In a spectacular tribute to one of Bollywood’s most iconic screenwriting duos, a massive mural has been unveiled in Bandra to honor the legendary figures of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. This larger-than-life piece, created by ardent fans, vividly enshrines the duo’s monumental influence on Hindi cinema, capturing the essence of their invaluable contributions.
Rendered in the classic vintage Bollywood poster style, the mural prominently features enormous portraits of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, surrounded by titles of their most renowned films. These titles include timeless classics such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Kranti, Trishul, Chacha Bhatija, Aakhri Daaon, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. The artistic piece beautifully encapsulates the quintessential ‘Angry Young Man’ archetype that Salim-Javed so masterfully crafted. It celebrates the revolutionary narratives, unforgettable characters, and powerful dialogues that have forever transformed the Indian cinematic landscape.
This remarkable piece of art marks the launch of the original docuseries “Angry Young Men” on Prime Video. This three-part documentary delves deep into the extraordinary journey of Salim-Javed, showcasing their personal and professional lives through the eyes of the writers themselves, their family members, and other prominent figures in the film industry.
On the series, Javed Akhtar opens up about his early struggles when he first moved to Mumbai. Akhtar, visibly emotional, shares tales of deprivation and hardship that marked his initial days in the city. “When you’re a teenager, life seems easy, and you feel you can do anything. That’s what I believed,” Javed recounts. “After my graduation, I decided to move to Bombay to work as an assistant director either with Guru Dutt or Raj Kapoor, directors I had admired greatly back then. I was sure I’d become a director myself in a short time,” he adds.
However, reality proved to be quite different. Akhtar narrates the harshness of those early days: “I slept at railway stations, in studio compounds, corridors, on benches… Sometimes, I had to walk from Dadar to Bandra because I had no money for the bus fare.
. There were times I went without food for two days. I used to think that if I ever wrote my autobiography or if someone else did, this part of my life would make for an amazing story. It never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t make it.”
As he continues, tears well up in Akhtar’s eyes. “If you’ve ever been deprived of food or sleep, it leaves a mark on you that you never forget. Even now, when I lie down in a five-star hotel on a large, sprawling double bed, I remember those days in Bombay when I traveled in a third-class train compartment. The journey took two days and there was no place to sit, not even to lean against. I was so tired, and I would think, if only I had a stretch of this bed back then. Sometimes when I’m served a lavish breakfast with butter, jam, half-fried eggs, and coffee, I still wonder if I deserve all this. I can’t help but feel that this luxurious breakfast can’t be meant for me.”
“Angry Young Men” is a collaborative production effort by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby. Executive producers include Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. The docuseries skillfully encapsulates the storied path of Salim-Javed, seamlessly blending their personal experiences with their professional milestones.
The series is currently streaming exclusively on Prime Video, making it accessible in India as well as over 240 countries and territories worldwide. It offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the minds that created some of Bollywood’s most memorable films, serving both as an educational journey for cinephiles and a nostalgic trip for fans of the golden era of Hindi cinema.
To commemorate the series’ launch, the mural stands as a testament to the everlasting impact Salim-Javed has had on Indian cinema. It not only celebrates their extensive body of work but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring writers and filmmakers who look to follow in their pioneering footsteps. The vibrant homage is a vivid reminder of their enduring legacy and a symbol of the fans’ unwavering admiration for the iconic duo.
