The outspoken Salim Khan has blasted Amitabh Bachchan in a media group’s radio interview. However, it is so frank and candid, that it has not been aired. Chances are that it never will be.
The famed scriptwriter who along with his former professional partner, Javed Akhtar, created the angry young man image of Amitabh Bachchan – in films ranging from Zanjeer, Deewar and Sholay to Trishul, Kaala Patthar, Don and Shakti -- has nursed a long-standing grouse against the superstar.
In informal chats, Khan has even said that he was not happy with the performance by Bachchan in Yash Chopra’s widely adored Deewar. The writer felt that the actor went over the top, a view which is certainly arguable.
There has been a lasting acrimony. After Akayla, written solo by Khan and directed by Ramesh Sippy tanked big time, the actor politely dropped out of their next project which was to feature him in a double role opposite Sridevi, also in a twin role. Although this rom-com to be written by Khan and directed by Sippy was announced with much fanfare, it died quietly.
Bachchan has consistently stated that he’s indebted to Salim Khan-Javed Akhtar for scripting his milestone hits. However, Khan has been miffed also because the actor has been indifferent, if not downright rude, when it comes to keeping in touch or inviting the ‘Khan’daan to the many social evenings hosted at the Bachchan bungalow, Jalsa, down the decades.
Bachchan Sr acknowledges the writer’s son, Salman Khan in public and has even co-starred together in God Tussi Great Ho, Baghban and Baabul. That’s about it.
The exact content of the radio interview is hush-hush but it is learnt that Khan hasn’t minced his words while expressing his pent-up feelings. To broadcast or not to broadcast, is now the question.
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