 Danny Denzongpa was the first choice of Gabbar but had to miss out because he was shooting for Dharmatma in Afghanistan.Amjad Khan was almost dropped from the project because Javed Akhtar found his voice too weak for Gabbar Singh's role but was later convinced.For his preparation for the role Amjad read "Abhishapth Chambal", a book on Chambal dacoits written by Taroon Kumar Bhaduri (actress Jaya Bhaduri's father).