Veteran writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, the legendary duo behind the iconic film Sholay, came together for a special screening of the classic at Regal Cinema in Mumbai on Saturday. The event was a nostalgic celebration of one of Bollywood’s most beloved films, nearly 50 years after its original release.
The screening, organized by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), featured a rare vintage 70 mm cinemascope print of Sholay (1975), allowing audiences to experience the magic of the film in its original grandeur. The event was graced by several prominent figures, including Shabana Azmi, Zoya Akhtar, Vikramaditya Motwane, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and Kunal Roy Kapur.
Sholay is a landmark film in Indian cinema, known for its gripping narrative and unforgettable characters. The story revolves around the village of Ramgarh, where retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (played by Sanjeev Kumar) seeks revenge against the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). To achieve this, he enlists the help of two small-time criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra). The film’s plot takes a dramatic turn when Jai and Veeru discover the tragic reason behind Thakur’s inaction during Gabbar’s attack on the village—Gabbar had brutally cut off Thakur’s arms. Fueled by rage, Jai and Veeru intensify their efforts to bring Gabbar to justice.
This special screening comes on the heels of the legendary writer duo opening up about their historic partnership in the recently released Prime Video docuseries Angry Young Men. The three-part documentary, directed by Namrata Rao, explores the dynamic collaboration between Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar that shaped some of Bollywood’s most memorable films. The series features interviews with Bollywood luminaries such as Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar, among others.
Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media and Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, the docuseries sheds light on the creative genius of Salim-Javed and their unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.