Check out Salim-Javed's secret contribution to 'Baghban': Javed crafted the climax; Salim wrote the dialogues for Salman Khan
Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar , the legendary screenwriting duo behind classics like 'Deewaar' and 'Sholay', are revered as pioneers of Indian cinema. Though they parted ways in the early 1980s and never officially collaborated again, an intriguing revelation has emerged about their unexpected contribution to the 2003 Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini-starrer Baghban .
Renu Chopra, wife of the film’s director Ravi Chopra , recently disclosed in a conversation with Pinkvilla that both Salim and Javed had a hand in shaping the film. While the original story was penned by veteran filmmaker BR Chopra , with dialogues by Achala Nagar, it was Javed Akhtar who crafted the film’s powerful climax. Meanwhile, Salim Khan wrote the dialogues for Salman Khan ’s character, unknowingly creating an uncredited Salim-Javed reunion after decades apart.
One of Baghban’s most poignant moments is its climax, where Amitabh Bachchan’s character delivers a heartfelt monologue about parental sacrifice. According to Renu Chopra, Javed Akhtar wrote the entire 11-page speech, but on one condition—he did not want any credit for it. “He had never even seen the film,” Renu shared. “He just said, ‘You will not credit me for this.’ But now, I want to acknowledge his work.”
Amitabh Bachchan, deeply moved by the powerful speech, requested three days to prepare. When it came time to shoot, he insisted that multiple cameras be placed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to replicate the emotions repeatedly. “Amit ji said, ‘Mere andar bhara hua hai (It’s all inside me, ready to pour out).’ And when he delivered it, the entire set was in awe,” Renu recalled.
Speculation has long surrounded Salim Khan’s involvement in Baghban, particularly regarding Salman Khan’s dialogues. Renu Chopra confirmed the rumors, revealing that Salim took it upon himself to write the lines for Salman’s character. “Salim saab said, ‘I will write Salman’s dialogues.’ So in a way, it became a Salim-Javed collaboration ,” she said.
While Baghban marked an uncredited collaboration, fans of the iconic duo have more to look forward to. At the trailer launch of their upcoming documentary Angry Young Men, Javed Akhtar made a thrilling announcement: the duo is set to collaborate officially once again. “We are going to write a script now,” Javed declared. “I have spoken to Salim, and we have decided—ek picture hum aur likh dete hain (let’s write one more film together). Back then, our price was high, and now it will be even higher,” he quipped.
With this revelation, the magic of Salim-Javed lives on, proving that some legacies never fade—they only evolve.
Renu Chopra, wife of the film’s director Ravi Chopra , recently disclosed in a conversation with Pinkvilla that both Salim and Javed had a hand in shaping the film. While the original story was penned by veteran filmmaker BR Chopra , with dialogues by Achala Nagar, it was Javed Akhtar who crafted the film’s powerful climax. Meanwhile, Salim Khan wrote the dialogues for Salman Khan ’s character, unknowingly creating an uncredited Salim-Javed reunion after decades apart.
One of Baghban’s most poignant moments is its climax, where Amitabh Bachchan’s character delivers a heartfelt monologue about parental sacrifice. According to Renu Chopra, Javed Akhtar wrote the entire 11-page speech, but on one condition—he did not want any credit for it. “He had never even seen the film,” Renu shared. “He just said, ‘You will not credit me for this.’ But now, I want to acknowledge his work.”
Amitabh Bachchan, deeply moved by the powerful speech, requested three days to prepare. When it came time to shoot, he insisted that multiple cameras be placed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to replicate the emotions repeatedly. “Amit ji said, ‘Mere andar bhara hua hai (It’s all inside me, ready to pour out).’ And when he delivered it, the entire set was in awe,” Renu recalled.
Speculation has long surrounded Salim Khan’s involvement in Baghban, particularly regarding Salman Khan’s dialogues. Renu Chopra confirmed the rumors, revealing that Salim took it upon himself to write the lines for Salman’s character. “Salim saab said, ‘I will write Salman’s dialogues.’ So in a way, it became a Salim-Javed collaboration ,” she said.
While Baghban marked an uncredited collaboration, fans of the iconic duo have more to look forward to. At the trailer launch of their upcoming documentary Angry Young Men, Javed Akhtar made a thrilling announcement: the duo is set to collaborate officially once again. “We are going to write a script now,” Javed declared. “I have spoken to Salim, and we have decided—ek picture hum aur likh dete hain (let’s write one more film together). Back then, our price was high, and now it will be even higher,” he quipped.
With this revelation, the magic of Salim-Javed lives on, proving that some legacies never fade—they only evolve.
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