Mumbai, April 6, 2025 – Bollywood witnessed a rare and emotional moment as legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan reunited at the funeral of iconic actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar. The two industry stalwarts, who once shaped Hindi cinema’s golden era, shared a heartfelt hug outside the cremation ground, sparking nostalgia among fans. 
Amitabh , Salim Khan crossed paths at Manoj Kumar's funeral
A Nostalgic Reunion at a Somber Moment
Manoj Kumar, the legendary actor known for his patriotic roles, passed away at 87 on April 4 due to age-related illnesses. His funeral, held on April 5 in Mumbai, saw the presence of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Amitabh Bachchan, who arrived with his son Abhishek Bachchan to pay their respects.
As Bachchan exited the cremation ground, he spotted Salim Khan—his once-frequent collaborator—and immediately walked towards him. The two shared a warm handshake, exchanged words, and then embraced in a tight hug, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Watch the Emotional Moment Here
Salim-Javed & Bachchan: The Trio That Defined Bollywood’s Golden Age
For those unfamiliar with Bollywood’s history, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar were the powerhouse writing duo behind Amitabh Bachchan’s rise as the “Angry Young Man” of Indian cinema. Their collaborations in classics like Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, and Don cemented Bachchan’s superstardom in the 70s and 80s.
Despite their professional success, Salim Khan and Bachchan grew distant over the years. In a past interview, Salim had remarked, “There was a time I did 14-15 films with him. But sometimes, when a person gets used to winning, a loss can shock them.”
Their reunion at Manoj Kumar’s funeral has reignited discussions about their iconic partnership and the legacy they left behind.
Manoj Kumar’s Enduring Legacy
Manoj Kumar, often called “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic roles in films like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim, was a towering figure in Indian cinema. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed his passing, stating, “He fought every hurdle with resilience and grace. He left us peacefully, with Sai Baba’s blessings.”
Why This Moment Matters
The emotional reunion between Bachchan and Salim Khan is more than just a viral moment—it’s a reminder of Bollywood’s golden era, where powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances ruled the silver screen. As fans reminisce about their legendary collaborations, this heartfelt gesture proves that some bonds, though strained by time, remain unbroken.
What’s Next?
With Prime Video’s docu-series Angry Young Men revisiting the Salim-Javed era, this reunion has only deepened fans' curiosity about their past collaborations. Will we see them work together again? Only time will tell.
For now, the internet is abuzz with this touching moment—a blend of grief, nostalgia, and enduring respect between two legends.
