Who is Javed Akhtar and what are his primary professional roles?

Javed Akhtar is an Indian screenwriter, lyricist, and poet, primarily known for his significant contributions to Hindi cinema. He is considered one of the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi Cinema.

What significant civilian honors has Javed Akhtar received from the Government of India?

Javed Akhtar has received two of India's highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. These awards recognize his distinguished service and achievements in his field.

How did Javed Akhtar first gain recognition in the film industry?

Javed Akhtar first gained recognition as part of the screenwriting duo Salim–Javed. Their breakthrough came with the 1973 film *Zanjeer*, which established them as prominent writers in Hindi cinema.

Which films written by Salim-Javed achieved a cult following and significant cultural impact?

The films *Deewaar* and *Sholay*, both released in 1975 and written by the Salim-Javed duo, earned a cult following and had a significant impact on popular culture. These movies are often cited as classics of Hindi cinema.

What awards has Javed Akhtar won for his work as a lyricist?

As a lyricist, Javed Akhtar has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times, demonstrating his consistent excellence in songwriting.

What political role has Javed Akhtar held, and which political party did he campaign for?

Javed Akhtar was a member of parliament in Rajya Sabha, India's upper house, from March 22, 2010, to March 21, 2016. He also notably campaigned for the Communist Party of India (CPI) and their candidate in the 2019 Indian general election.

What international award did Javed Akhtar receive in 2020 and for what contributions?

In 2020, Javed Akhtar received 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.' This award recognizes individuals who publicly champion scientific reason and secularism.

What recent documentary series features the Salim-Javed screenwriting duo?

In 2024, Amazon Prime released a three-part documentary series titled *Angry Young Men*, which focuses on the acclaimed Salim-Javed screenwriting duo.

When and where was Javed Akhtar born?

Javed Akhtar was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Gwalior State, British India, which is present-day Madhya Pradesh, India.

Who was Javed Akhtar's father and what were his professions?

Javed Akhtar's father was Jan Nisar Akhtar, who was a songwriter in Hindi films and an Urdu poet. His artistic lineage played a significant role in Javed Akhtar's own creative path.

What notable historical figure is among Javed Akhtar's great-great-grandfathers?

Javed Akhtar's great-great-grandfather, Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, was a religious scholar of Islam who notably declared the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the Western colonies. This highlights a lineage of intellectual and activist figures.

What was Javed Akhtar's original name and how did he get his official name?

Javed Akhtar's original name was Jadoo, derived from a line in a poem by his father: 'Lamha, lamha kisi jadoo ka fasana hoga.' He was later given the official name Javed because it was phonetically close to 'jadoo,' meaning magic.

Where did Javed Akhtar receive his early education and college degree?

Javed Akhtar spent most of his childhood and was schooled in Lucknow. He later graduated from Saifiya College in Bhopal.

What was the typical practice for screenwriters in Hindi cinema during the 1970s, and how did Salim-Javed change this?

In the 1970s, there was generally no concept of having a single writer for the screenplay, story, and dialogue, nor were writers typically given credits in film titles. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, as the duo Salim-Javed, were instrumental in changing this, becoming the first screenwriters in Indian cinema to achieve star status and receive proper credit.

Who gave Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar their first opportunity as screenplay writers?

Rajesh Khanna is credited with giving Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar their first chance to become screenplay writers by offering them work in the film *Haathi Mere Saathi*.

What were some of the early successful films written by the Salim-Javed duo?

Some of the early successful films written by the Salim-Javed duo include *Andaz* (1971), *Haathi Mere Saathi* (1971), and *Seeta Aur Geeta* (1972).

Name some of the major hit films written by Salim-Javed during their collaboration.

Major hit films written by Salim-Javed include *Yaadon Ki Baaraat* (1973), *Zanjeer* (1973), *Deewaar* (1975), *Sholay* (1975), *Don* (1978), *Trishul* (1978), *Dostana* (1980), *Kranti* (1981), and *Mr. India* (1987).

How many films did Salim-Javed write together, and what was their success rate?

The Salim-Javed duo worked together on 24 films, including two Kannada films. Of these, 20 were hits, indicating a very high success rate for their screenplays.

What were some of the films written by Salim-Javed that were not successful at the box office?

Films written by Salim-Javed that were not successful at the box office include *Adhikar* (1971), *Aakhri Dao* (1975), *Immaan Dharam* (1977), and *Shaan* (1980).

When did the Salim-Javed duo split, and were any of their scripts released afterward?

The Salim-Javed duo split in 1982 due to ego issues. However, some of the scripts they had already written were later made into hit films, such as *Zamana* (1985) and *Mr. India* (1987).

Who was Javed Akhtar's first wife, and who are their children?

Javed Akhtar was first married to Honey Irani, with whom he had two children: Farhan Akhtar, who is a film actor, producer, and director, and Zoya Akhtar, a film writer, director, and producer.

What is Javed Akhtar's declared stance on religion and how did he raise his children?

Despite having an Islamic upbringing, Javed Akhtar declared himself an 'equal opportunity atheist' who is against all faiths and does not believe in spirituality. He also raised his children, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, as atheists.

How does Javed Akhtar reconcile his atheism with his cultural identity?

Despite being an atheist, Javed Akhtar continues to identify as a 'cultural Muslim' due to his heritage being associated with Islamic civilization. This indicates a distinction between religious belief and cultural background.

Who is Javed Akhtar currently married to?

Javed Akhtar is currently married to Shabana Azmi, who is the daughter of Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi. He married her after divorcing his first wife, Honey Irani.

Name some of Javed Akhtar's notable relatives and their professions.

Javed Akhtar comes from a family of notable figures; his paternal grandfather Muztar Khairabadi was a poet, his uncle Majaz was an Urdu poet, his uncle Ansar Harvani was an Indian independence movement member and MP, and his aunt Hamida Salim was an Indian author, economist, and educator.

What literary award did Javed Akhtar receive in 2013, and for which work?

In 2013, Javed Akhtar received the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu, India's second-highest literary honor, for his poetry collection titled *Lava*.

Which university conferred an honorary doctorate upon Javed Akhtar in 2019?

Javed Akhtar was conferred with an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Letters) by the Jamia Hamdard University in 2019, recognizing his contributions to arts and literature.

For which film did Javed Akhtar win his first National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 1996?

Javed Akhtar won his first National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 1996 for his work on the film *Saaz*.

List the films for which Javed Akhtar won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics.

Javed Akhtar won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics for *Saaz* (1996), *Border* (1997), *Godmother* (1998), *Refugee* (2000), and *Lagaan* (2001).

Which song earned Javed Akhtar his first Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1995?

Javed Akhtar won his first Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1995 for the song 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha' from the film *1942: A Love Story*.

For which film did Javed Akhtar win the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue in 1990?

Javed Akhtar won the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue in 1990 for the film *Main Azaad Hoon*.

Name some of the films for which Javed Akhtar was nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist but did not win.

Javed Akhtar was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for 'Ek Do Teen' from *Tezaab* (1989), 'Chand Taare' from *Yes Boss* (1998), and 'Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam' from *Duplicate* (1999).

What were some of the films for which Javed Akhtar received Filmfare Award nominations for Best Story?

Javed Akhtar received Filmfare Award nominations for Best Story for the films *Betaab* (1984), *Mashaal* (1985), and *Arjun* (1986).

Which song from *Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara* earned Javed Akhtar the Mirchi Music Award for Lyricist of The Year in 2011?

Javed Akhtar won the Mirchi Music Award for Lyricist of The Year in 2011 for the song 'Khwabon Ke Parindey' from the film *Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara*.

What special award did Javed Akhtar receive at the Mirchi Music Awards in 2014?

Javed Akhtar received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mirchi Music Awards in 2014, honoring his extensive career and contributions to music.

In what language did Javed Akhtar primarily write dialogues, and how were they transcribed for Hindi films?

Javed Akhtar primarily wrote dialogues in Urdu. An assistant would then transcribe the Urdu dialogue into Devnagari script, as most people read Hindi, making his work accessible to a wider audience.

Name two Kannada films for which Salim-Javed wrote screenplays.

Salim-Javed wrote screenplays for two Kannada films: *Premada Kanike* (1976) and *Raja Nanna Raja* (1976).

List some of the films for which Javed Akhtar worked as a screenwriter independently (not as Salim-Javed).

As an independent screenwriter, Javed Akhtar wrote films such as *Betaab* (1983), *Mashaal* (1984), *Arjun* (1985), *Meri Jung* (1985), *Main Azaad Hoon* (1989), *Lakshya* (2004), and *Don: The Chase Begins Again* (2006).

Name some of the films for which Javed Akhtar worked as a lyricist in the 1980s.

In the 1980s, Javed Akhtar worked as a lyricist for films including *Silsila* (1981), *Mashaal* (1984), *Mr. India* (1987), and *Tezaab* (1988).

Which films from the 1990s feature Javed Akhtar's lyrics?

Films from the 1990s featuring Javed Akhtar's lyrics include *1942: A Love Story* (1994), *Border* (1997), *Yes Boss* (1997), *Godmother* (1999), and *Dillagi* (1999).

List some of the films from the 2000s for which Javed Akhtar wrote lyrics.

Javed Akhtar wrote lyrics for numerous films in the 2000s, including *Refugee* (2000), *Dil Chahta Hai* (2001), *Lagaan* (2001), *Kal Ho Naa Ho* (2003), *Veer-Zaara* (2004), *Swades* (2004), *Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna* (2006), *Om Shanti Om* (2007), and *Jodhaa Akbar* (2008).

What are the titles of Javed Akhtar's poetry collections mentioned in the bibliography?

Javed Akhtar's poetry collections mentioned in the bibliography are *Tarkash* (1995) and *Lava* (2012).

Who nominated Javed Akhtar to the Rajya Sabha?

Javed Akhtar was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Pratibha Patil, who was the President of India at the time.

Who succeeded Javed Akhtar as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha?

Navjot Singh Sidhu succeeded Javed Akhtar as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. This is a common transition in parliamentary roles.

What constituency did Javed Akhtar represent in the Rajya Sabha?

Javed Akhtar represented the 'Nominated (Arts)' constituency in the Rajya Sabha, indicating his appointment was based on his contributions to the arts.

What was the initial challenge faced by Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar when offered *Haathi Mere Saathi*?

When offered *Haathi Mere Saathi*, the initial challenge for Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar was that the film was a remake, and the script of the original was far from satisfactory. They were tasked with improving it to ensure both financial success and proper credit.

What was the significance of Salim-Javed being described as 'the most successful scriptwriters of all-time'?

Being described as 'the most successful scriptwriters of all-time' signifies their unprecedented impact and consistent delivery of hit films, which was a rare achievement for screenwriters in Indian cinema.

Which film, written by Javed Akhtar independently, featured Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh?

The 1983 film *Betaab*, written by Javed Akhtar independently, featured Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh in lead roles.

Which film, written by Javed Akhtar, starred Anil Kapoor and Sridevi and was directed by Shekhar Kapur?

The 1987 film *Mr. India*, written by Javed Akhtar (as part of Salim-Javed, though released after their split), starred Anil Kapoor and Sridevi and was directed by Shekhar Kapur. It became a highly iconic film.

Javed Akhtar Wiki: Javed Akhtar: A Luminary of Indian Cinema and Letters

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Who is Javed Akhtar?

A Polymathic Talent

Javed Akhtar, born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, British India, stands as a towering figure in Indian arts and public life. His illustrious career spans across screenwriting, lyricism, and poetry, establishing him as a polymath whose contributions have profoundly shaped Hindi cinema and contemporary Indian discourse.^[1]

Architect of Cinematic Narratives

Akhtar gained initial prominence as one half of the iconic screenwriting duo, Salim–Javed. Their collaborative genius revolutionized Hindi cinema, particularly with the breakthrough film Zanjeer (1973). This partnership was instrumental in crafting narratives that resonated deeply with audiences, including the seminal works Deewaar and Sholay (both 1975), which achieved cult status and left an indelible mark on popular culture.^[2]

Acclaimed Poet and Public Intellectual

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Akhtar is a critically acclaimed lyricist and poet, earning numerous accolades including five National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist. His literary prowess is further recognized by the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetry collection Lava. A vocal political activist and former Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, he was honored with the Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2007), India's highest civilian honors, and the Richard Dawkins Award (2020) for his advocacy of secularism and human rights.^[1]^[3]^[4]

Formative Years

A Legacy of Letters and Rebellion

Javed Akhtar's lineage is steeped in a rich intellectual and artistic tradition. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a distinguished songwriter in Hindi films and a celebrated Urdu poet.^[5] This poetic heritage extends further back to his paternal grandfather, Muztar Khairabadi, also a renowned poet. Notably, his great-great-grandfather, Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, was a prominent Islamic religious scholar who famously declared the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against Western colonial rule, underscoring a family history of both intellectual pursuit and principled defiance.^[6]

Childhood and Education

Originally named Jadoo, a moniker derived from a line in one of his father's poems—"Lamha, lamha kisi jadoo ka fasana hoga" (Every moment will be a tale of some magic)—he was officially given the name Javed due to its phonetic proximity to 'jadoo'. His early life and schooling were primarily in Lucknow, a city renowned for its cultural refinement. He later pursued his higher education, graduating from Saifiya College in Bhopal, further solidifying his academic foundation.^[7]^[8]

Screenwriting Prowess

The Salim-Javed Phenomenon

In the 1970s, the concept of a dedicated screenwriter for story, screenplay, and dialogue, let alone receiving on-screen credit, was largely absent in Indian cinema. This paradigm shifted dramatically with the emergence of the Salim–Javed duo. Their initial opportunity came from actor Rajesh Khanna, who enlisted them for the film Haathi Mere Saathi (1971). Akhtar recounted how Khanna offered them both financial compensation and due credit if they could refine the original, unsatisfactory script, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.^[9]^[10]

Crafting Blockbusters and Cult Classics

Following their initial success with Andaz (1971) and Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Salim–Javed went on to script an impressive string of hits. Their filmography includes iconic titles such as Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), and the groundbreaking Zanjeer (1973), which established Amitabh Bachchan's "angry young man" persona. They continued their remarkable run with films like Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), Don (1978), and Mr. India (1987). Out of 24 films they penned, 20 achieved commercial success, solidifying their reputation as "the most successful scriptwriters of all-time" and the first to attain star status in Indian cinema.^[11]^[12]

Notable Films as Salim-Javed:

Andaz (1971)
Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
Zanjeer (1973)
Haath Ki Safai (1974)
Deewaar (1975)
Sholay (1975)
Chacha Bhatija (1977)
Trishul (1978)
Don (1978)
Dostana (1980)
Kranti (1981)
Shakti (1982)
Zamana (1985)
Mr. India (1987)

Independent Narrative Contributions

Despite their eventual separation in 1982 due to creative differences, the enduring quality of their work meant that some of their previously written scripts, such as Zamana and Mr. India, were later produced as successful films. Following the split, Javed Akhtar continued his screenwriting journey independently, contributing to films like Betaab (1983), Mashaal (1984), Meri Jung (1985), and Lakshya (2004). His solo screenwriting efforts further cemented his reputation as a master storyteller capable of crafting compelling narratives that resonated with diverse audiences.^[13]

Life and Philosophy

Public Service and Advocacy

Javed Akhtar's influence extends beyond the realm of entertainment into public service and political activism. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, on November 16, 2009, serving until March 21, 2016.^[14] He notably campaigned for the Communist Party of India (CPI) in the 2019 Indian general election, demonstrating his commitment to political engagement and social causes. His public discourse often reflects his dedication to secularism, reason, and human rights, for which he received the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award in 2020.^[3]

Family and Artistic Lineage

Akhtar's personal life is intertwined with a rich artistic tapestry. He was married to Honey Irani from 1972 to 1985, with whom he has two children: Farhan Akhtar, a prominent film actor, producer, and director, and Zoya Akhtar, an acclaimed film writer, director, and producer.^[15] This artistic legacy continues, with Javed collaborating with his children on successful films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. After his divorce from Honey Irani, he married Shabana Azmi, the daughter of the esteemed Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, further deepening his connections to India's literary elite. His extended family includes other notable figures such as his uncle Asrar-ul-Haq "Majaz" (an Urdu poet), his uncle Ansar Harvani (an Indian independence movement member and MP), and his aunt Hamida Salim (an author, economist, and educator).^[16]^[17]

Atheism and Cultural Identity

Despite his Islamic upbringing, Javed Akhtar openly identifies as an "equal opportunity atheist," expressing a stance against all faiths. He has consistently articulated this position publicly, stating, "I’m an atheist, I have no religious beliefs. And I don’t believe in spirituality of some kind."^[18] He raised his children, Farhan and Zoya, with similar secular values. However, he also acknowledges and embraces his identity as a "cultural Muslim," recognizing his deep connection to the rich heritage and civilization of Islam, which forms a significant part of his cultural background.^[19]^[20]

Distinguished Honors

National and International Recognition

Javed Akhtar's profound impact on Indian culture and his unwavering commitment to intellectual discourse have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. The Government of India bestowed upon him the civilian honor of Padma Shri in 1999, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2007, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the arts.^[1] In the literary sphere, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu in 2013 for his acclaimed poetry collection Lava, marking India's second-highest literary honor.^[21] His intellectual contributions were further recognized with an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Letters) from Jamia Hamdard University in 2019.^[22] Internationally, he was awarded the Richard Dawkins Award in 2020 for his powerful advocacy of secularism, reason, and human rights, challenging superstition and intolerance through his diverse body of work.^[3] In 2025, he is slated to receive the Lokmat Sur Jyotsna National Music Award - Legend Award for his significant contributions to Indian music.^[23]

National Film Awards for Best Lyrics:

Year	Outcome	Work
1996	Won	Saaz
1997	Won	Border
1998	Won	Godmother
2000	Won	Refugee
2001	Won	Lagaan

Filmfare Awards:

Year	Category	Outcome	Work
1995	Best Lyricist	Won	"Ek Ladki Ko Dekha" from 1942: A Love Story
1997	Best Lyricist	Won	"Ghar Se Nikalte" from Papa Kehte Hai
1989	Best Lyricist	Nominated	"Ek Do Teen" from Tezaab
1990	Best Dialogue	Won	Main Azaad Hoon
1998	Best Lyricist	Won	"Sandese Aate Hai" from Border
1998	Best Lyricist	Nominated	"Chand Taare" from Yes Boss
1999	Best Lyricist	Nominated	"Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam" from Duplicate
1984	Best Story	Nominated	Betaab
1985	Best Story	Nominated	Mashaal
1986	Best Story	Nominated	Arjun
2001	Best Lyricist	Won	"Panchchi Nadiyaan" from Refugee
2002	Best Lyricist	Won	"Radha Kaise Naa Jale" from Lagaan
2002	Best Lyricist	Nominated	"Mitwa" from Lagaan

Mirchi Music Awards:

Year	Category	Outcome	Work
2011	Album of The Year	Nominated	Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
2011	Lyricist of The Year	Won	"Khwabon Ke Parindey" from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
2011	Lyricist of The Year	Nominated	"Senorita" from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
2012	Lyricist of The Year	Won	"Jee Le Zara" from Talaash
2014	Lifetime Achievement Award	Won	-
2015	Album of The Year	Nominated	Dil Dhadakne Do
2015	Lyricist of The Year	Nominated	"Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi" from Dil Dhadakne Do

Cinematic Contributions

Screenwriting Milestones

Javed Akhtar's screenwriting career is marked by a prolific output of influential films. His collaboration with Salim Khan as "Salim-Javed" produced a remarkable body of work that defined an era of Hindi cinema. Post-1982, he continued to contribute significantly as an independent screenwriter, crafting compelling narratives that captivated audiences. These films often explored themes of social justice, personal struggle, and human resilience, reflecting his deep understanding of societal dynamics and individual psychology.

Films as "Salim-Javed":

Year	Film	Language	Director
1971	Andaz	Hindi	Ramesh Sippy
1971	Adhikar	Hindi	S.M. Sagar
1971	Haathi Mere Saathi	Hindi	M. A. Thirumugham
1972	Seeta Aur Geeta	Hindi	Ramesh Sippy
1973	Yaadon Ki Baaraat	Hindi	Nasir Hussain
1973	Zanjeer	Hindi	Prakash Mehra
1974	Majboor	Hindi	Ravi Tandon
1974	Haath Ki Safai	Hindi	Prakash Mehra
1975	Deewaar	Hindi	Yash Chopra
1975	Sholay	Hindi	Ramesh Sippy
1975	Aakhri Dao	Hindi	A. Salaam
1976	Premada Kanike	Kannada	V. Somashekhar
1976	Raja Nanna Raja	Kannada	A. V. Seshagiri Rao
1977	Immaan Dharam	Hindi	Desh Mukherjee
1977	Chacha Bhatija	Hindi	Manmohan Desai
1978	Trishul	Hindi	Yash Chopra
1978	Don	Hindi	Chandra Barot
1979	Kaala Patthar	Hindi	Yash Chopra
1980	Dostana	Hindi	Raj Khosla
1980	Shaan	Hindi	Ramesh Sippy
1981	Kranti	Hindi	Manoj Kumar
1982	Shakti	Hindi	Ramesh Sippy
1985	Zamana	Hindi	Ramesh Talwar
1987	Mr. India	Hindi	Shekhar Kapur

Films as "Javed Akhtar" (Screenwriter):

Year	Film	Language	Director
1983	Betaab	Hindi	Rahul Rawail
1984	Duniya	Hindi	Ramesh Talwar
1984	Mashaal	Hindi	Yash Chopra
1985	Saagar	Hindi	Ramesh Sippy
1985	Arjun	Hindi	Rahul Rawail
1985	Meri Jung	Hindi	Subhash Ghai
1987	Dacait	Hindi	Rahul Rawail
1989	Main Azaad Hoon	Hindi	Tinnu Anand
1992	Khel	Hindi	Rakesh Roshan
1993	Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja	Hindi	Satish Kaushik
1995	Prem	Hindi	Satish Kaushik
1998	Kabhi Na Kabhi	Hindi	Priyadarshan
2004	Lakshya	Hindi	Farhan Akhtar
2006	Don: The Chase Begins Again	Hindi	Farhan Akhtar

Lyricist Legacy

The Poetic Voice of Bollywood

Javed Akhtar's lyrical contributions to Hindi cinema are extensive and deeply cherished. His ability to weave profound emotions and vivid imagery into song lyrics has made him one of the most sought-after and respected lyricists in the industry. From romantic ballads to patriotic anthems, his words have graced countless film soundtracks, becoming an integral part of India's musical heritage. His work as a lyricist has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, reflecting his mastery of language and his sensitivity to the nuances of human experience.

Selected Films as Lyricist:

Silsila (1981)
Saath-Saath (1982)
Duniya (1984)
Mashaal (1984)
Saagar (1985)
Arjun (1985)
Mr. India (1987)
Tezaab (1988)
Jaadugar (1989)
Joshilaay (1989)
Mil Gayee Manzil Mujhe (1989)
Sailaab (1990)
Jamai Raja (1990)
Hafta Bandh (1991)
Narsimha (1991)
Khel (1992)
Drohi (1992)
Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993)
Yugandhar (1993)
Gardish (1993)
1942: A Love Story (1994)
Papa Kehte Hai (1996)
Dastak (1996)
Sardari Begum (1996)
Diljale (1996)
Sapnay (1997)
Border (1997)
Virasat (1997)
Daud (1997)
Mrityudand (1997)
Yes Boss (1997)
Darmiyaan: In Between (1997)
Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997)
Jeans (1997)
Wajood (1998)
Kabhi Na Kabhi (1998)
Bada Din (1998)
Duplicate (1998)
1947 Earth (1999)
Godmother (1999)
Baadshah (1999)
Arjun Pandit (1999)
Laawaris (1999)
Dillagi (1999)
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000)
Refugee (2000)
Karobaar (2000)
Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000)
Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya (2000)
Champion (2000)
Gang (2000)
Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Zubeidaa (2001)
Lagaan (2001)
Abhay (2001)
Moksha (2001)
Pyar Ki Dhun (2002)
Agni Varsha (2002)
Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002)
Badhaai Ho Badhaai (2002)

Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai? (2002)
Satta (2003)
Love at Times Square (2003)
The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003)
Armaan (2003)
Chalte Chalte (2003)
Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
L.O.C. Kargil (2003)
Tehzeeb (2003)
Main Hoon Na (2004)
Veer-Zaara (2004)
Lakshya (2004)
Charas (2004)
Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... (2004)
Dobara (2004)
Swades (2004)
Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004)
Kisna: The Warrior Poet (2005)
Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Dil Jo Bhi Kahey... (2005)
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Don (2006)
Traffic Signal (2007)
Namastey London (2007)
Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007)
Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)
Welcome (2007)
Om Shanti Om (2007)
Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Rock On!! (2008)
Luck by Chance (2009)
What's Your Raashee? (2009)
Wake Up Sid (2009)
My Name is Khan (2010)
Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010)
Aisha (2010)
Red Alert: The War Within (2010)
Prem Kaa Game (2010)
Don 2: The King is Back (2011)
Ekk Deewana Tha (2012)
Talaash (2012)
Vishwaroop (2013)
Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
Rock On 2 (2016)
Mohenjo Daro (2016)
Raees (2017)
Gold (2018)
Paltan (2018)
Namastey England (2018)
Gully Boy (2019)
Panipat (2019)
Panga (2020)
Toofaan (2021)
The Archies (2023)
Dunki (2023)
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023)
Yudhra (2024)
Lahore 1947 (2025)

Literary Works

Published Poetry Collections

As a poet, Javed Akhtar has enriched the world of Urdu literature with his evocative and insightful verse. His published collections are a testament to his profound command over language and his ability to articulate complex emotions and observations with elegance. These works have garnered critical acclaim and further solidified his standing as a significant literary figure.

Tarkash (1995)^[24]
Lava (2012)^[25]

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Javed Akhtar Wikipedia page

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Javed Akhtar: A Luminary of Indian Cinema and Letters

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Who is Javed Akhtar? ✨

🎭 A Polymathic Talent

🎬 Architect of Cinematic Narratives

🏆 Acclaimed Poet and Public Intellectual

Formative Years 🌱

📜 A Legacy of Letters and Rebellion

🎓 Childhood and Education

Screenwriting Prowess ✍️

🤝 The Salim-Javed Phenomenon

🌟 Crafting Blockbusters and Cult Classics

Notable Films as Salim-Javed:

💡 Independent Narrative Contributions

Life and Philosophy 🧠

🏛️ Public Service and Advocacy

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Artistic Lineage

💡 Atheism and Cultural Identity

Distinguished Honors 🏅

🌟 National and International Recognition

National Film Awards for Best Lyrics:

Filmfare Awards:

Mirchi Music Awards:

Cinematic Contributions 🎥

🖋️ Screenwriting Milestones

Films as "Salim-Javed":

Films as "Javed Akhtar" (Screenwriter):

Lyricist Legacy 🎶

🎤 The Poetic Voice of Bollywood

Selected Films as Lyricist:

Literary Works 📚

📖 Published Poetry Collections

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Who is Javed Akhtar?

A Polymathic Talent

Architect of Cinematic Narratives

Acclaimed Poet and Public Intellectual

Formative Years

A Legacy of Letters and Rebellion

Childhood and Education

Screenwriting Prowess

The Salim-Javed Phenomenon

Crafting Blockbusters and Cult Classics

Independent Narrative Contributions

Life and Philosophy

Public Service and Advocacy

Family and Artistic Lineage

Atheism and Cultural Identity

Distinguished Honors

National and International Recognition

Cinematic Contributions

Screenwriting Milestones

Lyricist Legacy

The Poetic Voice of Bollywood

Literary Works

Published Poetry Collections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice