Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Everyone has a favourite film penned by this iconic duo. Namrata Rao, director of the docu-series “Angry Young Men,” which delves into the lives and careers of Bollywood’s most successful screenwriter duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, is no exception. Rao reveals, “Deewar (1975) would be my favourite film, but I also love Shakti (1982).” It’s a challenging choice given that the duo has delivered 22 blockbusters throughout their prolific career.
Together, Salim-Javed have crafted a golden era in Hindi cinema. Rao, one of the industry’s most accomplished editors, has transitioned to directing to revive that storied period. She dedicated three years to this Prime Video project, which began with a spark of an idea shared by Zoya Akhtar, with whom she had previously collaborated on “Lust Stories” (2018) and “Gully Boy’s” (2019) songs. “I was editing Lust Stories with Zoya. She mentioned the idea to me then. By December 2020, she asked if I wanted to direct it, and I was thrilled at the prospect,” recalls Rao.
Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar’s collaboration spanned over 15 years, during which they created cinematic gems like Sholay (1975), Don (1978), and Trishul (1978), among others. The challenge of documenting such an extensive and influential career is not lost on Rao. “We began with a chronological chart,” Rao explains. “We gathered anecdotes from their public lives—how they worked together, their methodology, and their eventual split. However, during our interviews, the narrative evolved. What fascinated me was capturing their personalities. They’re cool, they’re badass—they dared to dream big and manifest those dreams. Javed saab often said, ‘I never doubted it wouldn’t happen; I always imagined this in my biography.’ Watching them age gracefully from their youthful photos to their latest photoshoot was a captivating journey.”
Anyone who has seen the documentary will testify to its authenticity. Rao attributes this to the straightforwardness of its subjects. “They embody wisdom about success and failure and its real meaning as you age.
. Their storytelling skills surpass all of us, allowing them to convey what I sought. I recall Javed saab tearing up while reminiscing about his breakfast, then quickly lightening the moment with a joke, ‘Achcha, abhi aapko shot mil gaya mere rone ka.’ Salim sir’s emotional account of his mother offered a rare glimpse into the softer side of this rugged man. They embrace their entire lives, both the triumphs and the failures, without flinching. I discussed Sholay extensively with them, particularly how they portrayed the widow getting remarried yet withheld a happy ending. They believed in gradual change—introduce the idea first, then normalize it. Sholay needed a tragedy to achieve its monumental impact.”
The creation of “Angry Young Men” involved over 80 interviews with Bollywood stalwarts, including Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Salman Khan, and the Akhtar siblings, Farhan and Zoya. Rao gathered approximately 800 hours of footage but remained true to the duo’s storytelling ethos over her personal film preferences. The documentary’s only critique, according to some, is that it offers limited new information for those already familiar with Salim-Javed’s oeuvre. “The documentary is a reflection of them. During candid interviews, I discerned their mantra—‘bolo yaar, aage dekha jaayega.’ Their confidence is unparalleled, believing steadfastly in their vision, irrespective of the outcome, which I deeply admired.”
In concluding the interview, two pivotal questions arise. First, why aren’t Salim and Javed shown together in the documentary? Rao explains, “That was intentional. We initiated the project during the pandemic when movement was restricted, and shooting two senior individuals was not feasible. We adopted a pattern showcasing them individually in their respective environments. Our final shots were of them at Shivaji Park for Diwali lighting, even capturing moments at Raj Thackeray’s residence!”
And what about the long-awaited final script from Salim-Javed? “That query was abuzz at the première. While they haven’t embarked on it yet, they remain the quintessential angry young men who chart their courses. Perhaps, just as unpredictably, they’ll reunite for one last script someday,” muses Rao.
Namrata Rao’s “Angry Young Men” not only immortalizes the dynamic duo of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar but also offers a profound understanding of their significant contributions to Hindi cinema and their audacious spirit that continues to inspire generations. Each frame and anecdote brings their legendary narrative and indomitable confidence to life, ensuring their legacy remains etched in Bollywood’s history.
