Representations of Salim

I believe that Salim has been represented as a rebel without a cause, who is easily influenced by money and power. Although he loves his brother, he comes across as a sinister. This is illustrated in the scene where the trio (Salim, Jamal and Latika) escape from the 'orphanage' and ran towards a moving train to flee from their captor. Although Salim is aware that Jamal cares dearly for Latika, Salim purposefully leaves her behind knowing it would cause Jamal pain. We also see this when the trio reunite a few years later, Salim takes advantage of Latika knowing that it will provoke anger from his brother. In this scene we also see the influence of gang culture on Salim as he pronounces himself as the leader due to his age and authority.



 Despite this recurring representation of Salim being the villain, he betrays this character role in the final few scenes of the movie. Instead, he trades this for a courageous hero, who gives up everything he has ever built for the happiness of his brother, he finally does the right thing. As Jamal sits down for his final round of questions for 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' Latika and Salim watch on from what can be assumed to be Javed's (Latika's husband's) apartment. It is obvious to see that after her attempted escape to reuinite with Jamal, Latika is bound to the apartment in fear of her husband and his gang. However, even with knowing the consequences, Salim offers Latika his car keys so that she can escape and find Jamal. This selfless act ultimately results in Salim's death at the fate of his fellow gang members. This act finally reflects Salim's true emotions, it shows that he does care for Jamal. As he hears the news that Jamal has won the show, he is shot to death in a bath of money showing the immediate twist in fate for the siblings.