Soorma Bhopali

Soorma Bhopali is a fictional character made famous by Indian actor Jagdeep in the 1975 Hindi film Sholay. The character is a bumbling, self-proclaimed timber merchant and storyteller from Bhopal, India. He is known for his tall tales, exaggerated claims of bravery and expertise, and generally comical demeanor.

The character's primary function in the film is to provide comic relief. His scenes are often interludes from the main action and dramatic narrative. Soorma Bhopali attempts to impress Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) with his supposed skills and connections, but his efforts typically end in failure and embarrassment.

Jagdeep's portrayal of Soorma Bhopali became iconic and remains one of the most memorable comedic performances in Indian cinema. The character's distinctive accent, mannerisms, and dialogue have been widely imitated and parodied. "Soorma Bhopali" has since become a popular catchphrase used to describe someone who is boastful, incompetent, and prone to exaggeration.

While not a central character to the overall plot of Sholay, Soorma Bhopali has endured in popular culture due to his comedic impact and memorable performance. The character has also spawned stage shows and imitations.