Jaya Bachchan urges Government to issue commemorative stamps marking 50th anniversary of ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay’: ‘Please don’t kill this industry’ |

Veteran actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan brought Bollywood to the forefront of Indian politics by invoking the legacy of Deewar and Sholay in the Rajya Sabha. She urged the Modi government to issue commemorative stamps celebrating the 50th anniversary of these cinematic masterpieces. E
A Tribute to Cinematic Legends
Emphasizing their cultural impact, she stated, “This initiative would bridge generations, preserving Indian cinema’s legacy and its role in shaping our cultural identity.”
Both Deewar and Sholay featured her husband, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, in career-defining roles. While Sholay became a cult classic, weaving a gripping tale of friendship and revenge, Deewar showcased the rise of a rebellious underworld figure—cementing Bachchan’s status as Bollywood’s ultimate “angry young man.”

Jaya Bachchan seized the moment to spotlight the challenges plaguing the Indian film industry. During the Union Budget 2025-26 discussion, she directly addressed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stating, “You have completely overlooked the film industry, just as past governments have. But today, you have the chance to elevate it to new heights.”
The Decline of Theatrical Releases
She didn’t hold back. Sounding the alarm on the industry’s decline, Jaya Bachchan highlighted the dwindling audience and the shutdown of single-screen theaters. “Today, single-screen theaters are closing down. People aren’t going to cinemas because it’s too expensive. Perhaps you want to destroy this industry altogether,” she remarked pointedly.
An Emotional Appeal for Industry Survival
Making an impassioned plea, Jaya Bachchan urged the government to recognize the film industry’s value. “I speak for my industry. The audio-visual sector connects India to the world. Please have some mercy. You are pushing this industry toward decline—don’t let that happen,” she implored.

With her heartfelt speech, Jaya Bachchan underscored the entertainment industry’s need for government backing—not just as an economic force but as a cultural cornerstone of India. Her plea for Deewar and Sholay stamps was both a tribute to cinematic legends and a call to safeguard Indian cinema’s rich legacy and future.