart village’ ahead of its time.
Even half a century after Sholay’s release, the idealized Ramgarh remains an inspiring vision. Imagine the scene: The entire area is composed of rocks. When Gabbar Singh’s dacoit gang demands their extortion, the villagers, Shankar and Dholia, produce grain from their homes. When asked “Kya laye Shankar?” he responds, “Jowar laya hun, mai-baap.” (I have brought sorghum, my lord). The scene’s magic and the village itself gives the impression of being created by a true visionary.
Who was the visionary behind Ramgarh?
The film’s location, nestled amidst rugged terrain, gives the story its character. The pathways carved out of the rocks add to the rustic aesthetic. It sparks the imagination, creating the thought that it required someone to have the passion of a mountain man to accomplish such a feat.
The bridge where Jai is injured during the shootout showcases the vision of the filmmakers. Ramgarh was the brainchild of Ram Yedekar, the art director, and the artistic sensibilities of Director Ramesh Sippy and Producer G.P. Sippy. They had a burning desire to break the mold of traditional cinema. They envisioned an Indian film on par with Western cinema.
How was the location of Ramgarh chosen?
Ramesh Sippy once shared insights on the making of the movie, “Earlier, films featuring bandits were typically shot around Chambal and its vicinity. If you watch movies like Ganga Jamuna, Mujhe Jeene Do, or Mera Gaon Mera Desh, you’ll notice a pattern. These films were released before Sholay. We aimed for originality after observing the same settings repeatedly.”
Sippy and Ram Yedekar collaborated on finding the perfect backdrop. Sippy wanted a location that was akin to Western film locations, setting itself apart from the typical Indian dacoit films. Ram Yedekar knew of a place. He then traveled to Bangalore and photographed the region around Ramnagar, which was about 70-80 kilometers away.
Ramnagar now known as Ramgarh
Director Ramesh Sippy further explained, “He photographed almost half of Ramnagar and presented us with the prints laid out on a table. I was astonished by the expansive location revealed in those images. We had discovered the setting we had envisioned within our own country. Following that, he and his team undertook the task of establishing Ramgarh. They constructed a village that now serves as an example. Ramnagar, Karnataka, has gained renown as Sholay’s Ramgarh, becoming a significant destination for film tourism.”
What were the defining qualities of Ramgarh village?
Let us now consider the core attributes of Sholay’s Ramgarh, which contribute to its unique appeal. The type of village is difficult to find today. When watching Sholay, take a close look at the setting of Ramgarh. The Thakur is present, but there is no Thakur’s well. Instead, a water tank supplies water to the whole village, eradicating the traditional practice of untouchability. The water tank stands as a focal point of the village. The water tank represents a sense of community and equality.
Furthermore, there is no mention of electricity in Ramgarh, lacking wires, poles, or transformers. This is apparent as Radha, Thakur’s daughter-in-law, often extinguishes a lamp at night. Contrasting this, Jai is seen playing the mouth organ on the guesthouse veranda. The scene creates a sense of depth, enhancing the emotional connection.
A village of brotherhood, free from untouchability
Sholay’s Ramgarh represents the idea of brotherhood. Holi celebrations showcase harmony and acceptance. It’s common to see old enemies embracing during the festival. The village has a Shiv Mandir and a mosque. Basanti heads to the Shiva temple with a Puja thali. Her love interest, Veeru, jokes and hides behind the temple. The Imam, the village elder, is aided by Basanti to navigate as he is unable to see.
These words spoken by the Imam after his son’s death in the movie highlights the pain of the loss, “Today, I will ask God, why didn’t I have two-three more sons who could have been of service to this village”. He also taught the villagers, “A death of honor is far better than a life of disgrace”. This scene underscores the values of respect and a dignified life. This allows the main characters to stay in the village.
Basanti, the symbol of empowerment and self-reliance
Basanti is an independent, young girl in the village. She drives a horse-drawn carriage and transports people from the railway station to nearby villages. Gabbar Singh’s fear is present in the region. When Basanti is seen driving the carriage without fear, it underscores women’s empowerment and independence. In this way, she becomes a symbol of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
Ramgarh is a microcosm of India with different business and employment opportunities. This village was established fifty years ago. They lived together and worked towards development together. The village is a model of brotherhood, where communities celebrate festivals and share values.