The legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, who revolutionized Indian cinema in the 1970s with timeless classics like Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewar, and Don, were honored at the trailer launch of the much-anticipated docuseries Angry Young Men on Tuesday. This docuseries explores their remarkable creative partnership and enduring influence on the Hindi film industry.
The star-studded event saw the presence of Salman Khan, Javed Akhtar’s children Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, and other prominent figures from the industry. Javed Akhtar graced the occasion in his signature kurta-pyjama look, accompanied by his daughter-in-law Shibani Dandekar.
During the event, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, son of Salim Khan, spoke about the duo’s profound impact on Indian cinema, emphasizing how they drew from their personal experiences and the world around them to craft unforgettable stories. “Salim-Javed took their life experiences and what they learned from people around them and put it in cinema. The rest of the writers… cinema se utha ke cinema mein daala hai… God makes men. They don’t want to be men anymore. He makes a lot of men, but in this generation, they don’t want to be men. These two here, my father and Javed Sahab, are still men because they want to be,” Salman remarked.
Reflecting on his favorite films from the legendary duo, Salman said, “I have liked all the films but for me, Deewaar, Zanjeer, Don, Sholay… Whenever we produce our films, I am sure Farhan and Zoya must be revisiting all their films.”
When asked when he first realized the significance of his father’s contribution to cinema, Salman humorously responded, “Jab se kuch samajh aaya to Salim-Javed hi samajh mein aaye, baaki koi samajh mein nahi aaye.”
Angry Young Men, produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, will stream on Prime Video starting August 20. The docuseries, which marks the directorial debut of Namrata Rao, features personal narrations from Salim-Javed and insights from notable figures in Indian cinema. It is executive produced by Salman Khan, Salma Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti.
Salman Khan described the docuseries as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of his father and Javed Akhtar. He expressed a desire to see the duo reunite for future projects, stating, “Whether it’s time, destiny, or professional choices that bring them together, their partnership always brings out the best. Angry Young Men is a tribute to their creative brilliance and the profound impact they’ve had on Indian cinema.”
Salim-Javed, who collaborated on 22 Bollywood films and two Kannada films, decided to part ways in 1982. The title Angry Young Men is a nod to the iconic hero type they created, a character that left an indelible mark on the storytelling landscape of Indian cinema.
