Javed Akhtar is one of India’s most influential and multi-faceted literary figures. A renowned screenwriter, lyricist, poet, and activist, his career has spanned over five decades, fundamentally altering the landscape of Hindi cinema.
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Early Life and Background
Born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, British India, Javed Akhtar was originally named Jadoo, a name derived from a line in a poem by his father. He belongs to a lineage of intellectuals and poets; his father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a celebrated Urdu poet and film songwriter, and his mother, Safia Akhtar, was a writer and teacher.
His childhood was marked by frequent moves and personal loss. After his mother passed away when he was young, he spent time with relatives in Lucknow and Aligarh. He attended Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow and later Saifiya College in Bhopal, where he earned his B.A. and became known as a skilled debater.
The Rise of Salim-Javed
In October 1964, Akhtar arrived in Mumbai (then Bombay) with little more than a dream to work in films. His early years were a period of extreme struggle, involving occasional work as an assistant and writing dialogues for minor films for meager sums.
The turning point came during the filming of Sarhadi Lootera (1966), where he met Salim Khan. The two eventually formed the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed. Together, they revolutionized Indian cinema by introducing the “Angry Young Man” persona, famously embodied by Amitabh Bachchan. Their partnership produced some of the most iconic films in history, including:
- Sholay (1975): Often cited as one of the greatest Indian films ever made.
- Deewar (1975): Known for its sharp, gritty dialogues.
- Zanjeer (1973): The film that established the “Angry Young Man” archetype.
- Don (1978): A cult classic thriller.
Salim-Javed were the first scriptwriters in India to achieve “star status,” successfully demanding that their names appear on film posters alongside the actors and directors.
Transition to Lyrics and Poetry
After the duo split in 1982, Javed Akhtar transitioned into songwriting, making a spectacular debut as a lyricist with Yash Chopra’s Silsila (1981). He quickly became the most sought-after lyricist in the industry, known for his rhythmic, reflective, and deeply melodic verses. His work in films like 1942: A Love Story, Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, and Kal Ho Naa Ho earned him widespread acclaim.
Beyond the screen, Akhtar is a distinguished Urdu poet. His first collection of poems, Tarkash (1995), was a major literary success and was later released as India’s first audiobook. His second collection, Lava, earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2013.
Activism and Public Life
Javed Akhtar is recognized as a vocal social commentator and activist. A self-declared atheist who identifies as a “cultural Muslim,” he frequently speaks out against communalism, social injustice, and fundamentalism.
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Personal Life and Legacy
Javed Akhtar was first married to screenwriter Honey Irani, with whom he has two children: Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, both of whom are prominent filmmakers and actors. After his divorce from Irani, he married the acclaimed actress and activist Shabana Azmi, daughter of the legendary poet Kaifi Azmi.
Major Awards and Honors
Akhtar’s mantle is crowded with many of India’s highest honors:
- Civilian Awards: Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2007).
- National Film Awards: Five wins for Best Lyricist (including Saaz, Border, and Godmother).
- Filmfare Awards: At least 16 awards for Best Script and Best Lyrics.
Today, Javed Akhtar remains a towering figure in Indian culture, respected not only for the brilliance of his words but for his unwavering commitment to secular and progressive values.
Javed Akhtar Religion
In a country where faith often dictates identity, Javed Akhtar stands as a staunch proponent of Rationalism. While he acknowledges the rich linguistic and literary heritage of his Muslim ancestry, calling himself a “cultural Muslim“, he is a committed atheist. He views religion through a lens of logic rather than devotion, often asserting that humanity should be governed by empathy and reason rather than dogma. This intellectual bravery earned him the Richard Dawkins Award, marking him as a global voice for secular thought.
Javed Akhtar Age
As of 2025, Javed Akhtar has crossed the milestone of 80 years. His age represents more than just a chronological number; it serves as a living archive of Indian cinema’s evolution. From the hungry, struggling youth sleeping on Mumbai’s porches in the 1960s to the elder statesman of letters today, his eight decades reflect a life lived with immense intellectual curiosity and an refusal to retire from the public discourse.
Javed Akhtar Son
The legacy of the “Akhtar brand” of storytelling continues through his son, Farhan Akhtar. Born to Javed and his first wife, Honey Irani, Farhan has mirrored his father’s versatility by becoming a premier director, actor, and lyricist in his own right. Their relationship is a blend of familial bond and professional respect; Farhan often seeks his father’s lyrical depth for his films, while Javed takes pride in Farhan’s ability to modernize Indian storytelling for a global audience.
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Javed Akhtar Wife
The personal life of Javed Akhtar is defined by two significant creative partnerships:
- The Foundation with Honey Irani: His first marriage to Honey Irani was forged during the high-octane years of his early success. Though the marriage ended in the late 1970s, it laid the groundwork for his family and his entry into the inner circles of the film fraternity.
- The Intellectual Union with Shabana Azmi: In 1984, he married Shabana Azmi, an alliance that is often cited as one of the most intellectually powerhouse pairings in India. Shabana, an actress of unparalleled caliber and the daughter of poet Kaifi Azmi, became his partner in both social activism and artistic exploration. Together, they represent a unified front for progressive Indian values.
From 2010 to 2016, he served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of India’s Parliament). During his tenure, he was a driving force behind the Copyright Amendment Bill, which secured royalty rights for lyricists and music composers.
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