Javed Akhtar needs no introduction. Who doesn't know Javed Akhtar, the maestro who weaves magic into the lyrics of Hindi cinema? He has significantly contributed to giving ghazals a new and accessible form. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar also penned the screenplays for iconic films like Sholay, Zanjeer, and countless others. This duo is well-known in cinema as Salim-Javed.
Javed Akhtar's Birth
Javed Akhtar was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was an Urdu poet and Hindi film lyricist, while his mother, Safia Akhtar, was a singer, writer, and music teacher. Javed inherited the talent for writing. His grandfather, Mujtar Khearabadi, was also an Urdu poet. From a young age, Javed was immersed in an environment that fostered a deep understanding of poetry and music. His parents affectionately called him "Jadu" (magic), a name inspired by a line from his father's poem: "Lamha, Lamha, kisi jadu ka fasana hoga" (Every moment is a magical story). Later, he was given the name Javed.
Sadly, Javed's mother passed away at a young age, and his father remarried afterward.
Javed Akhtar's Education
Shortly after Javed's birth, his family relocated to Lucknow. Consequently, Javed completed his schooling in Lucknow. He obtained his matriculation from Aligarh Muslim University. Subsequently, Javed earned his bachelor's degree from Safia College in Bhopal.
Javed Akhtar's Career
In 1964, Javed Akhtar moved to Mumbai to pursue his dreams. His command over writing was evident from a young age. This led him to begin writing film dialogues in Mumbai for a meager 100 rupees. While in Mumbai, he met Salim Khan, who was also striving to establish himself as a dialogue writer in Bollywood. They decided to collaborate.
After writing dialogues for the 1970 film Andaz, Javed Akhtar gained recognition in Bollywood. Subsequently, he and Salim Khan received numerous opportunities to write dialogues for various Hindi films. The Salim-Javed duo wrote dialogues for hugely successful films like Haathi Mere Saathi, Seeta Aur Geeta, Zanjeer, and Yaadon Ki Baarat. Their dialogues in Zanjeer were particularly well-received, making the film a massive hit. Sholay proved to be a watershed moment in Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan's careers, becoming a blockbuster hit of its time, holding many records even today. Their dialogues were highly appreciated, and the film earned them considerable recognition. They continued to collaborate on numerous successful films.
The Salim-Javed duo worked together on approximately 24 films, roughly 20 of which were box office blockbusters. However, their partnership ended after the 1987 release of Mr. India. Despite this, Javed Akhtar continued his career as a dialogue writer. Beyond dialogues, he also composed numerous blockbuster songs. In 1994, his song "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga" from 1942: A Love Story garnered immense popularity, earning him a Filmfare Best Lyricist Award.
He also received the Best Lyricist award for his songs in Sandesh Aate Hain, Ghar Se Nikalte Hi, Panchhi Nadiya Pawan Ke Jhonke, Sun Mitwa, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Tere Liye. In addition, Javed Akhtar has been honored with five National Awards for his songwriting.
Javed Akhtar's Wife
Javed Akhtar met Honey Irani during the production of Seeta Aur Geeta. Their relationship blossomed into love, and they married. Javed and Honey Irani had two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. However, their marriage did not last, and they divorced in 1978.
Media reports suggest that Honey Irani became aware of Javed Akhtar's closeness with Shabana Azmi, leading to the divorce. In his early career, Javed Akhtar served as an assistant to Shabana Azmi's father, Kaifi Azmi. In 1984, Javed Akhtar married Shabana Azmi.
Javed Akhtar's Controversies
Javed Akhtar expressed his opposition to the Modi government's handling of the CAA, stating that if India was granting citizenship to all victims, then Shia people in Pakistan should also be granted citizenship.
He also found himself in the headlines for his disagreements with Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who alleged that during a dispute with Hrithik Roshan, Javed Akhtar had demanded an apology from Hrithik's family.
During the Delhi riots, Javed Akhtar was criticized for linking the actions of accused rioters to religious identities, leading to an FIR being filed against him.
In 2021, Javed Akhtar drew criticism for comparing the RSS to the Taliban.
Javed Akhtar's Honours and Awards
