Mumbai, Aug 15 (IANS): Actress-politician Hema Malini, who essayed the memorable role of Basanti in "Sholay", says even 40 years after the movie released, there are people who still call her by the character's name.

"40 years of Sholay and still going strong. So proud I was part of such an iconic movie! People still call me Basanti and transport me to that era again," Hema posted on Twitter.

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, "Sholay" had released on Independence Day, 1975.

Hema essayed a fearless village belle, who became the love interest of veteran actor Dharmendra's character Veeru in the film.

"Arre o dhanno" is one of her best remembered dialogues, while the song "Jab tak hai jaan" remains etched in the minds of many due to her dancing skills.

"Sholay", which saw Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan play friends Jai-Veeru, is about a retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who plots to bring down the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with the Jai and Veeru.