The Bollywood industry has seen numerous collaborations that created magic on screen. However, some partnerships also led to unseen rivalries and confrontations behind the scenes. One such episode is the clash between the iconic actor Rishi Kapoor and the legendary writer duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, popularly known as Salim-Javed. Rishi Kapoor, in his autobiography Khullam Khulla, revealed an intense confrontation that occurred when he refused a role in one of their films. This incident brought out a side of the industry not often talked about — the behind-the-scenes tension.
Rishi Kapoor Refused Salim-Javed’s Film Offer
Rishi Kapoor was at the peak of his career after the success of Bobby, a film that established him as a heartthrob. Around the same time, Salim-Javed, the famous screenwriting duo who had penned hits like Zanjeer and Sholay, were ruling the industry with their scripts. However, trouble brewed when Rishi refused to work in their film Trishul. This rejection didn’t sit well with Salim Khan.
A Heated Confrontation in Mumbai
Rishi Kapoor recalled in his book how Salim Khan confronted him in a Mumbai hotel, while he was casually playing snooker. Salim Khan directly approached him and asked, “How dare you refuse Salim-Javed?” Rishi, undeterred, responded calmly that he simply didn’t like the role. This exchange marked the beginning of their strained relationship, which could have turned sour but didn’t escalate further.
The Rajesh Khanna-Amitabh Bachchan Connection
Interestingly, Salim Khan reportedly brought up the example of superstar Rajesh Khanna during this confrontation. He hinted that Rajesh Khanna’s rejection of Zanjeer was a pivotal moment, as it gave rise to Amitabh Bachchan’s stardom. Salim Khan implied that the rejection was a mistake, and they used it to launch Amitabh as a replacement, essentially diminishing Rajesh Khanna’s dominance in Bollywood.
Salim Khan allegedly told Rishi, “We created Amitabh Bachchan, who went on to replace Rajesh Khanna, and we could do the same to you.” This veiled threat was meant to warn Rishi about the consequences of refusing their offer, though the situation never escalated further.
The Legacy of Salim-Javed
The duo of Salim-Javed was one of the most influential in Bollywood during the 1970s. Their partnership delivered some of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema, making them legends in the industry. However, their collaboration came to an end in the 1980s. Despite their success, the duo’s impact on Bollywood continues to be felt even today, with their stories now resurfacing in documentaries like Angry Young Men, showcasing their journey and dominance during that golden era.
This forgotten feud between Rishi Kapoor and Salim-Javed adds an interesting chapter to Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes history, revealing that even icons faced tensions and rivalries that shaped their careers.
