Javed Akhtar

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elebrated lyricist and poet has made him a towering figure in Indian cinema and literature. Known for its depth, thoughtfulness, and poetic finesse, Javed Saheb continues to inspire new generations of writers, filmmakers, and lyricists. His deep love for literature, his commitment to social justice and his contributions to Indian cinema, music, and poetry have left a lasting imprint on the country’s cultural landscape.

In the 70s  Javed Akhtar formed a winning partnership with Salim Khan forming the duo Salim–Javed, earning him his breakthrough as a screenwriter with Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), Trishul (1978), and Don (1978). The duo is credited with revolutionizing the image of heroes and antiheroes and are credited to give the Indian Cinema the memorable persona of the ‘Angry Young Man’ in some of the most iconic films marking the golden era in Bollywood screenwriting. In the times when the writers were not given credits for screenplay, story and dialogue Salim Javed made it mandatory to have their names on the posters of the films since they became the backbone of the films being sold on their names.

Childhood & Education

Akhtar lost his mother at an early age and his father re-married. He and his brother were then sent to his paternal Grandparents in Lucknow. At the age of 6, he was admitted to Lucknow Calvin Talunkadar College, which was once an institution for the aristocrats, being an expensive school with a monthly fee of Rs 17. He would watch his rich classmates who would wear expensive watches, and carry fountain pens. The years passed till he reached his matriculation when his grandfather told him to pass the exam so that he could at least get a job of stamping letters at the post office. At that age when boys dream of becoming engine drivers, Javed dreamt of becoming rich, when he grew up. He had watched Dilip Kumar's ‘Uran Khatola’ and Raj Kapoor's ‘Shree 420’. He knew a lot of songs and sang them aloud when he returned from school, although listening to film songs was prohibited at home. Having spent most of his childhood in Lucknow, he went to do his graduation from Saifiya College in Bhopal.

as he became financially independent and bought his first house and his first car. This was the time when his Dreams started coming true, but life was still lonely. He met Honey Irani on the sets of Seeta Aur Geeta, who was a frank open-hearted woman with a cheerful demeanour. They married within 4 months in the presence of his friends, but not his father as there were still some wounds to heal. In two years, they became proud parents of a daughter Zoya and a son Farhan. His daughter Zoya Akhtar today is a celebrated film director and writer, and Farhan Akhtar, is a successful actor, director, and producer.  

Before his father passed away in 1976, he gave him his last book nine days before his death with his autograph saying you will remember me when I am gone. Javed was this rebellious angry son who was not at peace with his father nor his inheritance. During this period he met Shabana Azmi daughter of the renowned poet Kaifi Azmi, who too was retracing her roots troubled by many questions and doubts. It was an instant attraction between them and not surprisingly they came close, the relationship almost metamorphosed Javed, as much as his friends could see the transformation in him. This eventually led to his separation from Honey Irani in 1983.

Journey as a Solo Lyricist, Poet & Scriptwriter

In the 1980s Javed Akhtar went solo as a lyricist and began his journey to rule the world with his poetic expression and lyrical prowess. His songs were deeply romantic, philosophical, and socially conscious often blending traditional Indian poetry with contemporary ideas, making him a standout figure in the world of Indian music and cinema. Some of his memorable songs include - Ek Ladki Ko Dekha ( 1942 a love story), Tera Bina (from Guru), Dil Chahta Hai (from Dil Chahta Hai), Lakshya (from Lakshya), and Kitni Baatein (from Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein), Ore chore (Lagaan)  title songs of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Javed Saheb brought a new level of depth and emotion to film scripts, often using sharp, witty exchanges to convey complex emotions and social commentary. His writing transcended mere storytelling it became a powerful form of social expression. He worked on several films with his son Farhan Akhtar such as Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara directed by his daughter Zoya Akhtar which became superhits.

 An Author

Javed Akhtar has written several books, including Tarkash, Lava, and Jagvadi Zakhm (The Wounded Civilization), which showcase his prowess in both Urdu and Hindi poetry. Being a secular man with no religious or spiritual beliefs, he calls himself an atheist, which makes him a strong advocate for Social Justice, secularism, and free expression. He has been involved in various social causes, including campaigns for environmental protection and human rights.

Awards & Recognition:

Javed Saheb has been honoured with several laurels and awards for his body of work as a lyricist, poet and screenplay writer. He has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times. He has been awarded two of India's highest civilian honours Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2007). He received the Sahitya Akademi Award (2013) in Urdu which is India's second highest literary honour, for his poetry collection Lava. In 2019, he was conferred with an honorary Doctorate (Doctor of letters) by the Jamia Hamdard University. In 2020 he was awarded the Richard Dawkins Award for being a "Powerful force for secularism, reason, and human rights, challenging superstition and intolerance through his work in poetry, screenwriting, and political activism.”

 Throughout his career, Javed Akhtar has left an indelible mark in Indian cinema and the world of poetry and literature through his writings, poetry, and commitment to social causes.