Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah recently made a bold statement about the iconic Bollywood film Sholay during the IFP Season 14 event. He claimed that the film, written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan, had several elements that were “copied” from Charlie Chaplin and Clint Eastwood’s works. Shah, known for his outspoken nature, highlighted how Sholay—a film often hailed as one of India’s greatest—borrowed heavily from Western cinema.
Naseeruddin’s Candid Conversation with Javed Akhtar
Shah recounted a discussion with Javed Akhtar about originality in films, where he pointed out that Sholay had scenes that felt directly inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s films and Clint Eastwood’s cinematic style. He said, “I told Javed saab, you’ve copied every scene in Sholay. You haven’t left anything from Charlie Chaplin’s films, and Clint Eastwood’s presence is evident in almost every frame.”
Javed Akhtar’s Response: Originality is About How Far You Take It
When confronted by Shah, Javed Akhtar responded thoughtfully, stating that it’s not just about where you take inspiration from, but how you transform it. Akhtar emphasized that originality is hard to define and that even great playwrights like Shakespeare borrowed from existing works but made them their own. According to Akhtar, it’s the execution and vision that matter, not just the source of inspiration.
The Clint Eastwood and Samurai Cinema Influence in Sholay
It’s well-known among cinema enthusiasts that Sholay drew significant inspiration from Hollywood Westerns, especially Clint Eastwood’s films and samurai cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay became a benchmark for Indian cinema, with a legendary cast that included Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, and Amjad Khan. Despite Shah’s remarks, the film continues to be celebrated for its storytelling, performances, and direction.
Naseeruddin Shah: A Fan of Original Indian Cinema
Shah’s take on Sholay also shed light on his admiration for filmmakers known for their original, thought-provoking cinema. He expressed deep appreciation for directors like Mrinal Sen, Basu Chatterjee, Satyajit Ray, and modern filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. According to him, these filmmakers made films that were innovative and authentic, even when drawing from existing ideas.
Shah expressed concern about the current state of the Indian film industry. While acknowledging that filmmakers like Anubhav Sinha, Anurag Kashyap, and Rajkumar Hirani are still creating meaningful cinema, he noted that they face challenges in passing on their legacy to the next generation.
Shah’s Own Directorial Venture
Apart from his acting career, Naseeruddin Shah has also ventured into directing. His short film, Man Woman Man Woman, stars his wife Ratna Pathak Shah, son Vivaan Shah, and actors Saba Azad and Tarun Dhanrajgir. This 26-minute film explores love and companionship between two generations. Shah humbly referred to his work as “a small drop in the ocean” during the event.
Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks on Sholay may have sparked fresh debates about originality in cinema, but they also highlight the importance of creative evolution and reinterpretation in filmmaking.
