How Salim Khan Fought To Get Screenwriters Their Due Credit In Cinema

During the initial stages of their career, writers were not credited on film posters.

The iconic duo of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, known for revolutionising Hindi cinema with their stellar screenwriting, is back in the limelight. Their impactful collaboration birthed legendary films like Sholay, Deewar and Zanjeer, cementing their status as the trailblazers of Indian cinema’s golden era.

However, their journey to recognition wasn’t without hurdles. In the nascent stages of their career, writers seldom received credit on film posters, a practice that persisted until the duo decided to challenge the norm. When director Prakash Mehra declined to include their names in the posters of Zanjeer, Salim Khan took matters into his own hands.

In a bold move, Salim Khan commandeered a jeep from Sippy Productions and ensured his name adorned posters across the city overnight. This audacious act not only secured recognition for the duo but also paved the way for future writers in Bollywood.

Javed Akhtar, reminiscing about the incident on Arbaaz Khan’s podcast, hailed Salim Khan’s fearless determination, asserting that only he could have orchestrated such a decisive action. The inclusion of writers’ names in promotional material became commonplace thereafter, marking a turning point in the industry’s acknowledgement of their contributions.

While the spotlight shines on Salim Khan’s illustrious past, recent events have thrust his family into safety concerns. Reports surfaced of shots fired outside their residence in Galaxy Apartment, raising fears of targeted violence. The Vishnoi gang, notorious for its involvement in criminal activities, has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Tensions between the gang and Bollywood star Salman Khan, Salim Khan’s son, have escalated due to the infamous black buck hunting incident in 1998. The gang’s longstanding grievances against Salman Khan have manifested in threats and, now, a brazen attack near his family’s home.

As authorities investigate the incident, concerns for the safety of Salman Khan’s family remain paramount. The intersection of Bollywood glamour and real-life threats underscores the complexities of fame and the persistent challenges faced by those in the industry.