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The story of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, the legendary writing duo of Bollywood, is a testament to the power of a compelling script and the importance of fair compensation for writers. In an industry where actors often command exorbitant fees, Salim-Javed boldly challenged the status quo by demanding a fee equivalent to the top stars. Their audacity, though initially met with skepticism and criticism, ultimately paved the way for a new era where writers were recognized as equal partners in the filmmaking process.
In the late 1970s, Salim-Javed were at the pinnacle of their success, delivering blockbuster hits like 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat', 'Zanjeer', 'Deewar', and 'Sholay'. Their stories, often centered around the themes of social justice and the struggles of the common man, resonated deeply with audiences, establishing them as cultural icons. However, their rise to fame was not without its challenges. At a time when writers were considered mere cogs in the filmmaking machine, they dared to demand respect and financial recognition commensurate with their contribution.
Their bold stance, while met with resistance from some quarters, ultimately proved successful. Their scripts were so powerful, their stories so captivating, that they became indispensable to the success of any film. Their names became synonymous with quality and entertainment, drawing audiences to the theaters even more than the star cast. Their success proved that a strong narrative, crafted by skilled writers, could be the driving force behind a film's success, surpassing the star power of the actors. Salim-Javed's legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, demonstrating that their craft deserves recognition and reward.