Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary actor known for his stellar performances and iconic roles, adds another fascinating chapter to film history with his revelations in the three-part docuseries ‘Angry Young Men.’ This docuseries, dedicated to delving into the illustrious careers of the iconic screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, widely recognized as Salim-Javed, offers a peek behind the scenes of some of Bollywood’s most memorable movies.
Reflecting on his illustrious journey, Bachchan shared an intriguing anecdote about the premiere of the 1975 superhit film ‘Deewar,’ directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Yash Chopra. This film, featuring Bachchan as Vijay and Shashi Kapoor as Ravi, tells the compelling story of two brothers separated by fate and morals—one a cop, the other a criminal. The movie is still remembered for its gripping storyline and powerful dialogues, notably the line, “Aaj khush to bahut hoge tum…”
While this line is now revered as one of the most emotional moments in Indian cinema, Bachchan revealed that the audience’s initial reaction at the premiere was far from what was expected. Amitabh Bachchan recounted, “Vijay, who has no belief in God, finds himself climbing up the steps of the temple to pray for his ailing mother, and his opening line is ‘Aaj khush to bahut hoge tum’ (You must be very happy today). I do remember the premiere of ‘Deewar’ and there was this snigger and laughter in the audience. That conveyed that it was so unexpected, and they thought it was some kind of a joke, but within a couple of seconds after that, they just froze.”
This revelation adds a new layer to the film’s legacy, offering fans a deeper understanding of the initial reception of what would later become an iconic moment in Hindi cinema.
Javed Akhtar, one half of the celebrated writing duo, shared that while ‘Deewar’ is often cited as an example of perfect screenplay writing, not many know that the script was completed in just 18 days. “People say ‘Deewar’ was a perfect screenplay, but they are unaware that we wrote it from a small storyline in such a short time,” noted Akhtar.
Adding more context, Salim Khan, the other half of the dynamic writing duo, provided insights into the process of crafting the climactic scenes.
. He said, “Once the script was completed, we hadn’t cracked the climax, so Javed and I sat on a parapet nearby and finished it right there. Then we went straight to Yash Chopra’s house to narrate it. After we finished, there was complete silence for almost 5 minutes.” Reflecting on the story’s unusual nature, Salim added, “If you narrate the story of ‘Deewar’ to someone, there is a 90% chance they will kick you out.”
The docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’ not only transports viewers back to a golden era of Bollywood but also offers candid behind-the-scenes accounts from the very individuals who contributed to its success. Premiering exclusively on Prime Video in India on August 20, it is set to be a treasure trove for cinephiles and fans of classic Bollywood cinema.
Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay in ‘Deewar,’ among his other roles in films like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Don,’ further solidified his place in the pantheon of Hindi cinema’s greats. These roles, all penned by Salim-Javed, encapsulated the motifs of angst and rebellion that resonated deeply with the audiences of the time. Bachchan’s character in ‘Deewar’ defied norms and gave voice to a generation’s frustrations, earning him the enduring title of Hindi cinema’s “Angry Young Man.”
The anecdote shared by Bachchan serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of audience reactions and the undeniable impact that performances and storytelling can have over time. What starts as a moment of humor can evolve into something deeply iconic, transforming the landscape of cinema.
As ‘Angry Young Men’ unspools the stories behind these filmic masterpieces, Amitabh Bachchan’s reflections on ‘Deewar’ offer a rich tapestry of insight, illustrating the serendipitous moments that contribute to the making of timeless classics. The laughter at the premiere, initially seen as a misunderstanding of the scene’s gravity, quickly turned into silent admiration for what would become one of the most cherished moments in film history. Such is the magic of cinema, where moments on screen can generate myriad emotions and memories that last a lifetime.
For those eagerly awaiting a deep dive into the annals of Bollywood history, ‘Angry Young Men’ promises to be a compelling watch, illuminating the genius of Salim-Javed and the indomitable spirit of Amitabh Bachchan in their quest for cinematic greatness.
