Zoya Akhtar has opened up about the origins of her upcoming docuseries, Angry Young Men, a deep dive into the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, whose work has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Speaking to PTI, Akhtar shared how casual morning walks with Salim Khan became the catalyst for the project.
The docuseries, set to explore the iconic contributions of Salim-Javed in the 70s and 80s, was inspired by Akhtar’s personal interactions with Salim Khan. During their walks, Khan would recount stories from his and Javed Akhtar’s illustrious career, including the creation of some of Bollywood’s most memorable scripts.
“I would often meet Salim uncle during my morning walks at Bandstand. He’d share fascinating tales about the scripts he and my father wrote, and I realized these stories needed to be documented,” Akhtar explained. This revelation led her and co-producer Reema Kagti to approach Salim Khan for permission to create the documentary.
The docuseries is produced by Akhtar, her brother Farhan Akhtar, and Salman Khan, Salim Khan’s son. The project aims to capture the essence of Salim-Javed’s dynamic partnership, which revolutionized screenwriting in Indian cinema. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, who collaborated on numerous successful films like Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Sholay, were known for their storytelling prowess and the unique voice they brought to Bollywood.
Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar’s contributions to cinema have been monumental. Their scripts were not only commercial successes but also set new standards for storytelling and character development. This documentary, Akhtar believes, will serve as an inspiration for future writers by showcasing the creativity and conviction that defined their work.
The three-part series will be directed by Namrata Rao, known for her work on films like Ishqiya and Kahaani. Rao expressed her enthusiasm for the project, citing her personal connection to the stories of Salim-Javed. “I felt an immediate connection to their story. It was a discovery of how they transformed the industry and created iconic films,” she said.
Zoya Akhtar and her brother Farhan have leveraged their production company, Tiger Baby, along with support from Farhan’s Excel Entertainment and Salman Khan’s backing to bring this project to life. Akhtar emphasized that this documentary is a labor of love for all involved, aiming to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Salim-Javed.
The docuseries is expected to provide invaluable insights into the screenwriting duo’s creative process and their impact on Indian cinema. With a release date yet to be announced, Angry Young Men promises to be a significant contribution to the history of Bollywood storytelling.
Sources By Agencies
