Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are widely regarded as one of the most influential screenwriting duos in Bollywood history. They have been credited with creating some of the most iconic films in Indian cinema, including Sholay , Deewar , Zanjeer , and Don .
2. Accusations of Plagiarism
However, their legacy has been challenged by FIR writer Amit Aryan, who claims that Salim-Javed have only plagiarized content throughout their careers. Aryan argues that every frame in their movies is plagiarized and that they are more like 'copy-writers' than true writers.
3. Sholay: A Copy of Mera Gaon Mera Desh?
Aryan specifically accuses Salim-Javed of copying the storyline of Sholay from Raj Khosla's Mera Gaon Mera Desh . He points out that Vinod Khanna's character in Mera Gaon Mera Desh , Jabbar Singh, was reimagined as Gabbar Singh in Sholay . Additionally, he notes that the character seeking revenge in both films shares similar plot points.
4. Deewar: A Reflection of Ganga Jamuna?
Aryan also claims that Salim-Javed's film Deewar was copied from Nitin Bose's Ganga Jamuna . He argues that the emotional confrontation between the two brothers in Deewar mimics the emotional core of Ganga Jamuna , suggesting that the duo reused an existing idea rather than creating something fresh.
5. Inspiration vs. Copying
Amit Aryan distinguishes between inspiration and copying, stating that while Salim-Javed may have been inspired by various films, their work lacks originality. He emphasizes that their success came from their ability to market and sell their films effectively, rather than from creating truly original content.
6. Salim-Javed's Business Acumen
Aryan acknowledges that Salim-Javed were skilled businessmen and salesmen who knew how to package stories in ways that appealed to mass audiences. However, he criticizes their approach for lacking true creativity and originality.
7. The Legacy Debate
While Amit Aryan's comments have stirred controversy, it is undeniable that Salim-Javed's films played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Bollywood in the 1970s and 80s. Their work continues to be celebrated for its larger-than-life characters and gripping storylines, even if their originality is questioned.
