Video: When ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay’ Echoed in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP and actress Jaya Bachchan urged the Modi government to issue commemorative stamps marking the 50th anniversary of two iconic Bollywood films Deewar and Sholay. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, she said, “The initiative would serve as a cultural bridge between generations, highlighting the importance of preserving Indian cinematic heritage and the role of cinema in shaping our cultural identity.” 

Both films starred her husband and Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan . Sholay became a cult classic, on the other hand, Deewar portrayed the rise of an underworld figure.

Jaya Bachchan’s Appeal for Relief to the Film Industry

Earlier on Tuesday, Jaya Bachchan took a strong stand on the struggles faced by the film industry, accusing the government of neglecting it. 

During the general discussion on the Union Budget 2025-26, she urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to introduce plans to support the faltering industry. "You have totally ignored one of the industries, the film industry, and sadly, past governments have done the same. But today, you have the opportunity to take it to the next level," she added. 

Jaya Bachchan also raised concerns over the declining number of people visiting cinemas, warning that the industry could collapse if immediate action is not taken. "Today, single-screen theaters are shutting down. People are not going to movie halls because everything has become so costly. Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether," she said. 

"I am speaking on behalf of my film industry. The audio-visual industry connects India to the world. Please have some mercy. You are trying to kill this industry. Please do not do this," she requested.