The names Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are synonymous with some of the most iconic films in Bollywood history. Together, they formed a legendary duo that significantly shaped the Indian film industry with a succession of blockbuster hits. At a time when their partnership dominated the cinematic landscape, every script they penned seemed destined for success, and their collaboration is credited with elevating Amitabh Bachchan to ‘Angry Young Man’ status. However, despite their remarkable achievements, Salim and Javed parted ways, leaving fans curious about the reasons behind their split. Recent revelations have shed light on the breakup that shocked the film fraternity.
Why Did Salim-Javed Part Ways?
The new documentary series “Angry Young Men” features insights from Javed Akhtar, who shared the reasons behind the unraveling of his partnership with Salim Khan. He expressed that he began to notice a “weariness” in Salim’s work, leading him to conclude that the time had come for them to pursue separate paths. Salim also recounted an instance when Javed approached him to discuss moving on from their partnership.
A Gradual Drift
Javed Akhtar reflected on their once close-knit relationship, stating that when they started, they were relatively unknown and relied heavily on each other, often spending 18 hours a day together. As time passed, both began to form new friendships, which reduced their interactions and ultimately contributed to their growing disconnection. The most significant reason for their separation, however, was the decline in their careers as they started experiencing fatigue in their collaborative efforts.
Respectful Separation
While speaking about their breakup, Javed emphasized the importance of maintaining respect during their separation. Unlike many partnerships that end in public disputes, both he and Salim chose to remain dignified. They rarely discussed their split even when asked about it by others. Instead, they have focused on the positive memories they shared rather than the reasons for their divide.
Salim Khan’s Struggles
Salman Khan, their son, added more context, revealing that after the split, Salim was quite distressed and sought solace at home. Javed’s first wife, Honey Irani, also noted that Javed discouraged inquiries about his separation from Salim, highlighting the emotional complexity of the situation.
The Legacy of Salim-Javed
Salim and Javed’s collaboration resulted in 24 films, with 22 becoming blockbuster hits. Their filmography includes classics like *Sholay*, *Don*, *Zanjeer*, *Seeta Aur Geeta*, *Yaadon Ki Baaraat*, *Deewar*, and *Trishul*. Javed’s daughter, Zoya Akhtar, remarked that such a successful partnership is unprecedented, and Aamir Khan echoed this sentiment by stating that contemporary filmmakers lack a duo that can draw audiences solely by their names.
Enduring Dialogues
The dialogues crafted by Salim-Javed continue to resonate with audiences today, proving their timeless appeal. Lines like “Maine aaj bhi feeke huye paise nahi uthaye” (“I still don’t pick up thrown money”), “Kitne aadmi the?” (“How many men were there?”), “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, naamumkin hai” (“To catch Don is not just difficult, it’s impossible”), and “Yeh police station hai, tumhare baap ka ghar nahi” (“This is a police station, not your father’s house”) have become part of popular culture. Their films captivated audiences, drawing massive crowds to theaters, particularly in the early 1980s, before their iconic partnership came to a close.
