In the ‘Angry Young Men’ documentary, legendary screenwriter Salim Khan shared deeply personal stories about his early struggles in Mumbai and his romance with Salma Khan , the mother of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. These candid revelations shed light on the challenges he faced during his journey from an aspiring actor to one of the most respected screenwriters in Indian cinema. Salim Khan, who hailed from a comfortable life in Indore, recalled his humble beginnings in Mumbai.
Upon arriving in the city, he lived at a guest house on Marine Drive, where he paid a modest Rs 55 rent per month for half a room. “My first ambition was to rent the entire room for Rs 110, but that wish was never fulfilled,” Salim shared, reflecting on his early days with a touch of nostalgia. Leaving behind the security of his family home, Salim faced considerable hardships in Mumbai.
He explained, “When I was leaving for Mumbai, my eldest brother told me this is not required, you’ll come running back. We had a comfortable lifestyle back in Indore, but I didn’t want to ask for money from home, so I struggled.” This decision to be independent marked the beginning of a challenging period in Salim’s life, one where he had to navigate the uncertainties of a new city on his own.
During these trying times, Salim met Salma Khan, who was only 17 years old at the time. Salim, then 24, frequently spotted her from his balcony, as she lived nearby in the Regi House building in Mahim. Their relationship began with simple exchanges of glances, gradually evolving into evening meetings in the nearby lanes.
As their romance deepened, Salma’s family began to pressure her to choose between marrying Salim or someone else. Despite the challenges, the couple married in 1964, and their first child, Salman Khan, was born the following year. Salim Khan also opened up about the financial difficulties he faced during this period, which added to the pressures of his burgeoning relationship.
“Thodi si paiso ya job ki pareshaani toh hoti hi hai—ki kya hoga kaise hoga? (There were always concerns about money or job security—how would things work out?)” Salim admitted. To make ends meet, he took on various jobs, including cigarette and clothing advertisements, doing whatever was necessary to get by. Despite his initial struggles as an actor, Salim soon realized that his true talent lay behind the scenes.
He acknowledged his limitations in performing, stating, “I could explain a character to actors like Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan, but I couldn’t perform myself. I had the art of narration and conceiving, but I lacked the art of projection.” This self-awareness led him to abandon his acting aspirations and focus on screenwriting, a decision that would eventually cement his legacy in Indian cinema.
Angry Young Men Trailer: Salim Khan And Javed Akhtar Starrer Angry Young Men Official Trailer Salim Khan’s journey from a struggling actor to a celebrated screenwriter is a testament to his resilience and determination. His story, intertwined with his personal life, offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by many in the pursuit of their dreams, and how sometimes, the true calling lies not in the spotlight but in the stories we tell..
