Mumbai: Every outsider talks about the nepotism that exists in the industry, but one must also accept that their ancestors have worked very hard to let them live a privileged life. And so did superstar Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan, who witnessed stardom like no one else in his time, as his writing made a place in everyone’s heart. He was a blockbuster writer along with Javed Akhtar and the duo was a superhit pair back then. But the journey was not easy, and he too has shared his hardships.
In his video featured in the Angry Young Men documentary series on Prime Video, Salim Javed recalled his humble beginnings, saying, “I used to pay Rs 55 rent per month for half a room.” He added, “My first ambition was to rent out the whole room for Rs 110, but this wish never came true.”
Recalling his financial struggles, he said, “Thode thode paise ya naukri ki chinna to hoti hi hai- ki kya hoga? (There were always worries about money or job security- how will things work out). Since I needed money, I accepted anything. I did cigarette ads, clothes ads, whatever came my way, I did.”
Salim also recalled how he quit acting after he realised his real work was behind the camera, “I could explain a character to actors like Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan, but I couldn’t act myself. I had the art of narration and concept, but I lacked the art of projection”.
Salim Khan is a self-made man, and has indeed come a long way. Javed Akhtar also spoke about his hardships when he had no money for food and accommodation and he stayed out for 3 days and till date, he has not been able to recover from that time.
