In a vibrant homage to the legendary screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, a stunning mural has been unveiled in the bustling Mumbai suburb of Bandra. This tribute has been orchestrated to coincide with the launch of the Prime Video docuseries “Angry Young Men,” which delves deep into the lives and monumental careers of these two cinematic giants.
The mural showcases larger-than-life portraits of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, surrounded by titles of their most iconic films, including “Sholay,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Kranti,” “Trishul,” “Chacha Bhatija,” “Aakhri Daaon,” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat.” These titles are artfully rendered in the classic vintage Bollywood poster style, capturing the essence of an era that Salim-Javed helped define through their bold storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Salim-Javed is synonymous with the ‘Angry Young Man’ archetype, which became a defining feature of Bollywood cinema in the 1970s and 1980s. Their storytelling brought to life the angst and aspirations of the common man, and their characters resonated deeply with audiences. This mural, created by devoted fans, stands as a testament to their lasting influence on Hindi cinema, celebrating not just the duo’s storytelling genius, but also their revolutionary impact on the industry.
The unveiling of the mural also coincides with the release of the three-part docuseries “Angry Young Men” on Prime Video. Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, and executive produced by Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, the docuseries masterfully captures the personal and professional journey of Salim-Javed. It provides an intimate look into their lives, narrated through the lens of the writers, their family members, and other prominent figures from the film industry.
The docuseries delves into the struggles and triumphs of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, offering viewers an emotional journey through their early years in Mumbai. One of the most poignant moments comes from Javed Akhtar himself, who recounts his early struggles in the city. Filled with dreams of becoming a director, Akhtar moved to Mumbai after his graduation, only to face the harsh realities of city life.
He vividly recalls the dire circumstances he encountered, often going without food, sleep, or even decent clothing. Javed Akhtar poignantly shared, “When you’re a teenager, life is easy, and you can do anything. That’s what I believed. I decided after my graduation that I’d move to Bombay to work as an assistant director, either with Guru Dutt or Raj Kapoor. They were directors I admired at that time. I was sure I’d become a director myself in a short time.
.”
However, reality was far from kind. Akhtar recounted the nights he spent sleeping at railway stations, studio compounds, corridors, and benches. There were times he had to walk miles from Dadar to Bandra because he lacked even the bus fare. He often went days without eating. Reflecting on those times, he wistfully said, “I used to always think the day I wrote my autobiography or if someone did, this day would make for an amazing moment. This thought never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t make it.”
As Akhtar revisited those challenging days, he couldn’t help but become teary-eyed. He confessed, “If you have been deprived of food or sleep in your life, it leaves a deep mark on you that you will never forget. When I go to a five-star hotel with large sprawling double beds, and sometimes when I am lying there, I remember coming to Bombay in the third-class train compartment. It used to take two days. There was no place to sit in the compartment, not even a place to lean against and I was deprived of sleep, and how tired I was, if only I had a little stretch of that double bed. Sometimes I’m served breakfast on a trolley with butter, jam, half-fried eggs, and coffee. I think if I deserve this even now. I think this breakfast can’t be for me, it must be someone else’s. I can’t get over that.”
“Angry Young Men,” now streaming exclusively on Prime Video, invites viewers in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide to explore the inspiring saga of Salim-Javed. This mural in Bandra stands not just as a visual delight, but as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of two writers who changed the face of Indian cinema forever. As fans and passersby stop to admire the mural, it serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the lasting impact of the bold, revolutionary voices of Salim-Javed.
