Javed Akhtar

Date of Birth: January 17, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Javed Akhtar is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and screenwriter who has made significant contributions to the Indian film industry and literature. Born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, he hails from a family with a rich literary heritage. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a famous Urdu poet, and his grandfather, Muztar Khairabadi, was also an acclaimed poet. Javed Akhtar began his career as a screenwriter in the 1970s, collaborating with Salim Khan. Together, they formed the famous duo “Salim-Javed” and wrote blockbuster films such as “Sholay,” “Deewar,” and “Zanjeer.” After parting ways with Salim Khan, Javed Akhtar continued to achieve success as a lyricist, penning songs for films like “Silsila,” “1942: A Love Story,” and “Dil Chahta Hai.” Apart from his contributions to cinema, Javed Akhtar is also a prominent social and political activist. He has been vocal about issues such as secularism, freedom of speech, and gender equality. His literary work has earned him numerous awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.

5 Interesting Facts about Javed Akhtar

1. Javed Akhtar is the only writer to have won the Filmfare Award for Best Script, Best Story, and Best Dialogue.

2. He has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award, India’s second-highest literary honor, for his contributions to Urdu literature.

3. Javed Akhtar is married to actress Shabana Azmi, and they are considered one of Bollywood’s most influential couples.

4. He was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, in 2010.

5. Javed Akhtar is also a co-founder of the NGO Mijwan Welfare Society, which works towards the empowerment of rural India.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Javed Akhtar

1. “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

2. “Poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement.”

3. “True democracy is a place where every man and woman can express their views without fear.”

4. “The pen is mightier than the sword, but it must be wielded with wisdom.”

5. “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Javed Akhtar’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Javed Akhtar has two children from his first marriage to Honey Irani. His son, Farhan Akhtar, is a well-known filmmaker, actor, and singer, while his daughter, Zoya Akhtar, is a critically acclaimed director and screenwriter.