Javed Akhtar

He is a lyrical gem of Bollywood with immense talent and charm. Javed Akhtar had gifted the Indian masses with unparalleled musical lyrics or shall we say a lyrical music! Born on 17th January 1945 in Khairabad, Uttar Pradesh, Javed Akhtar is a son of a famous Bollywood song writer, Urdu poet and singer Jan Nisar Akhtar. His mother Safia Akhtar is a teacher and writer. The inclining career of the writer is a gift to him coming all the way from his ancestors. Akhtar's family consists of several eminent writers and poets including famous Urdu poet Majaz who is his uncle, his grandfather Muztar Khairabadi and great grandfather Maulana Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi who is a noted philosopher, poet and religious scholar of the 19th century.

Javed Akhtar was pretty young, when his mother expired and was raised along with his younger brother Salman Akhtar at various places Lucknow, Aligarh and Bhopal. He completed his schooling from Aligarh Muslim University later attended Saifiya College, Bhopal where he acquired the degree of bachelor of Arts.

Akhtar arrived in Mumbai in early 1960's and began his career as an assistant writer in average films. Akhtar marked his debut as a writer in film called 'Yakeen' which failed to grab success. However, the writer then collaborated with fellow writer Salim Khan. The team of this marvelous writers stamped their duet prosperity with films like 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Don' (1978), 'Andaz' (1971). But, the famous pair Salim-Javed tasted the bottled wine of stardom when their penned baby 'Sholay' received broad light of appreciation. As every thing suffers an end, the duo too parted their ways in 1980.

In the mean time, Akhtar got hitched to Honey Irani. The couple possesses two kids, Zoya Akhtar, Bollywood director and Farhan Akhtar, B-Town actor, director and singer. Post his dissolution of partnership with Salim, Javed continued with his Urdu poetry as well as opted a new role of song lyricist in the industry. He succeeded in his choice of work as lyricist but saw a dark patch as well in relationship with wife Honey. The couple got divorced post allegations of Javed's affair with then starlet Shabana Azmi, whom he got married to after separation.

As the years passed away, Javed prospered in his career grabbing several awards for his contribution in the Bollywood fraternity. Akhtar was honored with prestigious 'Padma Shri' by the government of India in 1999 accompanying a 'Padma Bhushan' in 2007. The writer-poet-lyricist also fetched several industry awards for his unmatched works. Some famous songs penned by Akhtar are 'Papa Kehte Hain', 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh', 'Kal Ho Na Ho' etc.

The writer-lyricist also delighted the honor of five National Awards for his creations in films like 'Saaz' (1997), 'Border', 'Godmother' (1999), 'Lagaan' and 'Refugee'. Javed shared his excellence in son Farhan's debut directorial venture 'Dil Chahta Hai' later continuing with 'Lakshya' and 'Rock On'. He penned his talent for his daughter Zoya Akhtar as well in her film 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'.

The renowned writer also serves his contribution in Government sector as a member of 'Rajya Sabha'. Akhtar likewise holds the responsibility of Adviser on the board of Asian 'Academy of Film and Television'.