Javed Akhtar, Indian poet, playwright, and composer

Javed Akhtar, born on January 17, 1945, is a towering figure in Indian arts and letters, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a celebrated poet, prolific lyricist, influential screenwriter, and a dedicated political and social activist. His remarkable career primarily revolves around Hindi cinema, where his indelible mark has significantly shaped its narrative and poetic landscape. A recipient of numerous accolades, he has been honored with five prestigious National Film Awards and recognized with two of India's highest civilian distinctions: the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007, underscoring his profound national impact.

The Revolutionary Screenwriting Era: Salim–Javed

Akhtar first rose to national prominence as one half of the iconic screenwriting duo, Salim–Javed, a partnership that profoundly revolutionized scriptwriting in Indian cinema. This dynamic collaboration, with Salim Khan, is widely credited for introducing the powerful "angry young man" archetype to Bollywood, particularly through their breakthrough film, Zanjeer (1973). This era marked a significant shift, elevating screenwriters to a star status previously reserved for actors and directors. The duo's unique ability to weave compelling narratives with sharp, impactful dialogues captivated audiences, setting new benchmarks for storytelling depth and realism.

Their unparalleled success continued with cinematic masterpieces released in 1975: Deewaar and Sholay. Deewaar further solidified the "angry young man" persona, becoming a cultural touchstone with its exploration of moral dilemmas and urban decay. Sholay, an epic dacoit western, achieved legendary status as one of Indian cinema's most enduring and influential films, celebrated for its memorable characters, iconic dialogues, and genre-defining storytelling. These films not only garnered massive cult followings but also exerted a significant and lasting impact on popular culture, redefining cinematic narrative conventions for generations to come.

A Maestro of Lyrics and Poetry

Beyond his screenwriting triumphs, Javed Akhtar garnered immense critical acclaim and public adoration for his profound lyrical genius. Transitioning seamlessly, he established himself as one of the foremost lyricists in Hindi cinema, bringing his deep poetic sensibility to a vast array of film songs. His lyrical work is celebrated for its depth, evocative imagery, and an unparalleled ability to perfectly capture the mood and narrative of a film. This aspect of his illustrious career is evidenced by his impressive collection of awards, including five National Film Awards for Best Lyrics and a record-setting eight Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist, a testament to his consistent excellence and profound influence on Hindi film music.

Political Activism and Public Service

A vocal proponent of secularism, humanism, and social justice, Javed Akhtar has also been a prominent voice in India's political landscape. He notably served as a nominated Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament, from 2010 to 2016, where he actively contributed to legislative discussions and championed various social and cultural causes. His political engagement extends to electoral campaigns, notably campaigning for the Communist Party of India (CPI) and their candidate during the 2019 Indian general election, reflecting his long-standing commitment to progressive ideologies and civic discourse.

International Recognition: The Richard Dawkins Award

In 2020, Javed Akhtar's unwavering commitment to rational thought, scientific temper, and secular values earned him significant international recognition when he was bestowed with the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award. This honor, presented by the Atheist Alliance International, acknowledges individuals who publicly champion reason and secularism, reinforcing Akhtar's global standing as an intellectual and humanist who fearlessly advocates for critical thinking and progressive societal values.

Frequently Asked Questions about Javed Akhtar

What are Javed Akhtar's primary professions?
Javed Akhtar is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and political activist, primarily known for his extensive and impactful work in Hindi cinema.
Which significant national awards has Javed Akhtar received?
He has been honored with five National Film Awards, the Padma Shri (1999), and the Padma Bhushan (2007)—two of India's highest civilian honors.
Who was Salim–Javed?
Salim–Javed was an iconic screenwriting duo comprising Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. They revolutionized scriptwriting in Hindi cinema, notably introducing the 'angry young man' archetype and significantly elevating the status of screenwriters.
What are some of Salim-Javed's most famous films?
Their most celebrated works include Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), and Sholay (1975), all of which became cultural milestones and deeply influenced Indian cinema.
Has Javed Akhtar served in the Indian Parliament?
Yes, Javed Akhtar served as a nominated Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian Parliament) from 2010 to 2016, where he advocated for various social and cultural issues.
Why did Javed Akhtar receive the Richard Dawkins Award?
He received the Richard Dawkins Award in 2020 for his public promotion of scientific temper, humanism, and secular values, recognizing his fearless advocacy for reason and critical thought.