Nuggets of Sholay: Three - Loha Garam Hai, Maardo Hathoda

The third of this series on Sholay is also a muhavra. And it's an example of the genius of Salim-Javed.


Muhavra: Loha Garam Hai, Maardo Hathoda (लोहा गरम है, मार दो हथौड़ा)

The proverb has been used brilliantly in the movie - why? I will explain in a bit. It appears at (1h.49m) when Girija (from Pipri village) brings the news that Gabbar's nomadic arms suppliers (Hira aur uske saathi) have appeared near his village. That's when Thakur tells Jai and Veeru  by predicting that Gabbar will certainly appear to buy arms and says 'Loha Garam Hai, Maar Do Hathoda'.

The English equivalent of this proverb is 'Strike while the iron is hot' and even Latin, 'Carpe Diem'. This expression refers to art of the lohar or the blacksmith. In order to get the desired shape, the blacksmith must hit the piece of iron when it is red hot. Once the iron cools down, it cannot be shaped.

This idiom has existed in English since at least the 1500s. We find early examples in Chaucer, John Lyly, and many early English authors. The expression itself dates back to ancient times.

I'm not sure when this was translated into its Hindi form, but it's used to denote that timing is everything in life.

Coming back to the brilliance I was talking about. Here's some Q&A for you:

• Q: Why does Thakur use this proverb? 
• A: Because he analyzes the situation and thinks the timing is right. 
• Q: Who tells Thakur that the nomads have arrived? 
• A: Girija from Pipri. 
• Q: Who is Girija? 
• A: A blacksmith or lohar! 

Get the connection? Wah Salim-Javed saheban, Wah. Kya likhavat! I am not sure on how many caught this subtlety, but it's pure screenwriting magic.


Finally, does anyone recognise this actor who played Girija? He looks so much like Dhumal to me.

Hmm..that was the nugget. Samjhe ke nahin? Agar achha laga to comment kijiye. Agar achha nahin laga to lament kijiye.

Goodbye, aadab and namaste.