Salim Khan, the legendary screenwriter and a pivotal figure in Indian cinema, celebrates his 90th birthday on November 24, 2025. Born in Indore on November 24, 1935, Salim Khan's journey in Bollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. As one half of the iconic Salim-Javed duo, he revolutionized Hindi cinema with his groundbreaking screenplays and stories.
A Screenwriting Dynasty
Salim Khan, along with Javed Akhtar, formed a formidable screenwriting partnership that redefined Bollywood in the 1970s. Together, they crafted compelling narratives, memorable characters, and impactful dialogues that resonated with audiences across India. Their collaboration led to the creation of the "angry young man" archetype, which became synonymous with Amitabh Bachchan's career.
Top 5 Movies of Salim-Javed
Here are five of the most iconic films penned by Salim-Javed:
- Sholay (1975): A classic action-adventure film that revolves around two criminals hired to protect a village from a notorious bandit. Sholay is often listed among the greatest Indian films ever made and was the highest-grossing Indian film of its time.
- Deewaar (1975): This iconic film tells the story of two brothers on opposing sides of the law, set against the backdrop of Bombay's slums. Deewaar is known for its memorable dialogues and intense performances.
- Zanjeer (1973): Zanjeer gave Amitabh Bachchan the "angry young man" title and catapulted him to stardom. The film revolves around a police officer's quest for justice against corruption.
- Don (1978): A super hit action thriller featuring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, Don is about a Bombay underworld Don and his lookalike.
- Mr. India (1987): This film is about a poor musician who gains the power of invisibility. Mr. India remains a beloved classic known for its innovative concept and memorable characters.
Other notable films from the Salim-Javed duo include Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Trishul (1978), Dostana (1980), and Kranti (1981).
Family Life
Salim Khan's personal life is as rich and layered as his professional achievements. His family is a blend of diverse backgrounds and traditions. Salim Khan first married Salma Khan (born Sushila Charak) in 1964. Salma's parents were Hindu, with her father hailing from Jammu and her mother being Maharashtrian. Together, Salim and Salma have four children: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, and Alvira Khan Agnihotri. In 1981, Salim Khan married Helen Richardson, whose father was Anglo-Indian and mother was Burmese. Salim and Helen adopted a daughter named Arpita.
Salim Khan's family has strong roots in Bollywood. His eldest son, Salman Khan, is one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema. His other sons, Arbaaz and Sohail, are also actors and film producers. His daughters, Alvira and Arpita, are married to Atul Agnihotri and Aayush Sharma, respectively, both of whom have ties to the film industry.
The Salim Khan family's legacy extends beyond cinema. They are known for their philanthropy, cultural contributions, and strong family values. Salim Khan's influence on Indian cinema and his family's continued success cement his place as a true icon.
