Javed Akhtar

File:Javed Akhtar.jpg

Javed Akhtar was born in 1945 in Gwalior.{{cite book |editor=Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen |title=Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SLkABAAAQBAJ&pg=PA204 |date=10 July 2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-94318-9 |page=204 }} His father Jan Nisar Akhtar was a Bollywood film songwriter and Urdu poet.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/on-fathers-day-javed-akhtar-recalls-the-man-who-taught-him-poetry/article6117318.ece|title=On Father's Day, Javed Akhtar recalls the man who taught him poetry|date=16 June 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=26 August 2015|archive-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620053117/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/on-fathers-day-javed-akhtar-recalls-the-man-who-taught-him-poetry/article6117318.ece?|url-status=live}} His paternal grandfather Muztar Khairabadi was a poet as was his grandfather's elder brother, Bismil Khairabadi, while his great great grandfather, Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, was a religious scholar of Islam who declared the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the western colonies.{{Cite web|date=2020-01-16|title=Happy Birthday Javed Akhtar: 10 best quotes from the legendary lyricist and writer|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/happy-birthday-javed-akhtar-10-best-quotes-from-the-legendary-lyricist-and-writer/story-nMOML8p1DiO13gS1s5nraJ.html|access-date=2021-07-23|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723075941/https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/happy-birthday-javed-akhtar-10-best-quotes-from-the-legendary-lyricist-and-writer/story-nMOML8p1DiO13gS1s5nraJ.html|url-status=live}} Javed Akhtar's original name was Jadoo, taken from a line in a poem written by his father: "Lamha, lamha kisi jadoo ka fasana hoga". He was given the official name of Javed since it was close to the word jadoo.{{cite book |title= Sholay: The Making of a Classic |last= Chopra |first= Anupama |year= 2000 |publisher= Penguin Books India|isbn= 0-14-02997-0X |page= 16 }} He spent most of his childhood and was schooled in Lucknow. He graduated from Saifiya College in Bhopal.{{cite book |editor=David John Matthews |title=Quiver: Poems and Ghazals |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hN9jAAAAMAAJ |year=2001 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-81-7223-437-9}}

{{main|Salim-Javed}}

Initially, in the 1970s, there was generally no concept of having the same writer for the screenplay, story and dialogue, nor were the writers given any credits in the titles. Rajesh Khanna is credited with giving Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar their first chance to become screenplay writers by offering them work in Haathi Mere Saathi.{{Cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/More-facts-about-Rajesh-Khanna/articleshow/15030591.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231114/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/news-interviews/32731341_1_rajesh-khanna-consecutive-solo-superhits-record-in-indian-film | url-status=live | archive-date=2013-12-02 | work=The Times of India | title=More facts about Rajesh Khanna}} Javed Akhtar stated in an interview that one day, he went to Salimsaab and said that Mr. Devar had given him a huge signing amount with which he could complete the payment for his bungalow, Aashirwad. But the film was a remake and the script of the original was far from being satisfactory. "He told us that if we could set right the script, he would make sure we got both money and credit."{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3718/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720005307/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3718|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2012|title=The Magic of Haathi Mere Saathi - Latest Movie Features - Bollywood Hungama|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|website=Bollywood Hungama }}

Their first big success was the script for Andaz (1971), followed by Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). They also had hits with Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Zanjeer (1973), Haath Ki Safai (1974), Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), Chacha Bhatija (1977), Don (1978), Trishul (1978), Dostana (1980), Kranti (1981), Zamana (1985) and Mr. India (1987). They have worked together in 24 films including two Kannada films – Premada Kanike and Raja Nanna Raja.

Of the 24 films they wrote, 20 were hits. The scripts they wrote, but which were not successful at box office include Adhikar (1971), Aakhri Dao (1975), Immaan Dharam (1977) and Shaan (1980). Though they split in 1982, due to ego issues, some of the scripts they wrote were made into hit films later, such as Zamana and Mr. India. Salim-Javed, many a time described as "the most successful scriptwriters of all-time",Sholay, through the eyes of Salim Khan, [http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-salim-khan/20120228.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406110656/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-salim-khan/20120228.htm|date=6 April 2019}}, Rediff.com are also noted to be the first scriptwriters in Indian cinema to achieve star status.Ramesh Dawar (2003), [https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111081518/https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC |date=11 January 2023 }}, Encyclopædia Britannica (India) Pvt. Ltd.

{{Quote box|width=25%|align=right|quote=“There are certain things that I’d like to make clear at the very outset. Don’t get carried away by my name — Javed Akhtar. I am not revealing a secret, I am saying something that I have said many times, in writing or on TV, in public… I’m an atheist, I have no religious beliefs. And I don’t believe in spirituality of some kind".{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Atheism is the religion for these filmi folk |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/photo-features/atheism-is-the-religion-for-these-filmi-folk/atheism-is-the-religion-for-these-filmi-folk/photostory/45543752.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630162622/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/photo-features/atheism-is-the-religion-for-these-filmi-folk/photostory/45543752.cms |archive-date=30 June 2022 |publisher=Times of India}}}}

Akhtar was nominated to the Parliament upper house Rajya Sabha on 16 November 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_javed-akhtar-dua-nominated-to-rajya-sabha_1312632 |title=Javed Akhtar, Dua nominated to Rajya Sabha – India – DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=17 November 2009 |access-date=3 March 2013 |archive-date=2 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602163811/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-javed-akhtar-dua-nominated-to-rajya-sabha-1312632 |url-status=live }}

Akhtar was married to Honey Irani, with whom he had two children, Farhan Akhtar, a film actor, producer, director{{Cite web|title=Farhan Akhtar|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1027719/|access-date=2020-08-29|website=IMDb|archive-date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012013703/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1027719/|url-status=live}} and Zoya Akhtar, a film writer, director and producer.{{Cite web|title=Zoya Akhtar|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0015295/|access-date=2020-08-29|website=IMDb|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921011734/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0015295/|url-status=live}} The father-and-son duo have worked together in films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!! and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara with Zoya. Farhan was married to Adhuna Akhtar, a hair stylist.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/chat/javechat.htm |title=Transcript of the Javed Akhtar Chat |work=rediff.com |access-date=3 March 2013 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024221735/http://www.rediff.com/chat/javechat.htm |url-status=live }}

Despite having an Islamic upbringing, Akhtar declared himself to be an "equal opportunity atheist" who is against all faiths,{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120715/jsp/7days/story_15730121.jsp#.Uezxeo03D4w |title=Eye on England |publisher=Telegraphindia.com |date=15 July 2012 |archive-date=19 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719061237/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120715/jsp/7days/story_15730121.jsp|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=2020-06-13|title=Javed Akhtar calls himself 'equal opportunity atheist who is against all faiths' after offending both sides|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/javed-akhtar-calls-himself-equal-opportunity-atheist-who-is-against-all-faiths-after-offending-both-sides/story-tqFPdtO3nXs03lWzuqHQWI.html|access-date=2021-10-04|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004122414/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/javed-akhtar-calls-himself-equal-opportunity-atheist-who-is-against-all-faiths-after-offending-both-sides/story-tqFPdtO3nXs03lWzuqHQWI.html|url-status=live}} and also brought up his children Farhan and Zoya Akhtar as atheists.{{cite web|title=10 Self-Proclaimed Celebrity Atheists | Entertainment | iDiva.com | Page 4|url=http://idiva.com/photogallery-entertainment/10-self-proclaimed-celebrity-atheists/21972/4|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203026/http://idiva.com/photogallery-entertainment/10-self-proclaimed-celebrity-atheists/21972/4|archive-date=29 October 2013|access-date=16 December 2013|publisher=iDiva.com}} However, he continues to identify as a "cultural Muslim" because of his heritage associated with the Islamic civilization.{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Saurav |date=18 March 2024 |title=‘Can’t Change My Religion As…’, Javed Akhtar’s Big Revelation |url=https://news24online.com/entertainment/cant-change-my-religion-as-javed-akhtars-big-revelation/239377/#:~:text=He%20is%20connected%20to%20the,Muslim%20is%20connected%20to%20him.&text=An%20atheist%20is%20an%20individual%20who%20does%20not%20believe%20in%20any%20religion. |website=News24}}{{Cite web |last=Ramaseshan |first=Radhika |date=7 July 2019 |title=Minority Report |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/leisure/minority-report/articleshow/70111776.cms |website=Mumbai Mirror}}

Akhtar married Shabana Azmi, the daughter of Urdu poet, Kaifi Azmi and later divorced Irani.{{cite web |url=http://idiva.com/news-entertainment/honey-irani-on-divorce-survival-shabana-azmi/13218 |title=Honey Irani on Divorce, Survival & Shabana Azmi |publisher=iDiva.com |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=3 March 2013 |archive-date=25 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225152049/http://idiva.com/news-entertainment/honey-irani-on-divorce-survival-shabana-azmi/13218 |url-status=live }} Akhtar's uncle, Asrar-ul-Haq "Majaz" was also an Urdu poet. His uncle, Ansar Harvani, was a member of the Indian independence movement and an elected Member of Parliament. Akhtar's aunt, Hamida Salim, was an Indian author, economist and educator as well.{{Cite news|date=2015-08-17|title=Urdu author Hamida Salim passes away|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/urdu-author-hamida-salim-passes-away/article7548543.ece|access-date=2021-07-19|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719053727/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/urdu-author-hamida-salim-passes-away/article7548543.ece|url-status=live}}

Javed was awarded the civilian honour of Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2007. In 2013, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu, India's second highest literary honour, for his poetry collection Lava.[http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/sahitya-akademi/pdf/award2013-e.pdf "Poets dominate Sahitya Akademi Awards 2013"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219002741/http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/sahitya-akademi/pdf/award2013-e.pdf |date=19 December 2013 }}. Sahitya Akademi. 18 December 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013. In 2019, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Letters) by the Jamia Hamdard University.{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/javed-akhtar-conferred-with-honorary-doctorate-by-jamia-hamdard-university-2055183.html |title=Javed Akhtar Conferred With Honorary Doctorate by Jamia Hamdard University |date=2019-03-04 |website=News18 India |access-date=2019-04-30 |archive-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430091544/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/javed-akhtar-conferred-with-honorary-doctorate-by-jamia-hamdard-university-2055183.html |url-status=live }} 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".{{Citation |author= |title=Javed Akhtar Wins Richard Dawkins Award |url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/javed-akhtar-wins-richard-dawkins-award-550966 |work=NDTV |access-date=2021-08-09 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607083105/https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/javed-akhtar-wins-richard-dawkins-award-550966 |url-status=live}}. Lokmat Sur Jyotsna National Music Award - 2025 Legend Award for him contribution to Indian music.{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-03-28 |title=सूर ज्योत्स्ना राष्ट्रीय संगीत पुरस्कारांचे वितरण आज; जावेद अख्तर, नितीन मुकेश यांचा सन्मान |url=https://www.lokmat.com/mumbai/sur-jyotsna-national-music-awards-to-be-held-today-lyricist-javed-akhtar-singer-nitin-mukesh-honoured-a-a747/ |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=Lokmat |language=mr}}

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{{col-break|width=25%}}

• 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 (Partially Shot at Same time) (1997)
• Border (1997)
• Virasat (1997)
• ‘’Daud’’ (1997)
• Mrityudand (1997)
• Saaz (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){{col-break|width=25%}}
• 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)

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{{portal|Poetry

}}

• Tarkash (1995){{Cite web|last=Akhtar|first=Javed|title=Nine poems by the 'other' Javed Akhtar|url=http://scroll.in/article/699104/nine-poems-by-the-other-javed-akhtar|access-date=2020-12-03|website=Scroll.in|date=8 January 2015|language=en-US|archive-date=4 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104085142/https://scroll.in/article/699104/nine-poems-by-the-other-javed-akhtar|url-status=live}}
• Lava (2012){{Cite news|last=IANS|date=2013-12-19|title=Javed Akhtar among Sahitya Akademi Award winners for 2013|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/javed-akhtar-among-sahitya-akademi-award-winners-for-2013-113121900760_1.html|access-date=2020-12-03|archive-date=27 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227074647/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/javed-akhtar-among-sahitya-akademi-award-winners-for-2013-113121900760_1.html|url-status=live}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book|last=Chopra|first=Anupama|title=Sholay – The Making of a Classic|publisher=Penguin Books India|year=2000|isbn=0-14-029970-X|author-link=Anupama Chopra}}
• {{cite book|author1=Kabir|first=Nasreen Munni|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m6gmnwEACAAJ|title=Talking Films: Conversations on Hindi Cinema with Javed Akhtar|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0-19-566462-1|author-link=Nasreen Munni Kabir}}
• {{cite book|author1=Kabir|first=Nasreen Munni|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VRYgf5qVYiIC|title=Talking Songs: Javed Akhtar in Conversation with Nasreen Munni Kabir|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-19-568712-5|author-link=Nasreen Munni Kabir}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120302011959/http://javedakhtar.bookchums.com/ Javed Akhtar Songs, Poetry, Biography]
• [http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/index.php?title=%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0 Javed Akhtar at Kavita Kosh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423100251/http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/index.php?title=%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0 |date=23 April 2009 }} (Hindi)
• {{IMDb name|id=0015287|name=Javed Akhtar}}
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/5312158.stm BBC's Noel Thompson interviews JavedAkhtar on 4 September 2006]

{{Salim-Javed}}

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}

{{National Film Award Best Lyrics}}

{{FilmfareAwardBestLyricist}}

{{FilmfareAwardBestDialogue}}

{{FilmfareLifetimeAchievementAward}}

{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2000–09}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Akhtar, Javed}}

Javed Akhtar

Category:Indian male poets

Category:Indian former Sunni Muslims

Category:Cultural Muslims

Category:Critics of religions

Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts

Category:Urdu-language poets from India

Category:Aligarh Muslim University alumni

Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in literature & education

Category:Filmfare Awards winners

Category:Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award winners

Category:Indian atheists

Category:Indian lyricists

Category:People from Aligarh

Category:Writers from Bhopal

Category:Writers from Gwalior

Category:Writers from Lucknow

Category:1945 births

Category:Living people

Category:Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha

Category:Poets from Uttar Pradesh

Category:20th-century Indian poets

Category:21st-century Indian poets

Category:Urdu-language writers

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Category:20th-century Indian male writers

Category:21st-century Indian male writers

Category:Screenwriters from Uttar Pradesh

Category:20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights

Category:21st-century Indian dramatists and playwrights

Category:Best Lyrics National Film Award winners

Category:20th-century atheists

Category:21st-century atheists

Category:Writers from Mumbai

Category:Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu

Category:Male actors in Urdu cinema