Namrata Rao reveals why it was important to ‘touch upon’ criticism of Salim-Javed’s iconic Sholay: ‘There was fatigue in their work’

Namrata Rao reveals why it was important to 'touch upon' criticism of Salim-Javed’s iconic Sholay: ‘There was fatigue in their work'

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for cinema and its intricate nuances, I find Namrata Rao‘s directorial venture, Angry Young Men, to be an enlightening exploration into the lives and works of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed. With her extensive experience in the industry, Rao brings a unique perspective that adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more compelling than a one-sided account of their achievements.


Award-winning editor Namrata Rao has transitioned into directing with her docuseries titled Angry Young Men, focusing on the enduring influence of Salim-Javed. In a recent interview, Namrata discussed the frequent criticisms leveled against Salim-Javed’s classic film Sholay, stating that it was crucial to address issues such as potential plagiarism, similarities in their scripts, and creative exhaustion, as these elements significantly impacted their career trajectory. However, she explained that due to time constraints or the need for a flowing narrative, she couldn’t delve deeply into every detail.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Namrata Rao brought up the recurring criticisms towards Salim-Javed’s 1975 classic film Sholay, which has been questioned for its apparent similarities to the Spaghetti Western genre of Italian cinema. Rao emphasized the necessity of addressing these criticisms, such as claims of plagiarism, redundancy in their screenplays, and the creative burnout resulting from their ongoing success, pointing out that these aspects had a substantial impact on their professional journeys.

She pointed out that because of time limitations and maintaining a smooth sequence of events, she couldn’t explore every aspect in-depth. Yet, Rao underlined the significance of highlighting an artist’s imperfections along with their triumphs. This approach, according to her, provides depth and humanity to the tale. She feels that stories that only focus on someone’s positive traits are less intriguing because they lack the complexity that makes them truly captivating.

Namrata shared that having a personal connection with the creators allowed her to grasp their awareness of their sources of inspiration. She admired their honest admission of borrowing ideas from other movies and skillfully incorporating these aspects into their narratives. In discussing their method, she commented, “Now that I know them as individuals, I trust their words: ‘We accomplished it. We always knew we were doing it. We used to watch many films and read extensively. We took whatever resonated with us and integrated it into our scripts.”

Sholay, written by Salim-Javed, is a significant cinematic achievement in the history of Indian cinema, renowned for its captivating plot, enduring characters, and memorable lines. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Amjad Khan, Sholay continues to be a cherished masterpiece.

Explore “Angry Young Men,” a fascinating three-part documentary series, as it guides viewers through the revolutionary period of Hindi cinema during the 1970s and ’80s, focusing on the legendary screenwriting duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Renowned for crafting the iconic Angry Young Man persona, notably portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, this series delves deep into the creative journey and enduring impact of Salim-Javed on the film industry, showcasing their significant role in shaping Hindi cinema.

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2024-08-21 09:25