Salim Khan on Redefining Bollywood Writing: From Underpaid to Outearning Actors

Legendary screenwriter Salim Khan recently appeared on NDTV's *India Through the Eyes of Its Icons*, where he shared insights into his career and the evolution of Bollywood writers' pay. Reflecting on the early days, Khan recalled working with director Abrar Alvi, when writers were grossly underpaid compared to actors. He described how writers struggled to cover basic expenses despite their pivotal role in filmmaking.

Khan’s perspective shifted when he transitioned to acting, realizing the script's importance in a film's success. He boldly predicted that one day writers would earn as much as actors. Years later, he proved himself right by earning more than a leading actor for a film, solidifying his belief in the power of strong storytelling.

Khan’s contributions, along with those of his writing partner Javed Akhtar, revolutionized Bollywood's treatment of writers, raising their value in the industry. Today, Khan’s legacy is celebrated in the docu-series *Angry Young Men*, which explores his and Akhtar’s impact on Indian cinema.