New Delhi: Samajwadi Party’s Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachchan urged the government to issue a commemorative stamp to mark 50 years since the making of the iconic films ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay’.
Raising the matter during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Jaya Bachchan said, “Indian cinema has reached a significant milestone, and I want our cinematic heritage to be honored.” She also highlighted that this year marks the birth centenary of legendary showman Raj Kapoor, whose contributions to Indian cinema remain invaluable and unparalleled.
The actress and parliamentarian noted that 2025 marks 50 years since the production of two timeless classics, ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay’, both of which continue to resonate with audiences today. She emphasized that these films depicted the struggles of the common man and remain widely celebrated even after five decades.
She recalled that ‘Sholay’, released in 1975, ran in several theaters for over five years, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Jaya Bachchan, who was part of the cast of ‘Sholay’, urged the government to commemorate both films by issuing a special postal stamp. Both films are among the biggest hits of her husband and veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan’s career.
“This initiative will not only help the younger generation connect with our cultural legacy but also educate them about the importance of preserving cinematic heritage,” she stated. She further stressed that cinema holds significant social relevance and plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity.
Jaya Bachchan also acknowledged the efforts of the Film Heritage Foundation, which has proposed a special screening of ‘Deewar’, and mentioned that ‘Sholay’ was commemorated at IIFA 2025, reaffirming the importance of these films in cinematic history.