Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, inspired by the landmark film Sholay releases this week, but where did the inspiration for Sholay come from? Several films actually, but closest to home, Raj Khosla''s 1971 hit, Mera Gaon Mera Desh.

This was one of the early curries, inspired by the westerns of The Magnificent Seven, which in turn was borrowed from the Japanese Film, Seven Samurai. The basic plot of all these films was the same; an outsider getting involved in the problems of a village and ridding them off the dacoit menace.

Ajit (Dharmendra), a petty thief and drunkard; is arrested by Jaswant Singh (Jayant) and after six months in prison, he starts working in the village. He meets and falls in love with Anju (Asha Parekh).

The village is being terrorized by a dacoit, Jabbar Singh (Vinod Khanna); Ajit decides to take on Jabbar. He used to be a soldier and teaches the villagers self-defence. In retaliation, Jabbar kidnaps Anju, and orders Ajit to come unarmed. When he reaches Jabbar''s den, he is also captured. Jabbar''s moll, (Laxmi Chhaya), who fancied Ajit but was spurned by him, now comes to his rescue, with that immortal song Maar diya jaaye, ya chhod diya jaaye.

Raj Khosla''s film integrated the classic western plot into an Indian setting and made a trend setting movie. The music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with sizzling lyrics by Anand Bakshi, had hits like Aaya aaya atariya pe, Apni prem kahaniyan, Kuchh kehta hai ye sawan and Sona lai ja re .

This was one of Raj Khosla''s best, and after this is he managed just one more hit, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki.

Interesting Trivia

Jabbar influenced the naming of Gabbar in Sholay.

Mahesh Bhatt was the production controller on this film.

Narinder Bedi''s 1974 film Khottey Sikkay was also inspired by Mera Gaon Mera Desh.

Dharmendra was nominated for a Filmfare Best Actor Award. Rajesh Khanna won for Anand that year.

When Raj Khosla explained to Anand Bakshi the situation where the hero is tied to a pillar and the girl wants to rescue him the lyricist recalled the historical instance where Alexander asked the defeated King Porus "Tumhare saath kya sulook kiya jaye?" And the cult song Maar diya jaye was created.