‘I do not even consider Salim-Javed to be writers, they have only copied things in their entire life,’ says popular Bollywood writer Amit Aryan.
Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are two of the most iconic writers of Hindi cinema, mainly Bollywood, who have penned down some of the most memorable and magical blockbusters of all time.
He made another startling remark in his exclusive interview with Digital Commentary.
Aaryan sparked controversy, stating, “I don’t regard Salim-Javed as writers. While they’re widely admired, I disagree. In my opinion, they’ve borrowed ideas throughout their careers, making them copywriters rather than original writers. Let me explain why.”
Aaryan continued, “Take Sholay, for instance. The plot bears striking similarities to Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971). Both films feature a revenge story, with Vinod Khanna’s character Jabbar Singh who played the dacoit, inspired Gabbar Singh in Sholay. The protagonist’s circumstances are also parallel – Jayant was an army officer, who became a policeman in Sholay, and the severity of the injury escalated from one cut hand to both. Essentially, Dharmendra’s role in Mera Gaon Mera Desh was reprised by Amitabh Bachchan in Sholay.”
Who is Amit Aryan?
Amit Aryan is the writer of shows like FIR, ABCD, Ye Unn Dino Ki Baat Hai and Laapataganj. He believes that they are not writers, but copy-writers.
He has accused the Salim- Javed duo that the Ramesh Sippy directorial Sholay was also copied from Raj Khosla’s film Mera Gaon Mera Desh.
The story of the film Deewar was also a copied story: Amit
Amit Aryan also alleged that Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Deewar’ released in 1975 was also a plagiarized film ‘Ganga Jamuna’, which was released in 1961. Both films feature a striking plot similarity, where two brothers find themselves on opposite sides of the law, culminating in a dramatic confrontation where the law-abiding brother ultimately kills his criminal sibling.
The Legacy Debate
Their iconic films, such as “Sholay,” “Deewar,” and “Zanjeer,” revolutionized Indian cinema, captivating audiences with powerful storytelling and memorable characters. While debates about originality and inspiration will continue, Salim-Javed’s impact on Bollywood’s growth and evolution is undeniable.
Their writing duo’s innovative approaches, such as:
- Masala films: Salim-Javed popularized the “masala film” genre, blending action, drama, romance, and comedy.
- Anti-heroes: They pioneered the concept of anti-heroes, relatable and flawed protagonists.
- Social commentary: Their films often addressed social issues, reflecting India’s post-independence struggles.
Their legacy extends beyond their own films, influencing generations of filmmakers, writers, and actors.
The controversy surrounding Amit Aryan’s statements has indeed sparked a crucial conversation about originality, inspiration, and creativity in filmmaking. This debate is not unique to Bollywood, as similar discussions occur globally.
Key points to consider:
- Influence and homage: Filmmakers often pay homage to works that inspire them, but when does homage become plagiarism?
- Cultural context: Bollywood’s masala film genre frequently incorporates diverse influences, making it challenging to discern originality.
- Evolution of ideas: Creativity builds upon existing concepts; the question remains whether Salim-Javed’s adaptations transformed the original ideas sufficiently.
This debate encourages us to think critically about:
- The nature of creativity and originality.
2. Cultural exchange and influence in filmmaking.
3. The importance of acknowledging and respecting intellectual property.
