The iconic dialogue “Mere paas maa hai” from the 1975 classic ‘Deewar’ has been given a witty twist by Bollywood megastar Salman Khan, who modified it to “Mere paas maa hai woh bhi 2”. This humorous alteration was in reference to his two mothers, Salma Khan and Helen. Salman Khan’s playful banter occurred during the trailer launch event for the new docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’, which centers on the illustrious careers of his father Salim Khan and veteran scriptwriter Javed Akhtar, collectively known as Salim-Javed.
Salman Khan, renowned for his charismatic screen presence and candid off-screen persona, lightened the atmosphere at the ‘Angry Young Men’ trailer launch with his amusing takes on legendary dialogues. The event, featuring a star-studded audience, saw the actor fondly reminiscing about the golden era of Bollywood that Salim-Javed helped shape.
When asked by the event’s host to share his favorite dialogue penned by the iconic duo, Salman Khan stirred the crowd with his playful modification of “Mere paas maa hai”. By adding “woh bhi 2”, he humorously acknowledged the presence of both his mothers. This clever twist not only paid tribute to his personal life but also showcased his unique ability to inject humor into even the most serious lines, eliciting laughter and applause from those in attendance.
But Salman didn’t stop there. Another famous dialogue from ‘Deewar’, “Main aaj bhi pheke hue paise nahi uthata,” which translates to “I still don’t pick up thrown money,” received a modern twist from the actor. Salman quipped, “Main pheke hue paise utha leta hoon, abhi bhi bohot uthata hoon,” which means, “I pick up thrown money, I still collect a lot of it,” turning a serious line into a humorous comment on contemporary life.
In the midst of his jovial references, Salman Khan took a moment to reflect on the docuseries itself. The trailer for ‘Angry Young Men’ features veteran actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan, who mentions how Salim-Javed were often labeled as “brats” during their peak years. Salman offered insight into this characterization, defending the duo’s professional integrity. “This brat thing is two people writing hit after hit and now they have to refuse a lot of producers and actors. It comes from there that ‘What do these people think of themselves?’ Dimaag inka nahi kharab hua tha, dimaag inka chal hi raha tha, bohot achche tareeke se chal raha tha.
. But those who didn’t get to work with them due to dates or differences in creative vision tagged them as brats. Inka dimaag kharab nahi tha, jinhone inko yeh bola hai unka dimaag kharab hai.” Salman stated passionately, which translates to “Their minds were not spoiled; they were working brilliantly. It’s those who called them brats who had something wrong with their thinking.”
Scheduled for an exclusive premiere on Amazon Prime Video on August 20, ‘Angry Young Men’ promises to offer a deep dive into the Bollywood universe that Salim-Javed orchestrated. It emphasizes their journey from humble beginnings to becoming the first screenwriters to achieve stardom, transforming the very fabric of Indian cinema. The docuseries highlights their legendary works, including hits like ‘Deewar’, ‘Don’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Trishul’, and ‘Dostana’, all of which left an everlasting mark on the film industry.
The series is enriched with rare archival footage and exclusive interviews, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the creative genius of Salim-Javed. It explores not only their professional achievements but also their personal relationships, camaraderie, and creative dynamism. Industry stalwarts such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Helen, Salman Khan himself, Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan share heartfelt reflections, underscoring the profound impact that Salim-Javed had on their careers and the film industry at large.
The event encapsulated the essence of ‘Angry Young Men’ – a riveting blend of nostalgia, respect, and humor. Salman Khan’s playful rephrasing of iconic dialogues left the audience in splits, while also shining a spotlight on the enduring legacy of Salim-Javed. With the series’ release just around the corner, fans eagerly await to relive the magic of an era that shaped contemporary Bollywood storytelling.
As the event concluded, it was evident that the spirit of Salim-Javed’s work continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on both seasoned cinephiles and the newer generation of movie enthusiasts. ‘Angry Young Men’ promises to be a fitting homage to the legends, capturing their brilliance, wit, and unwavering influence on Indian cinema.
