How did Sholay transform Amitabh Bachchan into a national icon, and what roles did he play that solidified his superstar status?

 Sholay was India's biggest hit period

Everybody involved with the movie prospered so did Amitabh Bachchan

With the release of Sholay Rajesh Khanna became the outgoing superstar

And the troika of Dharmendra,Manoj Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan were ruling the roost

Just two years after Sholay with the blockbuster Amar Akbar Anthony

Amitabh Bachchan ended up topling Dharmendra and became the ultimate no 1

Inspite of have playing the 3rd lead after much more established Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar Amitabh Bachchan made his presence felt big time

Amitabh Bachchan's ear hiding hairstyle

And his all denim attire became the rage

Sholay solidified Amitabh Bachchan's superstar status period

from being the unconventionally Anwar Ali Anwar of Saat Hindustaani

To the promising Babu Moshai of Anand

To the up and coming Inspector Vijay of Zanjeer

With the advent of 1975

With the double whammy of Sholay and Deewar Amitabh Bachchan became the numero uno superstar for generations to come