Salim Khan Reflects on Javed Akhtar Split: Why Amitabh Bachchan Was the Only One Who Could Have Saved the Duo

For over a decade, the names Salim-Javed were synonymous with the "Angry Young Man" era of Indian cinema, producing masterpieces such as Sholay, Zanjeer and Deewar. However, the professional partnership that redefined Bollywood storytelling came to an abrupt end in 1982. In a retrospective discussion, Salim Khan detailed the quiet nature of their separation and revealed his belief that Amitabh Bachchan was perhaps the only individual with the influence to have saved the duo's collaboration. Salim Khan Health Update: Salman Khan’s Father Did Not Undergo Surgery After Minimal Brain Haemorrhage, Confirm Lilavati Hospital Doctors (Watch Video)

Salim Khan Recalls Calm Split With Javed Akhtar

During an interview with NDTV in 2024, Salim Khan revealed that, contrary to the dramatic scripts they were known for, the end of Salim-Javed was reportedly devoid of confrontation. He recalled the exact moment Javed Akhtar expressed his desire to move in a different creative direction. “Jab unhone mujhse kaha ki mei alag (films) banana chahta huun, maine kaha thik hai, koi dikkat nahi. Kisiko zabardasti rok nahi sakte," Khan stated. (When he told me that he wanted to make different (films), I said alright, no problem. You can’t force anyone to stay.) Even decades later, Khan remains pragmatic about the lack of a clear catalyst, adding, "Mujhe toh abhi bhi nahi malum kyun alag hue. Ho gaya toh ho gaya.” (Even now, I don’t know why we separated. It happened, so it happened.)

Salim Khan on Amitabh Bachchan’s Role in Split

The duo’s success was inextricably linked to the rise of Amitabh Bachchan. Salim Khan suggested that because Bachchan shared a close professional and personal bond with both writers during their peak, he held a unique position of influence. Khan speculated on what might have happened if Bachchan had intervened. “Lekin mei agar hota unki (Amitabh Bachchan) jagah… unko (Javed Akhtar) yehi raye deta ‘Maat chodo accha khasa tumhari ek jodi hai, kaam kar raahe ho accha khasa chal raha kahe ke liye isko chodhte ho?’ Mai hota toh yeh karta.” (But if I were in his (Amitabh Bachchan’s) place… I would have given him (Javed Akhtar) this advice: ‘Don’t leave it. You both make a great pair, your work is going well, why give it up?’ If it were me, that’s what I would have done.) Salim Khan Health Update: Screenwriter To Be out of Ventilator on February 19, Lilavati Hospital Issues Statement.

Salim Khan Reveals Split Theories With Javed Akhtar

The real reason for the 1982 split remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring mysteries. Several theories have circulated over the years, including:

• Creative Differences: Reports suggested Akhtar wished to transition into lyric writing, a move Khan reportedly did not favour at the time.
• Financial Disparity: Rumours pointed toward disagreements over remuneration, particularly after Bachchan’s acting fees rose significantly.
• Social Misunderstandings: Some industry insiders cited a specific misunderstanding at a Holi party hosted by Bachchan.

Despite these theories, neither writer has ever confirmed a specific dispute. Khan emphasised that they never allowed their professional parting to turn into hostility, stating they never spoke ill of one another in the years that followed.

Salim-Javed Remain Bollywood’s Gold Standard

The pair first met on the sets of Sarhadi Lootera and began their formal collaboration in 1971. Their partnership fundamentally altered the power structure of the industry, as they became the first screenwriters to achieve star status and demand top-tier billing on film posters. While they found individual success post-1982, Akhtar as a celebrated lyricist and screenwriter, and Khan through various successful projects and his family’s continued industry presence the "Salim-Javed" brand remains the gold standard for cinematic collaboration in India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2026 02:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).