Amitabh Bachchan, who is featured in the new three-part docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’ focused on the illustrious screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, recently opened up about his experiences working on the iconic film ‘Deewar’. In particular, he recounted the audience’s surprising reaction during its premiere, an event etched in his memory.
Amitabh Bachchan’s journey to legendary status in Indian cinema began with Prakash Mehra’s ‘Zanjeer’ in 1973, a film that established his image as the Angry Young Man of Hindi cinema. Roles in blockbuster hits such as ‘Deewar’ (1975), ‘Sholay’ (1975), and ‘Don’ (1978), solidified his place in the industry. Each of these films, penned by Salim-Javed, presented Bachchan in towering performances that left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
The superstar appears in the docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’, shedding light on his illustrious career, particularly reflecting on ‘Deewar’, a film directed by the renowned Yash Chopra. ‘Deewar’ juxtaposes the lives of two brothers—Amitabh Bachchan’s Vijay and Shashi Kapoor’s Ravi—who find themselves on opposite sides of the law: one a revered police officer and the other a formidable criminal. The film is particularly remembered for its powerful and evocative dialogues, none more so than the iconic line, “Aaj khush to bahut hoge tum…” spoken by Vijay as he stands in a temple, pleading for his ailing mother’s life. While this line is considered a poignant moment in cinematic history today, Bachchan revealed that the initial reception was far from what was expected.
Reflecting on this unforgettable moment, Bachchan shared, “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. And 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 anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of audience reactions and the profound impact of cinematic moments.
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Further insights into the making of ‘Deewar’ were provided by Javed Akhtar, one-half of the iconic screenwriting team. He disclosed, “People say ‘Deewar’ was a perfect screenplay, but not many know that Salim and I wrote it in just 18 days from a small storyline.” Akhtar’s revelation underscores the sheer talent and creativity of the writing duo, capable of producing riveting narratives in such a short span.
Salim Khan, the other half of the legendary pair, added to the narrative by recalling the challenges they faced while completing the screenplay. “Once the script was completed, we hadn’t cracked the climax, so Javed and I finished it while sitting on the parapet nearby. Then we went straight to Yash Chopra’s house and narrated it. For almost five minutes, there was complete silence.”
Khan’s comments highlight the unpredictable nature of storytelling and the uncertainty that often accompanies the creative process. “If you narrate the story of ‘Deewar’ to someone, there is a 90% chance they will kick you out,” he continued, illustrating the unconventional and bold storyline that eventually resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’ is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India on August 20, offering fans and cinephiles an in-depth look into the collaboration between Amitabh Bachchan and the celebrated screenwriting duo Salim-Javed. The series promises to provide an illuminating exploration of their impact on Indian cinema, offering behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections from those who lived through the era.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s remarkable career began with Prakash Mehra’s ‘Zanjeer’ in 1973, establishing his image as Hindi cinema’s Angry Young Man. With landmark roles in films like ‘Deewar’ (1975), ‘Sholay’ (1975), and ‘Don’ (1978), all scripted by Salim-Javed, he solidified his stature in the industry.
As Amitabh Bachchan nostalgically reminisces about the premiere of ‘Deewar’ and the memorable journey leading up to it, audiences are invited to revisit an era of cinematic history that continues to inspire and captivate. ‘Angry Young Men’ is poised to celebrate the enduring legacy of these cinematic masterpieces and the genius behind them.
