Today marks a monumental occasion in Indian cinema as we celebrate the golden jubilee of Deewar, the iconic film that graced screens on January 24, 1975. Written by the legendary duo Salim-Javed, this masterpiece redefined storytelling, characters, and dialogue, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Featuring powerhouse performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Parveen Babi, and Nirupa Roy, Deewar is hailed as a cornerstone of Indian cinema.
Even after five decades, Deewar’s dialogues echo in popular culture, continuing to resonate across generations. Lines like “Aaj mere paas bungla hai, property hai, bank balance hai, tumhare paas kya hai?” (Today I have a bungalow, property, bank balance, what do you have?) and its heartfelt retort, “Mere paas maa hai” (I have mother), have achieved legendary status. Another unforgettable moment is Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic declaration, “Main aaj bhi phenke hue paise nahi uthata” (Even today, I don’t pick up thrown money), a dialogue that cemented his “angry young man” persona.
To celebrate this cinematic milestone, Dainik Bhaskar brings an exclusive interview with acclaimed writer Javed Akhtar, one half of the Salim-Javed duo. Reflecting on Deewar’s enduring impact, Akhtar shared fascinating insights into the making of the film and the creative journey behind its timeless success.
A Masterpiece Written in Just 18 Days
Salim-Javed pitched Deewar to renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, who initially likened its narrative to classics like Mother India and Ganga Jamuna. Skepticism aside, the dynamic duo crafted the screenplay in a mere 18 days, with dialogues completed in 20 days. The final version of the script took just 22 days—a testament to their genius. Interestingly, this single draft became the foundation for one of Indian cinema’s greatest films.
Defying Expectations: A Sleeper Hit
When Deewar released, expectations were modest. Critics doubted its success, pointing out its limited romance, intense themes, and primarily indoor settings. Many believed it lacked the “entertainment value” needed to become a blockbuster. Yet, defying all predictions, the film captivated audiences and became a cult classic, running far beyond the anticipated 15 weeks.
“We Can’t Take All the Credit”
Javed Akhtar humbly attributes Deewar’s success to the entire team. “The actors were phenomenal. Amitabh Bachchan, in particular, brought unmatched intensity to his role. If someone else had played his part, the impact wouldn’t have been the same,” he said. At the time, Bachchan was still an emerging artist, but his performance in Deewar solidified his position as a superstar. “Everything just fell perfectly into place,” Akhtar added.
The Song That Almost Wasn’t
Salim-Javed envisioned Deewar with just two songs—one in the first half and another in the second. However, against their wishes, a qawwali was added, a decision they had to accept. Despite this, the film’s dialogue cassette became a groundbreaking hit, with its LP selling in record numbers. This trend of dialogue LPs began with Salim-Javed’s films, inspiring similar releases for classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay.
Innovative Storytelling: Writing on a Child’s Hand
One of Deewar’s most iconic scenes involves a child with “Mere baap chor hai” (My father is a thief) written on his hand. Reflecting on this creative choice, Akhtar shared, “Ideas like this are hard to explain; they just come to you. It felt natural that such a moment would stay etched in the child’s memory forever, and audiences connected deeply with it.”
Casting Amitabh Bachchan Over Rajesh Khanna
One of the most significant behind-the-scenes debates centered on casting. Producer Gulshan Rai initially wanted superstar Rajesh Khanna for the lead role, but Salim-Javed were adamant about casting Amitabh Bachchan. They believed Bachchan’s brooding intensity was perfect for the role, unlike Khanna’s romantic image. Thankfully, Rai trusted their vision, and this decision became a turning point in Bachchan’s career.
Shashi Kapoor’s Unconventional Casting
Another bold choice was casting Shashi Kapoor—already a senior actor at the time—as Amitabh Bachchan’s younger brother. “While some questioned this decision, Kapoor’s youthful charm and innocence brought depth to the character, making the sibling dynamic unforgettable,” Akhtar explained. This unconventional pairing ultimately won the hearts of audiences.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Pursuit of Excellence
Akhtar also reminisced about Bachchan’s dedication during the making of Deewar. “At the time, Amitabh was simultaneously working on Sholay. He was deeply committed to his craft and sought advice whenever needed. While many actors have come and gone, there hasn’t been anyone quite like him,” Akhtar remarked.
The Legacy of Deewar
Half a century later, Deewar remains a cultural phenomenon, remembered not only for its compelling narrative but also for its raw portrayal of human emotions, moral dilemmas, and family dynamics. It challenged traditional storytelling norms and gave Indian cinema some of its most iconic moments.
As we celebrate 50 years of Deewar, the film’s legacy endures as a timeless tale of ambition, sacrifice, and love. Its dialogues, characters, and unforgettable performances continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, proving that true art transcends time.
