As the legendary screenwriter Salim Khan convalesces in the hospital, audiences in every village around the world are returning to the great masterpieces that shaped Indian cinema. With his partner Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan changed Bollywood in the 1970s, shifting away from romantic musicals toward gritty, social justice and the birth of the “Angry Young Man.”
If you want to watch the extraordinary success of his storytelling, you don’t require a subscription. Many of his biggest hits are now free on YouTube. Here are seven must-watch classics to see:
1. Sholay (1975)
Sholay, often cited as the greatest Indian film ever made, is known as the pinnacle of the "Masala Western." The tale of Jai, Veeru and the terrifying Gabbar Singh is a classic in character exploration and great words. Why watch: To glimpse the ultimate mix of action, emotion and the best known villain of all time for India.
2. Zanjeer (1973)
That’s the movie that totally changed everything. It ditched Amitabh Bachchan's “struggling actor” trappings and gave rise to the “Angry Young Man” template. Vijay, a cop who is dealing with his past and his underworld, stands as a blueprint for all cop dramas ever made. Why watch: The raw and no-holds-barred storytelling that shattered the romantic mold of the ’70s.
3. Don (1978)
"Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai." With these words, Salim-Javed crafted a slick, stylish thriller, remakeable many times. The double-role plot of a ruthless kingpin and his simpleton lookalike remains a fan favorite. Why watch: For the keen screenplay and one of the best “switch” plots in the history of cinema.
4. Deewaar (1975)
Arguably the most emotionally charged script by Salim Khan, Deewaar examines the conflict involving two brothers, one criminal, the other a cop. It is deep, rich social commentary on poverty and morality. Why watch: For the epic 'Mere paas Maa hai' dialogue and the powerhouse performances.
5. Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
Before the grit of the mid-70s, Salim-Javed wrote this tender film for Rajesh Khanna. The film is still one of the most successful in Indian cinema concerned with the love between man and animals. Why watch: A rare little, softer side of Salim Khan’s early writing that became a massive commercial hit.
6. Trishul (1978)
A story of revenge and business rivalry, Trishul sees a son confronting his estranged father. The film is famous for its intelligent dialogue as well as the scenes of confrontation Salim-Javed once made famous. Why watch: The brilliant verbal sparring between Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar.
7. Kaala Patthar (1979)
This multi-starrer is a gripping disaster drama based on the Chasnala mining disaster. It centers around guilt, redemption and the courage of miners caught underground. Why watch: To see how Salim Khan handled ensemble casts and high-stakes survival tension.
