A Personal Reflection on Short Take — Angry Young Men
I just finished watching Short Take — Angry Young Men yesterday, and I must say, the highlight for me was seeing their families together in one frame, along with glimpses into their personal lives. It was fascinating to see how these two legends not only ruled the film industry but also left an indelible mark on it.
In the world of Hindi cinema, few partnerships have had as profound an impact as that of Salim Khan (Sahab) and Javed Akhtar (Sahab). Their collaboration, forged in the bustling heart of Bombay’s film industry, gave birth to a string of cinematic masterpieces that changed the landscape of Indian storytelling forever. The docuseries Angry Young Men dives deep into their meteoric rise and eventual split, offering a touching look at their journey.
Rising from the Ashes
Salim Khan (Sahab) and Javed Akhtar (Sahab)’s story begins in the late 1960s when both were navigating their struggles and dreams. Salim (Sahab) came from Indore with hopes of becoming an actor, while Javed (Sahab), a decade younger, arrived from Bhopal with ambitions of directing. Their paths crossed on a film set in 1969, and that was the start of a partnership that would revolutionise Hindi cinema.
Their early days were tough, filled with rejections and financial difficulties. But their shared vision and resilience kept them going. Their breakthrough came with the 1971 film Andaz, kicking off a prolific period where they wrote scripts for some of the most iconic films in Indian cinema.
The Golden Era
The 1970s and early 1980s were golden years for Salim-Javed (Sahab). Their scripts for films, such as Zanjeer, Deewaar and Sholay not only made Amitabh Bachchan a superstar but also introduced the “angry young man” archetype to Indian audiences. This character, a brooding rebel fighting against societal injustices, resonated deeply with the masses and became a defining element of their work.
Their success wasn’t just about great storytelling; it was also about tapping into the social and political mood of the time. Their scripts captured the frustrations and hopes of the middle class and the struggles of the downtrodden. Their heroes were more than just characters — they were symbols of resistance and change.
Behind the Scenes and Personal Sacrifices
Angry Young Men offers a closer look at the personal side of Salim (Sahab) and Javed (Sahab), exploring their relationships with their families and the film industry. The series includes interviews with their contemporaries, collaborators, and successors, painting a full picture of their impact on Hindi cinema. But their success came at a price. The intense focus on their work led to strained personal relationships, with both men facing the fallout of their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Their partnership wasn’t just professional; it was a deep friendship. Salim (Sahab)’s talent for structure and Javed (Sahab)’s flair for dialogue created an unbeatable synergy. However, as their success grew, so did their differences, eventually leading to their split. This division not only marked the end of an era but also robbed them of the chance to create more magnum opuses, leaving a legacy of “what could have been.”
The Split and Its Aftermath
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the reasons behind their breakup. Javed (Sahab) candidly admits that “Salim-Javed (Sahab) did not realise the value of goodwill.” Their incredible success brought with it a certain arrogance, and eventually, their differing visions led to their separation, marking the end of their partnership.
Yet, despite their split, the legacy of Salim-Javed (Sahab) lives on. Their films are still celebrated for their narrative brilliance and cultural impact. The docuseries highlights how their work broke away from the romantic escapism of the 1960s to tell stories grounded in the harsh realities of life. They were brave men who could think larger than life, challenging and making society reconsider the status quo. The angst, regrets, and miseries of their personal lives often fueled the depth and intensity of the characters they created.
Personal Influences in Their Work
Javed Akhtar (Sahab)’s troubled relationship with his father and family is reflected in many of their films, where father-son conflicts and strained familial bonds are common themes. His desire for connection, coupled with the distance he felt from his family, infused their scripts with a raw, emotional undercurrent that resonated with audiences.
On the other hand, Salim Khan (Sahab)’s longing for a mother’s love, having grown up without much time with his own, deeply influenced the maternal characters in their films. The strong, nurturing mother figures in their movies were a tribute to the mother he wished he had known better. This emotional depth added layers to their storytelling, making their films relatable and poignant.
A Bhopal Connection
Being from Bhopal and having a keen interest in everything related to the city, I was especially eager to watch this docuseries. I hoped to hear from a few people in Bhopal who could share some interesting anecdotes about Javed Akhtar (Sahab) during his time there. Unfortunately, that was missing in the docuseries, leaving a small void in what was otherwise a comprehensive exploration of his life and work.
Personal Reflections
As a docuseries enthusiast, I found myself wishing for more insights into the cities they grew up in, which undoubtedly influenced their characterisations and writing. It would have been fascinating to learn more about the life lessons that shaped their movies, lives, and partnership.
This docuseries isn’t just about revealing the long-standing mystery of why these two giants split. It also serves as a lesson in what it takes to build and maintain a successful partnership, both in business and in life. Their films shaped society, with audiences seeing their struggles reflected on screen. Despite not focusing on women-centric films, their female characters were celebrated for their courage, self-reliance, and determination.
Personal Touch
I’m not a movie buff, but my exposure to Salim-Javed (Sahab)’s work came through my father’s collection of Long-Playing record (LPs). Growing up, these films were often discussed at home, serving as examples in various life lessons. The friendship between Salim (Sahab) and Javed (Sahab), and their eventual breakup, were particularly poignant topics. Characters like Soorma Bhopali, inspired by the way people in Bhopal spoke, were frequently mentioned. Javed Akhtar (Sahab)’s time in Bhopal helped him nuance this character, making it memorable and relevant.
Short Take — Angry Young Men is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Salim-Javed (Sahab). It captures their journey from humble beginnings to becoming the most celebrated screenwriters in Hindi cinema. Their story is one of friendship, collaboration and relentless pursuit of excellence — a tale that continues to inspire and resonate, reminding us of the timeless power of storytelling and the enduring impact of cinema. Their courage to challenge societal norms, despite personal sacrifices, left an indelible mark on the industry and on the hearts of the audiences who continue to cherish their work.
