Esteemed screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, the iconic team responsible for the legendary Bollywood film Sholay, reunited for a special screening of the classic movie at Regal Cinema in Mumbai on Saturday. This event served as a heartwarming celebration of one of Indian cinema’s most cherished films, marking nearly five decades since its original debut.
Organized by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), the screening showcased a rare vintage 70 mm cinemascope print of Sholay (1975), allowing the audience to relive the cinematic brilliance in its original splendor. The event was attended by several notable personalities from the film industry, including Shabana Azmi, Zoya Akhtar, Vikramaditya Motwane, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and Kunal Roy Kapur.
Sholay holds a significant place in Indian cinema history, renowned for its captivating storyline and memorable characters. The plot centers on the village of Ramgarh, where retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (portrayed by Sanjeev Kumar) seeks vengeance against the infamous bandit Gabbar Singh (played by Amjad Khan). To accomplish this, he recruits two petty criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra). The narrative takes a dramatic twist when Jai and Veeru uncover the tragic reason behind Thakur’s helplessness during Gabbar’s attack on Ramgarh – Gabbar had mercilessly severed Thakur’s arms. Driven by anger and a sense of justice, Jai and Veeru intensify their mission to capture Gabbar.
This special screening coincides with the recent release of the Prime Video docuseries Angry Young Men, in which Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar reflect on their groundbreaking collaboration. Directed by Namrata Rao, this three-part documentary delves into the dynamic partnership that produced some of Bollywood’s most iconic films. Featuring interviews with Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar, the series offers an insightful look into the creative genius of Salim-Javed.
Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media and Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, the docuseries highlights the extraordinary contributions of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar to Indian cinema, celebrating their legacy and enduring impact on the film industry.