Zoya Akhtar Explains Why Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan Did Not Interview Together: ‘That One Meeting at the End…’
A few days ago, Prime Video released a docu-series called Angry Young Men. This series focuses on the collaboration between writers Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan. It is co-produced by Tiger Baby, Zoya Akhtar’s production company, as well as Excel Entertainment and Salman Khan Films, owned by Farhan Akhtar and Salman Khan respectively. In an interview, Zoya Akhtar explained the reason why the two writers did not appear together for an interview in the documentary.
In the final part of the three-part series, Angry Young Men, Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan were photographed together but did not give a joint interview. When asked about this, Zoya Akhtar told The Indian Express’s Expresso that it was a decision made by the director Namrata Rao. She believed that it was planned that way.
In Rao’s absence, Zoya mentioned that when she started shooting them separately, a pattern started to emerge with their lives, journeys, and personal experiences. According to Zoya, Namrata liked the unfolding pattern, and the final meeting provided a perfect ending. Akhtar also supported the director’s decision upon hearing about it. However, Zoya stated that it is a question for Rao to answer.
Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, and Arbaaz Khan are all filmmakers who could have directed the documentary. So, why was someone outside the family chosen to direct Angry Young Men? This question may have crossed many people’s minds. In the same conversation, Zoya explained that they wanted an outsider to direct. She mentioned that she and Farhan are directors, Sohail Khan could have done it, and Arbaaz is good at personal interviews.
However, she felt that having one of the family members direct the series would be too personal and lack a certain perspective. She also believed that a female perspective would bring an interesting angle since the writers have a very male-centric persona. Therefore, she chose a female director, Namrata Rao, to direct the series.
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