Nuggets of Sholay — Three: Loha Garam Hai (लोहा गरम है, मार दो हथौड़ा)

The third nugget in the Nuggets of Sholay series is another muhavra — and a shining example of Salim–Javed’s brilliant writing.

Muhavra: Loha Garam Hai, Maar Do Hathoda literally means “Strike while the iron is hot.” Timing is everything — the English equivalent would be “Seize the moment.”

In the film, the line appears around 1h 49m. Girija from Pipri brings word that Gabbar’s nomadic arms suppliers — Hira aur uske saathi — have been spotted nearby. Thakur predicts Gabbar’s next move and says, “Loha garam hai, maar do hathoda.”

The phrase originates from the craft of the lohar (blacksmith) — who must strike the iron while it’s red-hot. Once it cools, it loses its shape.

The brilliance of Salim–Javed

Why Thakur uses it: He senses the perfect timing.
Who brings the news: Girija from Pipri.
Who is Girija: A blacksmith — a lohar!

That’s the magic — the proverb itself comes from a blacksmith’s world, and the messenger delivering the cue is a lohar. Wah Salim–Javed saheban — subtle, layered writing!

And speaking of Girija — does anyone recognize the actor who played him? He looks remarkably like Dhumal to me.