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Salim Khan

Salim Khan is an Indian film actor and screenwriter best known as one half of the screenwriting duo Salim–Javed with Javed Akhtar.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Salim Khan is an Indian film actor and screenwriter best known as one half of the screenwriting duo Salim–Javed with Javed Akhtar. He helped shape Hindi cinema in the 1970s through films such as Zanjeer, Deewaar and Sholay, and is widely associated with the rise of the ‘angry young man’ archetype. Khan’s films and family are part of the broader global influence of Indian cinema, which has a significant audience in Canada, especially in major metropolitan centres with large South Asian communities.

Early life

Salim Khan was born on 24 November 1935 in Indore, then part of British India. Public biographical sources identify him as an Indian Muslim from Indore.

Career

Khan worked as an actor and screenwriter and is known for films including Zanjeer, Deewaar and Sholay. His later screenwriting with Javed Akhtar made Salim–Javed one of the most influential partnerships in Hindi cinema.

Legacy

Salim–Javed are credited with reshaping mainstream Hindi film storytelling in the 1970s and helping establish the blockbuster format. Their work is also associated with the rise of Amitabh Bachchan’s screen persona and several enduring Bollywood genres, including the masala film and Dacoit Western.

Family

Salim Khan’s family is prominent in Indian film and entertainment. Public sources list his children as Salman, Sohail, Arbaaz, Alvira and Arpita Khan Agnihotri.

Key facts

  • Born in Indore in 1935.
  • Best known for his partnership with Javed Akhtar as Salim–Javed.
  • The duo helped popularise the masala film and Dacoit Western genres.
  • He is credited with helping define the ‘angry young man’ figure associated with Amitabh Bachchan.
  • He is the father of several Bollywood figures, including Salman Khan.
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Canadian context

Salim Khan’s films and family are part of the broader global influence of Indian cinema, which has a significant audience in Canada, especially in major metropolitan centres with large South Asian communities.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Salim Khan?
Salim Khan is an Indian actor and screenwriter, best known as half of the Salim–Javed writing duo.
When was Salim Khan born?
He was born on 24 November 1935.
What is Salim Khan best known for?
He is best known for writing major Hindi films such as Zanjeer, Deewaar and Sholay with Javed Akhtar.
What did Salim–Javed contribute to Indian cinema?
They helped popularise the masala film and Dacoit Western genres and influenced the ‘angry young man’ archetype.
Who are Salim Khan’s children?
Public sources list Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Arpita Khan.
Is Salim Khan still active?
One source lists his active years as 1959–1996 and 2013–present, suggesting later career activity after a break.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salim_Khan
    Supports: Influence of Salim–Javed on Indian cinema; masala film, Dacoit Western, and angry young man archetype.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0451311/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and notable works.
  3. The Indian Express — https://www.indianexpress.com/about/salim-khan/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, spouses, children, and years active.
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salim_Khan_family
    Supports: Family background and Salim–Javed legacy.