Few films in India have reached the legendary status of Sholay. Released in 1975, it became more than just a movie—it became an emotion. On its Golden Jubilee year, the Maharashtra Postal Circle has given us a collector’s gem. A special picture postcard, a golden cancellation, and a limited-edition presentation pack have been unveiled to celebrate 50 years of this cinematic classic.
The Big Day at Mumbai GPO
On 15th August 2025, the grand hall of Mumbai GPO came alive. The event began at 11:00 AM with philatelists, film lovers, and media gathering to witness history.
The release was led by Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, who unveiled the collection with much applause.
The first presentation pack was handed to none other than Shri Ramesh Sippy, the visionary director of Sholay. This gesture symbolized how the film and its makers continue to live on in public memory, even after five decades.
Star Presence

The event was graced by distinguished personalities:
- Shri Shehzad Sippy
- Shri Rohan Sippy
- Mrs Kiran Joneja Sippy
- Shri Shivendra Singh Dungarpur
- Ms Kaiya Arora, DPS (Mumbai Region)
- Ms Simran Kaur, DPS (Hq), Maharashtra Circle
- Smt. Rekha Rizvi, Director, Mumbai GPO
The presence of the Sippy family made the tribute even more special. Fans were thrilled to see the legacy of Sholay celebrated in such a unique way.
A Tribute Cast in Gold






What makes this philatelic release stand out?
✨ Golden Cancellation – A rare and elegant touch, symbolizing the golden jubilee of the movie.
📮 Picture Postcard – Priced at ₹50, featuring iconic visuals from Sholay.
📦 Presentation Pack – A premium collector’s edition priced at ₹500, designed for philatelists who want a complete tribute set.
This is not just postal stationery. It’s a slice of cinema and philatelic history combined.
Why Sholay Matters
Sholay is not just a film. It’s part of India’s cultural fabric.
- It gave us unforgettable characters—Jai, Veeru, Gabbar Singh, Thakur, and Basanti.
- It gave us dialogues that live on even today: “Kitne aadmi the?”, “Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge.”
- It pioneered technical brilliance in Indian cinema with its action, cinematography, and music.
Celebrating such a film with a golden philatelic issue feels like the perfect tribute. It reminds us that cinema and postal history often intersect to capture moments that are timeless.
Collector’s Note
- The Postcard (₹50) is affordable and ideal for fans who want a keepsake.
- The Presentation Pack (₹500) is likely to become a prized collector’s item in the coming years.
- The golden cancellation makes this release stand apart from routine issues.
This release fits into themes like Cinema on Stamps, Golden Jubilees, and Indian Classics.
Philatelists should grab these quickly as such presentation packs often sell out fast.
Closing Notes
The Maharashtra Postal Circle has struck the right balance between cinema and philately. With Sholay turning 50, this golden tribute ensures that the film’s magic continues—this time, not on the big screen, but in collections and albums worldwide.
Were you at the event? Or did you manage to get the postcard or the presentation pack? Share your experience in the comments below.