Mumbai, June 13 -- Legendary actor Dharmendra recalled how he helped megastar Amitabh Bachchan to bag the role of Jai in the 1975 film 'Sholay', directed by Ramesh Sippy.

In a conversation with ANI, he said, "It has already been mentioned. Yes, I recommended him.. Mai to kehta nahi Maine unko (Amitabh Bachchan) role dilaya..ye mujhe milne aate the Amitabh sahab (He used to come to meet me. Mr. Amitabh.) He used to sit next to me. To Maine Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai usko awaaz se to lagta hai bahut acha kaam karega...unki jo andar se chahna this..jo khud se pyar karne ki khoobsurati thi vo achi lagi..maine kaha inko lelo (So I told him to take him)."

Reportedly, the role was initially given to Shatrughan Sinha, but later ...