From Kal Ho Naa Ho to Ek Ladki Ko Dekha, his words have shaped our emotions. But do you really know Javed Akhtar?
Today, as we celebrate the birthday of Javed Akhtar, we honor not just a lyricist or a poet, but a storyteller who has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and literature. While most know him for his poetic lyrics and unforgettable dialogues, there are many fascinating aspects of his life that remain unexplored. Let’s uncover some lesser-known facts about this literary genius.
Born to Create: A Legacy of Words
Javed Akhtar was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. His family’s rich legacy in literature and poetry shaped his early life, but he chose to carve his own path, infusing modernism into his work. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a renowned Urdu poet, and his mother, Safia Akhtar, was a singer and writer. Growing up in such an environment, Javed was destined to become a literary figure himself.
The Bombay Struggle: From Nothing to Stardom
Not many know that Javed Akhtar arrived in Mumbai with just ₹27 in his pocket. He had no place to stay and barely managed to get by, often surviving on borrowed money. For a while, he even slept on benches at railway stations and roamed film studios, trying to convince producers to give him a chance.
His partnership with Salim Khan (father of Salman Khan) proved to be a game-changer. The duo revolutionized Bollywood with scripts like Sholay (1975), Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), and Don (1978). But their breakup in the 1980s remains one of Bollywood’s biggest mysteries.
Javed and Shabana: A Love Story Written in the Stars
Javed Akhtar’s love life is as poetic as his words. He was initially married to Honey Irani, a talented scriptwriter, with whom he had two children – Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, both now celebrated filmmakers.
However, destiny had other plans. His growing admiration for actress Shabana Azmi, daughter of renowned poet Kaifi Azmi, led to a new chapter in his life. Their love story wasn’t easy, as it was met with resistance, but they eventually married, becoming one of the most intellectual and influential couples in Indian cinema. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared love for poetry and social causes.
The Lyricist Who Changed Bollywood Music
Javed Akhtar reinvented Bollywood lyrics by replacing cliché phrases with deep, meaningful poetry. His songs are not just melodies but reflections of life, love, and philosophy.
“Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga” – A song that captures the magic of love in simple yet profound words.
“Kal Ho Naa Ho” – A song about living in the moment, which became a life mantra for many.
“Sandese Aate Hain” – A patriotic song that still brings tears to the eyes of soldiers and citizens alike.
“Tum Ko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayal Aaya” – A ghazal that beautifully expresses love and longing.
Javed Akhtar’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple words is what sets him apart.
A Fearless Social Commentator
Unlike many artists who shy away from controversy, Javed Akhtar speaks his mind fearlessly. He is vocal about secularism, women’s rights, and free speech. He has openly criticized fundamentalism on both ends of the political spectrum, earning both admirers and detractors.
His speech at the Rajya Sabha (India’s Parliament) on women’s empowerment is one of the most powerful public addresses in recent Indian history. He once said, “Being silent in the face of injustice is as bad as committing injustice.”
His Controversial Stance on Religion
One of the most controversial aspects of Javed Akhtar’s life is his open atheism. Despite coming from a deeply religious Muslim family, he chose to be an atheist, much like his father, Jan Nisar Akhtar. However, he continues to write about spirituality and devotion in a way that resonates with people of all faiths.
His ability to separate personal beliefs from professional creativity is what makes his work universally relatable.
Beyond Bollywood: Javed Akhtar, The Activist
Apart from being a poet and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar is also a social activist. He played a crucial role in drafting the Copyright Act Amendment in India, which ensured that lyricists and composers receive royalties from their work. This was a landmark decision that changed the Indian music industry forever.
Awards and Recognition: A Testament to His Greatness
Javed Akhtar’s contribution to Indian cinema and literature has earned him some of the highest honors:
Padma Shri (1999)
Padma Bhushan (2007)
Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu Poetry (2013)
15 Filmfare Awards (the highest for a lyricist in Indian cinema)
National Film Awards (for both screenplay and lyrics)
Despite these achievements, he remains humble and believes that his best work is yet to come.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Javed Akhtar is not just a poet or a writer; he is an emotion, a voice of reason, and a timeless storyteller. His words have defined generations, and his impact will continue to inspire future artists.
As he turns another year older today, we celebrate not just the man but the magic he creates. Here’s wishing Javed Akhtar a very happy birthday and many more years of poetic brilliance!
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