The revered writing duo of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, celebrated for their contributions to Hindi cinema, has come under scrutiny from writer Amit Aaryan, known for his work on the show “FIR.” In a recent interview with Digital Commentary, Aaryan expressed controversial views, stating, “I do not even consider Salim and Javed to be writers. This might be taken as a controversial statement, but yes, the whole world seems to admire them, but not me. They have only copied things in their entire life. Salim-Javed are copywriters, not writers.”
Aaryan’s remarks ignited a debate within the industry, prompting veteran actor Dharmendra to share his perspective during an interview with Times Now. Dharmendra, who starred in both the iconic films “Sholay” and “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,” defended the legendary duo, saying, “I’ve worked in both films; I don’t see any similarities. The villains in both films are Jabbar Singh and Gabbar Singh, but that doesn’t make them similar. They might be cousins, who knows?”
Aaryan cited specific examples to support his claims, focusing on “Sholay,” which premiered in 1975 and features a revenge narrative involving a man whose hands have been severed by dacoits. He drew parallels to “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,” released just prior, where Vinod Khanna played a dacoit named Jabbar Singh. Aaryan noted that in “Sholay,” Jabbar transformed into Gabbar Singh, and he questioned the originality of the storyline. “In ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh,’ Jayant played an army officer, while in ‘Sholay,’ he portrayed a policeman. One character had one hand cut off, while the other had both hands severed. In one film, Dharmendra sought revenge; in the other, it was Amitabh Bachchan,” he remarked.
The dialogue surrounding Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar’s legacy reflects a broader conversation about originality in storytelling within the film industry. The partnership between the two writers has been foundational to many blockbuster films, yet Aaryan’s comments challenge the accepted narrative of their work.
As discussions unfold, the unique journey of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar continues to be a compelling topic, with the potential for a documentary exploring their iconic collaboration. With Khan’s articulate speaking style, the story of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated writing duo could resonate deeply with audiences.