In a heartwarming display of admiration and respect, fans have come together to create a larger-than-life mural in Bandra, dedicated to the iconic screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. The mural, which has garnered significant attention for its intricate details and powerful imagery, was created to mark the launch of the Original docuseries “Angry Young Men” on Prime Video. This vibrant art piece stands as a testament to the monumental influence that Salim-Javed has had on Hindi cinema.
The mural is a masterpiece that showcases larger-than-life portraits of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Surrounding these portraits are the titles of their most iconic films—such as “Sholay,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Kranti,” “Trishul,” “Chacha Bhatija,” “Aakhri Daaon,” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”—all rendered in the classic vintage Bollywood poster style. This artistic choice beautifully captures the essence of the ‘Angry Young Man’ archetype that Salim-Javed so masterfully crafted. The mural celebrates their revolutionary stories, unforgettable characters, and powerful dialogues that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian cinema.
The three-part docuseries “Angry Young Men” offers an in-depth look into the lives and journey of the iconic writing duo Salim-Javed, through the eyes of the writers themselves, their family members, and various members of the film industry. Javed Akhtar, one half of the legendary duo, shared deeply personal and emotional stories about his struggles when he first moved to Mumbai, which were also featured in the series.
Javed recalled his initial days in the city with tears in his eyes. “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 the directors I admired at that time. I was sure I’d become a director myself in a short time,” he shared. However, reality had other plans.
The celebrated writer recounted, “I slept at railway stations, studio compounds, corridors, benches, and so on. Sometimes I had to walk miles from Dadar to Bandra because I didn’t have money for the bus fare. Sometimes I realized I hadn’t eaten for two days.
. 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.”
Javed’s recollections of deprivation and hardship provide a stark contrast to his current life of comfort. “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 I don’t 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.”
The production of “Angry Young Men” is backed by notable names in the industry. Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, the docuseries is executive produced by Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. The series masterfully captures the personal and professional journey of Salim-Javed, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their struggles, triumphs, and unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema.
Streaming exclusively on Prime Video, “Angry Young Men” is now available for audiences in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide. The series promises to be a compelling narrative that not only honors Salim-Javed’s legacy but also inspires aspiring writers and filmmakers.
As the mural in Bandra stands tall, it not only serves as a tribute to the legendary duo but also as a reminder of the transformative power of art, storytelling, and undying perseverance. This larger-than-life art piece is a celebration of the spirit of creativity that Salim-Javed embodies, capturing the hearts of fans and leaving an everlasting impact on the world of cinema.
