Javed Akhtar gained prominence through the partnership of Salim–Javed and achieved his breakthrough as a screenwriter with the film Zanjeer in 1973. He subsequently penned the screenplays for Deewaar and Sholay, both of which were released in 1975. These films garnered a devoted fan base and left a lasting influence on popular culture.
If Bollywood never had the iconic screenwriting duo Salim-Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar), the Indian film industry would likely have seen a very different trajectory, especially in terms of storytelling and the types of films produced during the 1970s and 1980s. Here’s how their absence might have shaped the industry:
1. Rise of the Angry Young Man Genre
Salim and Javed were instrumental in shaping the “Angry Young Man” character, particularly through films like Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), and Sholay (1975). Their writing revolutionized the portrayal of protagonists as anti-heroes, challenging traditional norms and creating more complex, layered characters. Without them, the archetype of the rebellious, disillusioned hero might not have been as prominent, and the genre might have evolved differently, possibly sticking to more idealized or conventional heroes.
2. Different Path for Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan’s rise to superstardom is closely tied to the roles that Salim-Javed wrote for him, particularly in Zanjeer, Deewaar, and Sholay. Without these films, Bachchan’s career trajectory might have been entirely different. The roles he played in the 1970s helped redefine his persona as a larger-than-life figure in Bollywood.
3. Change in Film Dialogue and Scriptwriting
Salim and Javed were known for their sharp, impactful dialogues that often became iconic lines in Bollywood’s history. Their writing style brought a new sense of drama and realism to Bollywood. Without them, we might have seen a slower evolution of the sharp, realistic dialogue and gripping narratives that defined many successful films in the 1970s and beyond. It’s likely that scriptwriting would have remained more melodramatic or formulaic, as seen in earlier Bollywood films.
4. Shift in the Nature of Bollywood Films
The films written by Salim-Javed were known for their strong social messages, complex characters, and themes of class struggle, justice, and rebellion. They contributed significantly to making Bollywood films more socially relevant and reflective of contemporary issues. Without them, we might have seen fewer films that tackled the socio-political landscape of the time, and instead, the focus may have remained more on escapism, romance, and family drama.
5. Influence on Future Filmmakers
Salim-Javed’s influence extended beyond their own films. They served as a benchmark for many filmmakers and writers who followed. Directors like Ramesh Sippy, Prakash Mehra, and others benefitted from their strong writing. Without them, the writing style and direction of future directors could have been more influenced by the traditional, musical-dramatic styles prevalent earlier in Bollywood.
6. Film Industry Evolution
The rapid growth of the Bollywood industry during the 1970s and 1980s could have taken a different turn. Salim-Javed’s absence from the writing scene would have left a gap in the evolution of strong screenwriting in mainstream cinema. Other writers would likely have emerged to fill that void, but it would have taken time, and the industry might have developed in a way that focused more on star power than on script-driven filmmaking.
In conclusion, the absence of Salim-Javed would have likely resulted in a slower evolution of Bollywood’s narrative style, with an emphasis on conventional, melodramatic storylines and potentially a diminished focus on socially pertinent themes. Their collaboration played a pivotal role in reshaping the tone and trajectory of Hindi cinema during a significant transitional phase.
Also Read: When Prem Chopra Praised Amitabh Bachchan For His Dedicated Qualities In Film Industry
